We offer a customized framing kit in whatever size fits your purpose, with windows and doors in whatever size and quantity you want them, and with peaked, gambrel or round roof, and a cupola where you want it, if you want it. All you'll have to do is prepare a concrete foundation and easily assemble the kit, using only common tools. No welding is required at your end since all components are bolted or screwed together at the job site. We can save you lots of money, both in freight and labor, by supplying you only those components that you feel may be beyond your skill level or available time. All materials not supplied are available at your local building materials outlets.
Our kits come with either a cupola or bay window, or neither. They are much like a steel building, except that they really look like a caboose, and are stronger, better built and much less expensive. Our units are based on a standard plan, but with the flexibility to adjust for size. Our standard kits are up to 40 feet in length, eight or 10 feet high and eight, 10 or 12 feet wide. This can be mounted anywhere. Steel normally is sold in 20 foot lengths, and we try to use all of it, therefore the standard size, but we can lengthen or shorten to suit. The 10 foot height, plus four foot height of the cupola, allows for a convenient seven feet below the cupola and seven feet in the cupola, making the cupola completely usable.
What the Kit Consists Of
The kit consists of a heavy steel underframe, a steel upper and lower frame, steel end posts, arched roof trusses, optional wheels and undercarriages, six optional cabin windows, two optional doors, all frame assembly hardware, a 31 page copy of our structural engineer's calcs and specs to assist in obtaining a building permit, plus our illustrated assembly manual and, of course, after-purchase support.
Assembly
Basic assembly of your caboose replica kit is actually fairly simple. You'll need to start with a concrete foundation. Then you'll fasten the underframe to it, and assemble the frame, add floor joists, flooring, wall studs, roof trusses and roofing.
Once that's done, you'll have a sturdy ready-to-finish frame. At this point, it's just a matter of completing it the way you want, with your choice of interior and exterior finishing, plumbing and electrical, heating and cooling, etc. It will be built to your liking because you choose all the options. Any local plumber, electrician or handyman can help you with anything beyond the basics.
Once you've decided on the specifics of the kit you want, we'll provide you with a list of materials you'll need from your local home improvement store or lumber yard. We provide the basic frame kit and unique add-ons to get you started, let you pick up or have delivered lumber, siding, roofing, etc. locally to save you the cost of shipping materials already near you.
Finishing and Options
Drywall or paneling will work well for the interior.
The cupola of your caboose can provide excellent views and is a great place for a relaxing breakfast or romantic dinner. Just install an elevated floor and a conventional or spiral staircase and you're all set.
Carpet or hardwood flooring will add to the warmth of your caboose, but linoleum will do as well. Oversized windows can provide stunning views.
Exterior siding can be steel or plywood, but the best choice for price, appearance, durability and ease of installation would be Oriented Strand Board (OSB) covered with fiberglass, available for less than $8 per 4x8 foot sheet at most decent home improvement stores.
Roofing can be steel, but an excellent choice would be hardboard for curved roofs, placed underneath rubberized roofing or fiberglass.
We can recommend suppliers of grab rails, outside end railings, steps, and other railroad-like fixtures. You can even build a deck to surround all or part of your caboose, saving the cost of undercarriages.
Remember, you're the boss. Customize to your tastes and needs.
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