Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Algoma Central

The RESTORATION!

Exterior Work

The AC 9517 caboose was built in 1921 and originally covered in tongue and groove car siding. That siding was replaced in the 1960s with untreated plywood which eventually started to rot ... especially around the cupola. The plywood was put up in big 4' x 8' sheets. Our goal was to replace the plywood with car siding restoring the look the caboose had in the 1920s.

Caboose Exterior
click to view larger image!

This is how this series of caboose looked in 1948 before the car siding was removed
Caboose Exterior
click to view larger image!

This is how this actual caboose looked in 1970. This photo was taken by Ted Ellis ... CLICK HERE to visit Ted's web site for his great collection of Algoma Central photos!

June 2002: Exterior Work Begins!
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
June, 2002: My father-in-law helps me remove some of the exterior on the side with rot. Doesn't look good ....
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
More siding comes off ...

Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling

Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
Wow ... looks bad.
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
Meanwhile, on the otherside, the guys from Heritage Builders start work on the windows.
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
Building a new window frame ...
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
... and the new window goes in!

Finally ... We Work On The Siding! May 2004
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
May 1, 2004: Jason and Tammy from T&J Construction start the work ...
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
... while baby Kyle looks on!

Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
Getting a close look at the curved wood over the doorway
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
It took just one day to get one side done ... looks great!

Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
May 8, 2004: the exterior has been removed on the other side.
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
Another look.

Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
Jason finishes work on part of the cupola.
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
a close a some of the repair work. The rotten window sill fell off and needed to be completely rebuilt ... including the "slide" for the pocket windows.

Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
a close up look at one of the new window sills.
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
The front of the cupola ... why did I think this would be easy???

Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
Hey! The sides and cupola are all done!
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
A closeup look at the original paint: two shades of orange over barn red!

Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
time to start painting with oil primer ... fun!
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
You can see how much I love taping before painting!

October, 2004: Two Coats of Barn Red Later ....
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
the red paint's all done ... just needs the numbers and the hardware!
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling

Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling

Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling
Algoma Central 9517 Caboose Remodeling


Algoma Central 9517
P.O. Box 627
Menomonie, WI 54751
email me: cabooseguy "at" 7stream.com
© 2001 - 2008 Algoma Central 9517 - All Rights Reserved

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