Return to Unusual Items & Production Prototypes

While this caboose uses the prewar body of the 120, it appears to be a lettering prototype of the 131 postwar Gilbert caboose, which was introduced in 1947 after Gilbert HO production resumed.  It was obtained from a former Gilbert employee who was employed as a repair technician in the New Haven plant.  It bears numerous similarities to the 131, the caboose that was offered in the immediate postwar period from 1946 to 1950.
 
1.  The lettering is totally different from the 120, which had a very simple "N.Y.C." and a number "32404" below it.  

2.  The lettering is done in serif font, unlike the production 131, which which uses sans-serif font.  This car also marks the beginning of the use of the marking "NM H BLT 6-31" including the approximate half size letter "H".

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