In 2007, Tangent Scale Models started the trend of offering unparalleled railroad freight car replicas in HO scale, the likes of which had never been seen in the market. These highly-detailed replicas have consistently raised the bar for HO scale models with several hallmarks, including precision tooling, hyper-accurate stenciling, true to life colors, and era-specific details. Additionally, our models are designed to operate perfectly by including CNC-machined wheels, correct weights, and correct coupler heights. Simply put: We offer detailed freight cars on a higher level.
Fast forward to today’s release: the third release of our inaugural “Tangent quality” HO scale caboose offering. The era of “one size fits all” cabooses in HO scale plastic is over. We bring our passion and knowledge for translating real 1:1 railroad equipment from freight cars to cabooses. And we are taking things a step further, where our penchant for operations is accelerated with accurate marker lighting in era-specific versions! Our cars also have full interior lighting.
Today we are celebrating the return of our B&O Class I-18 Bay Window Caboose. This fleet of “modern” bay window cabooses were delivered by International Car Co. (ICC), based in Kenton, OH. These were the first welded carbody cabooses on B&O, and they included modern features like full electrical lighting and marker lights, desks and high-back chairs, an oil heater, and roller bearing trucks. The B&O I-18 class was delivered in 1965 and 1966, with most cabooses serving through the B&O and Chessie eras. Most of the fleet survived to see service on CSX.
The I-18 fleet was in an almost constant state of change as they served the B&O. The B&O made equipment changes quickly after taking delivery in 1965 and 1966. Multiple Chessie System paint schemes, including the incredible eight “Safety Cabooses,” would start later in 1973. Exterior lighting and underframe plumbing changes would kick in through the 1970s. The 1980s would bring more repaints, renumbering and further equipment changes. The Tangent ICC B&O I-18 replica follows many of these same paths to execute specific detail and paint combinations. This is not a “one size fits all” caboose, but instead a grouping of era-specific Chessie cabooses!
Tangent’s third release is AVAILABLE TODAY and includes the following:
–Seven ALL NEW schemes
–Three RERUN schemes
–Two undecorated kit options
Let’s jump right in:
– Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) “Original Blue 1965 Screens” replicates the as-delivered International Car Company paint scheme paired with the early version of the bay window screens application. All 46 I-18 cabooses originally wore this classic B&O Royal Blue with bold yellow ends and unpainted silver roof. ICC applied safety screens to the side widows and individual stand off frames to protect the angled bay windows. B&O crews quickly removed the single main screen on the bay window. This is where we start with our model. All of the original 1965 classic white B&O graphics are present, even down to the tiny slack adjuster badge. The air reservoir, ICC paint job and wheel lubrication date stencils are accurate down to the day and month for each individual caboose number. The trust stencil data is or is not applied, based on the individual numbers. Fun fact: The first 26 I-18 cabooses were financed by the B&O through National Commercial bank, while the remaining 20 were purchased directly by the B&O. The fully-painted, two-tone green interior is illuminated with (dim!) lights and the scale-size Pyle lanterns are lit as well. A final detail worth mentioning: Those classic B&O red reflectors on the end railings have been faithfully duplicated with 4 individual red lenses. We are offering this NEW scheme in four numbers: C-3000, C-3005, C-3027 and C-3034.
– Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Blue Simplified 1969+ represents a full B&O Blue repaint by the DuBois Shops in July of 1969. This simplified scheme example does not have the familiar “B&O” above the bay window. If you look closely, notice the B&O applied the modernized version of the Capitol Dome logo along with an ACI label. While the Chessie-era I-18s get so much attention with the various paint schemes, we like to shine a light on the subtle yet interesting blue repaints as well! Lighting features on this model include prototypically dim interior lights and lit Pyle lanterns. We offer this NEW scheme in one prototypically-accurate road number: C-3020.
– Chessie System (B&O) “1973+ Repaint Version 2” gives us one of the most recognizable paint schemes of all time, in a slightly different version than our first release. Starting in 1973, the B&O’s DuBois, Pennsylvania, Shops applied the railroad’s new Chessie System graphics and yellow & blue paint to the I-18 fleet. Orange striping and a silver roof added a sharp finish for the scheme. DuBois paint details included the blue smoke jack and orange paint under the silver roof eaves. Note the “high” application of the Chessie cat logo — so there would be enough room underneath it for the ACI label. Our “Version 2” description comes from the end paint details: On these cabooses, the B&O DuBois Shops painted the end vertical lateral running board supports silver. Our previous run of 1973 cars had these properly painted yellow. So, this translates to a neat little bit of variation for you Chessie guys. This 1973 paint scheme includes era-appropriate details like Pyle lanterns and the standard toilet dump pipe. Those four individual red reflectors on the end railings really look sharp! Lighting features include prototypically dim interior lights as well as lit Pyle lanterns. We are offering this NEW scheme in four accurate numbers: C-3023, C-3029, C-3030 and C-3036.
– Chessie System (B&O) “Gold Chessie Safety 1974+” continues our foray into the world of accurate Chessie Safety Cabooses. The B&O DuBois Shops painted C-3010 into this eye-catching gold and silver combination in January of 1974. The caboose features the “SAFETY IS A FULL-TIME JOB” slogan. Chessie Safety cabooses ran system-wide and were even part of an employee spotting contest in 1974, where the winner who spotted the most cabooses won a clock radio! 1974 era-appropriate underframe details include the toilet dump pipe and battery box. Lighting features on our model include prototypically dim interior lights as well as lit Pyle lanterns. This NEW scheme is available in one prototypically accurate number: C-3010. Don’t miss it.
– Chessie System (B&O) “Red Chessie Safety 1979+” is the second of our safety scheme offerings for this production. Th e slogan for this caboose reminded employees “YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU, STAY SAFE FOR THEM.” Our model of caboose C-3025 is presented in its 1979+ form. What does this mean? For starters, this is the prototype’s second red paint job. Chessie’s Raceland shops applied the new darker coat of red paint, along with a toilet retention tank on the underframe, new box style marker lights and the FRA flasher light on the end. Lighting features on the model include interior lights as well as lit box markers and end red FRA flashers. This NEW scheme is available in one prototypically accurate number: C-3025.
– Chessie System (B&O) “1979+” illustrates Chessie I-18s that have been modernized. Specifically, these 1973 Chessie DuBois paint jobs are being offered in their 1979 configuration. What does that mean for these models? First, the Pyle side markers have been replaced with the later era Chessie Box Markers. Gone is the underframe toilet pipe, replaced with the waste holding tank and chlorinator. FRA red flashers have been installed on the ends. And of course, we have duplicated the little lettering additions and changes along the way, like updated COTS panels. Each of these models is slightly different, as we duplicate the specific side and end lettering nuances of the prototype numbers. Lighting features include prototypically dim interior lights, lit box markers, and red flashing end lights. The FRA flashing red end light is worth noting — it has the correct flash rate and decay of the real thing. No “generic” LED flash here! This NEW scheme is available in three prototypically accurate numbers: C-3031, C-3039 and C-3040.
– New York, Susquehanna and Western “Repaint 1986+” shows a former B&O I18 that got a chance at a second career. The NYSW acquired B&O 903027 in early 1986, repainting it in a beautiful yellow and black scheme. The bay window screens were removed, leaving the sliding tracks. The side window screens also disappeared. That Roman style “SUSQUEHANNA” on the side of the caboose is simply classy in a modern era. We asked the NYSW modelers to be patient – you just knew we would do this scheme. This caboose wore NYSW yellow for some 33 years! Lighting features on the model include interior lights as well as lit box markers and end red FRA flashers. This NYSW survivor is now available in one prototypically accurate number: 0121. This is a NEW offering from Tangent Scale Models.
– RERUN Chessie System (B&O) “Raceland Repaint 1980+” illustrates one of the I-18 cabooses that received new paint. In 1980, the C&O Raceland, Kentucky, shops repainted the 3019 with a fresh coat of yellow. While the work was being done, the caboose received Chessie-style fixed “box” markers, replacing the small silver Pyle lanterns, as well as a new FRA flashing end light. Check out the details of this 1980 Raceland paint job, including the silver smoke jack, silver area under the roof eaves, and distinctive C&O style “3” in the 3019. Notice the slightly lower Chessie cat, since the ACI label is no longer present, and of course, correct horizontal style COTS lettering per the prototype. Lighting features include prototypically dim interior lights, lit box markers, and red flashing end lights. This scheme is available in one prototypically accurate number: C-3019. This is the same number we ran in 2020 – if you missed it the first time, here is a rare second chance!
– RERUN Chessie System (B&O) “Raceland Repaint 1981+” illustrates another I-18 cabooses that received new paint. While this caboose had been previously updated with Chessie-style fixed “box” markers, replacing the small silver Pyle lanterns, as well as a new FRA-approved Star Model 845-F Incandescent Flashing end light, in 1981, the C&O Raceland, Kentucky, shops repainted caboose C-3005 with a fresh coat of yellow. Check out the details of this 1981 Raceland paint job, including the silver smoke jack, silver area under the roof eaves, and distinctive C&O style “3” in the 3005. Notice the slightly lower Chessie cat, since the ACI label system obsolete by 1981, and correct vertical style COTS lettering per the prototype. Lighting features include prototypically dim interior lights, lit box markers, and red flashing end lights. This scheme is available in one prototypically accurate number: C-3005. This is the same number we ran in 2020 that sold out a little too fast!
– RERUN Chessie System (B&O) “1982+” offers a pair of later Chessie era cabooses. These two I-18 examples are wearing their 1973 Chessie paint jobs but include feature updates to the details matching the prototypes’ 1982+ appearances. Both numbers are slightly different! Caboose 903014 features a slightly weathered Chessie yellow to represent 9 years of fading, and fresh yellow bay window patches from its renumbering to the 6-digit Chessie caboose series. Car 903045 has a similar bay window patches, and also features fresh yellow marker light paint patch areas. Both cabooses exhibit the details of Chessie cabooses that made it to 1982: Updated toilet retention tanks, Chessie “box” style markers, ACI plate removal, COTS and Inspection interval lettering, and of course the FRA red end lights. Lighting features include prototypically dim interior lights, lit box markers, and red flashing end lights. This scheme is available in two accurate numbers: 903014 and 903045. We know a lot of people missed these two the first time, so here they are again!
– Undecorated KIT “Pyle” Marker Lights is a fully unassembled kit version of the earlier 1968+ era B&O ICC I-18 Caboose. This kit features the earlier Pyle lantern plastic parts. This kit is UNLIT — no electronics are included. It is perfect for those who want to build their own cars or want to customize their own lighting circuit options. Ready for painting and lettering for a prototype or your own private road. This kit includes Tangent 70T Gould Roller Bearing trucks with power-pickup and 33″ standard 110 tread CNC wheels. You supply your own favorite couplers.
– Undecorated KIT “Box” Marker Lights is a fully unassembled kit version of the later 1979+ era B&O ICC I-18 Caboose. This kit features the later “box” style markers and FRA red end light plastic parts. This kit is UNLIT — no electronics are included. It is perfect for those who want to build their own cars or want to customize their own lighting circuit options. Ready for painting and lettering for a prototype or your own private road. This kit includes Tangent 70T Gould Roller Bearing trucks with power-pickup and 33″ standard 110 tread CNC wheels. You supply your own favorite couplers.
All of these models can be seen at www.tangentscalemodels.com!
The Tangent Scale Models B&O I-18 Bay Window Caboose is a state of the art, dimensionally accurate scale replica with highly accurate “true-to-life” colors and precise letter stencils. This caboose has never been offered before – in brass, resin, or plastic! Our B&O I-18 caboose was designed from meticulous field dimensions and includes incredible levels of detail such as Waugh Cushion Underframe, brake system, battery box, toilet pipe, rooftop vents, caboose window treatments accurate for the era of the caboose, plus beautiful see-through steps, end platforms, and running board. Inside the model is an accurately painted ICC-applied interior including the sink, toilet, oil heater, bunks, and desks. Our caboose includes interior lighting, plus marker light options that are appropriate for the RTR paint scheme offered. We offer “no fuss” track-powered exterior marker lights as appropriate for the prototype, and our cabooses are compatible with DC or DCC setups right out of the box (a simple wand included in the box activates the lights on each end – and the interior – independently). Finally, our ready-to-operate replica includes “near-scale” draft gear box including side “key” detail, coupler lift bars accompanying Kadee® scale couplers, sufficient hidden weights, and CNC-machined wheels to ensure the model operates as good as it looks.
These cabooses are shipping today! Features for these replicas include:
– Dimensional accuracy – designed from meticulous field dimensions with real tape measures
– Highly correct “true to life” colors
– “Hyper-Accurate” lettering including exact fonts and lettering placement
– Genuine Kadee® scale couplers
– “Near-scale” draft gear box with beautifully-rendered side “key” detail
– Multiple road numbers for each scheme, as appropriate
– “See through” Apex roof walkway
– “See through” etched metal end platforms and steps
– Unapologetically fine etch metal window screens
– Era-specific body details for each RTR scheme, including 2 different bay windows and 2 different scale-sized marker lights – both Pyle and “box” lights – they are really small!
– The scale-sized marker lights illuminate and can be controlled to be on or off – on each end – independently
– Full ICC Interior – chairs, bunks, desks, lockers, sink and (non-operating) toilet! The interior is accurately and fully-painted with the two-tone green
– The interior is illuminated with (dim!) lights and the scale size Pyle lanterns are lit as well.
– No complicated decoder. No complicated programming. No complicated electronics. DC/DCC compatible track-powered “no fuss” interior and marker light lighting – simple and easy to operate with included wand
– Full underbody details – brake system with brake rods and piping, battery box, electrical plugs and conduit, plumbing detail options, axle generator and more!
– Beautiful side details – wire grab irons, ladder rungs, roof hand holds, and coupler lift bars – no “molded in” plastic grab irons here!
– Separate air hoses with B&O signature platform-level angle cock shutoff handle detail!
– CNC-machined standard RP25 .110” tread 33” wheels (Yes, semi-scale .088” wheels are available separately!)
– All-New precision Tangent Scale Models 70-ton Gould roller-bearing trucks with separate brake beam part
– Recommended age 14 years and older
Don’t miss out on the Tangent Scale Models B&O I-18 Bay Window Caboose, our first release in the Tangent caboose line. Pricing for RTR models is $106.95, with quantity discounts for direct purchases from Tangent Scale Models.