Up in "Buying an RV," Nightsky had posted a thread entitled, "What Have I Done!" and in that thread she put in a link that shows an online document related to the patent for the Semaphore Caboose RV.  Below is that same link:

http://www.google.com/patents/USD222346?printsec=description&dq=ininventor:William+ininventor:Schmelzer#v=onepage&q&f=false

That forum thread has the beginning of Nightsky's excursion in getting her RV ready.  A link to that thread is below:

What Have I Done!

Terry

Not a typo, George.  I didn't look that closely at the name in the profile, so thanks for telling me so I could correct it.

My apologies for calling a lady a guy.

Unfortunately, as a moderator that needs to read each and EVERY post, I occasionally read too quickly or get distracted.  Maybe I got distracted by making sure that I kept the links straight as to where they should direct those that are interested.

Now, having said all that, I commend Caryn for being willing to undertake such an endeavor.  It's not likely that I would even do that.

Terry

Good luck, it looks like a lot of work--but it sure will be unique when you get it done.  I, like others will follow along, please keep us posted.

Flyone

LOL @ you guys!

I'm thinking that it may be easier to install railroad wheels on your truck, and tow the monstrosity along the railroad and streetcar tracks!

I've just been thinking, Night

Although I think it is a GREAT idea ...I'm concerned about the width.

Have you checked with the DOT as to what is allowable?

I don't want to worry you, or be a downer ...but ...I checked the average width of a boxcar on the Internet. ( 9 feet 6 inches wide)

Then, I checked on the Internet, to see what the width of a semi trailer is. (8 feet to 8.53 feet)

Millie wrote:

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I've just been thinking, Night

Although I think it is a GREAT idea ...I'm concerned about the width.

Have you checked with the DOT as to what is allowable?

I don't want to worry you, or be a downer ...but ...I checked the average width of a boxcar on the Internet. ( 9 feet 6 inches wide)

Then, I checked on the Internet, to see what the width of a semi trailer is. (8 feet to 8.53 feet)

 

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Millie,  maybe you missed it, but this unit was actually built as an RV by a RV manufacturer.  It is not a railroad car so no worry about the width.  Nightsky also posted a drawing she received from the son of one of the owners and it was actually patented as a RV.

Nightsky, I also cannot wait to see how this project turns out.  This is one of the most unique RV's I have ever seen.  I grew up in Ohio and never knew these existed or that the factory was less than 60 miles from where I have spent most of my life.  I will be following you blog and wish you the best of everything with this project!

Yep, no worries about the width, it's only 7' 10" wide, that's substantially narrower than the KZ Sportsmen was with the handicap lift mounted on the side. Although, now you've given me another crazy idea...

I wonder... can a person put a rail car on train tracks these days? I wonder how much a RR company would charge to hook it up and move it when you wanted a change of scenery? I'm sure there are a lot of unused sidings all over the country...

nightsky wrote:

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...now you've given me another crazy idea...

I wonder... can a person put a rail car on train tracks these days? I wonder how much a RR company would charge to hook it up and move it when you wanted a change of scenery? I'm sure there are a lot of unused sidings all over the country...

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Here’s the scenario, North!

When approaching your selected abandoned sidetrack …the locomotive could build-up to a tremendous speed  …then disconnect you from the back of the locomotive …power away ahead of you …and have a prearranged switchman switch the track to your selected side line as soon as the locomotive flew by …and you could shoot off into the abandoned sidetrack …and coast down there until you put the brakes on to enjoy a new scenic spot! 

A gentleman on the vintage Shasta forum came across some info on the Semaphore caboose. I've posted it here:
http://www.buythefarm.net/caboose.html

It's not my version of the caboose, but still very interesting reading. The review was very favorable!

Edit by moderator: Activated link.  Terry

Thanks guys! I'm STILL smiling! LOL

Ed, You're more than welcome to head over and check out the train wreck!  LOL

I'll PM you.

It's interesting that you mention "lookers", Ed. I was following behind the trailer, we both were running flashers since we were only averaging about 55 mph. People were passing me at a pretty good pace, as normal, but a lot of them seemed to slow waaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy down when they got up to the Caboose on the trailer! More than a couple even put their brakes on when they got level with it, and then would pass him very slowly. What really surprised me was how many of the apparent "lookers" were truckers! I wish I had a CB, would have been interesting to see if they were talking about it!

Wow, Caryn.  Uship actually got 100% as a "fee" of what your hauler bid.  So, they got as much as he did.

However, it is now an excellent thing that you have the "boose" home.  Now, when you have time, it will be easier for you to "tinker" with things and do all your planning and calculations.  If nothing else, you can now walk outside and check for certain what you "think you might have remembered" instead of still wondering.

Good luck with it all.  I think there are a lot of us on the forums that will be rooting for you.

Terry

Mark,

If you are interested, several of the photo hosting sites are free.  I'm on Photobucket, and while it is not perfect, it does do what I want it to do.  I also created some instructions up in the "Suggestions and Guidelines" category on how to post photos with Photobucket.

Guidelines for Embedding Photos Into a Forum Thread

Terry