Hi to all
Today after many many hours of restoration the two number board windows were re-installed in the cupola, these were far more interesting than they sound at one time. They housed a complex reflector case with oil lamps and stencil plates for displaying the train numbers, thanks to helpful researchers we have found these amazing patent drawings from 1899 showing the number board arrangement.
I wasnt sure if these were ever used as photos are very very scarce but whilst installing the window this afternoon found fragments of the milk glass from behind the stencil plate. I intend to replicate the entire contraption so that we can shine train numbers out at night.

Mike Pannell
Caboose 2516

Mike -

Congrats on installing the cabooses two number board frames. An interesting feature to say the least! The restoration is moving forward!

Les

If you're looking for authentic oil lamps for the project, I would recommend W.T. Kirkman. They sell a wide variety of new oil lamps and lanterns and stock parts for many antique lamps and lanterns. They've supplied replicas for movies before, and if you provide them with the original drawings, I bet Woody could supply you with a lamp that would be a close match to the original.

Here's their website: http://www.lanternnet.com/

I've done business with them a couple times so far (I restore old kerosene lanterns for a hobby), and I've had a good experience each time.

Mike..

Although this doesn't have anything to do with the number boards... .Thought you might find these pictures of this UP cab over in Boulder City NV interesting... Not too sure if this is the same class as the caboose you are working on, but thought you and some others would find it interesting....


Dean Levin

one more

Excellent replies and photos thankyou all, Interior shots of 3505 would be great she is truly rare and dates from 1882 not retired until 1962, 15 years after 2516 who is 31 years younger !

Mike Pannell