Barry, I used Proto-2000 R-T-R cabooses, the only things that I had to remove were the rivets and frames on the side cupola windows to make the side piece sit flush, (it is in the directions) and remove the center piece in the end door windows. everything else is glued right to the window frames. I did not use the window blanks that came with the set because they have rounded edges, and the Reading used square plating on the blanked out windows.I used very thin styrene. I do not know how well these fit on the Bachmann or Athearn cabooses. Butch

Barry the vertical mullion on the end door windows are to be removed.

I did the windows both ways. I left the stock glazing in place and glued the new window frames in place. It worked well. I also glued the frames to clear, thin plastic. When that dried I cut around the outside of the frames to remove excess material. Then I glued these to the caboose which worked out better. Canopy glue, acc glue and Micro Marks Micro Glaze I have used to attach the window glazing to the frames. All with pros and cons as far as success. I have not tried future floor wax which is supposed to be better. I do plan to try it in the future.
John Caples

Thanks guys!! good info and the picture that JonnaBill had were also useful! They show the window glazing flat with the frames, so I'll try to do it that way... just a tad more prototypical.

back to the basement.....!

OK... here's to another finished project....







I used lite mineral spirits to try to dissolve the backing - didn't dissolve, but loosened them up enough to gently pry them off. However, there was a clear film still on them that I had to kinda scrape off. I also painted the end hand rails to match pictures in the freight car book. Interesting that this caboose is only one number off of the one in the picture in the book. Also added end lanterns and ACI labels.

Lacquer thinner is what you need to remover the backing from the frames. It will completely dissolve if you use clean lacquer thinner.

Mineral spirits is a totally different chemical and as Barry pointed out. It doesn't work as well.
john Caples

I have a quart can of FLOQUIL dio-sol and it works well, about 10 minutes and they peel right off.