A toolbox will have to be added to the underframe. I used a hacked-off Athearn SD40-2 battery box as a starting point. I cut out the section I thought looked correct, and then filed/sanded it to the correct shape. Use the photo for reference on where to mount it to the underframe.

I decided to scratch build the brake parts, and can’t really give dimensions or such, but suggest you look at a P2K Northeastern Cabin for some ideas on what could be done, or buy an aftermarket kit, or just glue the standard Athearn parts in place. Use the brake schematic on the equipment diagram back on Page One as a guide.

Atlas end railings, with top trim plate removed is closet pre-made part. This of course depends on which caboose you choose to model, as not all had the kick panels, and the railings can be made from brass wire. Use a photo! I choose to make mine from scratch using .012” brass wire.

I choose to use some Athearn Impack brake wheels for mine, as they are clean of flash, and have nice detail. I also used the brake mount from same kit, as there are lots of spares from the kit. I used 4”x 4” styrene to build the brake wheel uprights, and glued these to the ends of the step/platform.

The grab irons on the cupola roof are made from coupler lift bar holders & .012” brass wire. Trucks are Tichy leaf spring Bettendorf caboose trucks with Proto2K 33" wheelsets.

I used ScaleCoat I -  DT&I Red, and Testors Yellow to paint the body, and Scalecoat I – Engine Black for the roof(s), platforms/underbody.

Decals to use are Herald King decal set 110 (Compass) or 111 (Star), assuming you find a set somewhere. The best choice is Highball Graphics set F-171. You may find them at your local hobby shop or you can get them direct from Highball Graphics. I don't know of a steam era decal set, but Tichy's set for the USRA Rebuilt 40' Boxcar may be a start.
 

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