Class One Model Works (CB00106) | Peaked Roof Caboose 500s w/ Wig Wag | ATSF #508 | HO Scale

The 500 - 599 class of waycars, as the Santa Fe referred to them, was built in the Santa Fe’s own Topeka, KS shops at the same time the 2201 - 2300 class waycar project was wrapping up in 1949.   As World War Il loomed on the horizon, and traffic levels had begun to pick up as early as 1939,  the company began to feel the need for additional cars to crew for the increased number of trains being called.  This trend continued post-war as the economy grew.  The Santa Fe had begun investing in steel cabooses in the late 1920s with purchases from AC&F.  With the onset of war, steel was in short supply and caboose production was halted in favor of freight cars.  After the war, the Santa Fe decided to build their own cabooses at their shops in Topeka, starting with the 2201 class.  The 500 class of cabooses began production                                                                              immediately afterward.

The roofs on the 500 - 599 (like those of the 2201 - 2300) class were peaked, not rounded, and made of plated steel.  Some of these cars had Morton roofwalks which differed in appearance from the standard Kass metal roofwalks.  The Morton product was made from sheet metal with a series of holes punched in it from both sides, creating a surface filled with circular patterns that provided grip.   With earlier cabooses, the roofwalks, as delivered, were wood with roofwalk laterals (sub-walkways located fore and aft of the cupola) on both sides.  As was the case with most external wood portions (windows and doors) of the car, the end platform decks were eventually replaced with a steel variation such as the Morton product or with Kass bar-style steel grates. 

These cars were fitted with ASF A-3 Ride Control Trucks.  This style of truck was first introduced in 1943, and featured spring-loaded steel friction wedges that eliminated play between the components.  This design effectively canceled excess motion and harmonic oscillation. Their excellent performance convinced the Santa Fe to adopt them as the company standard on revenue freight cars. 

The waycars were originally painted mineral brown with white lettering.  Many of the class had their handrails painted black to contrast with the brown color of the car, or maybe to simply protect the metal from rusting.  After 1953, the company forces began to paint handrails, end grabs, and step edges white to aid in safety-visibility.  Prior to 1938 the standard lettering practice was to spell out the car lettering as “A.T.&S.F.”  Sometime between 1938 and 1943, some cars were repainted with A.T.S.F., removing the “&”.   The periods were removed from the ATSF at some point after 1943.  An “R” was added to the cars when they were equipped with radio equipment. Several variations existed for the placement of the “R”.  Often the “R” followed the car number without the addition of a space. However, spaces and an occasional dash can be documented separating the number from the “R”.   

The 500 class cars were delivered equipped with the orange wig-wag signaling plates installed on the cars.  As radio communication began to gain prominence on the Santa Fe, many of the cars were then electrified in the mid-1950s.  Electricity was harnessed only to provide energy to power the car’s radio set.  However, after the below-floor, axle-driven generator with battery storage was perfected, many of the car’s devices became electrically powered.  The batteries were housed in a box fabricated for their use which was located on the three window side of the car just fore of the cupola.  This box had a vented door that aided in the dispersal of explosive battery gases. The box was placed near the radio cabinet which was located in the base of the cupola. In 1968 a number of the 500 class cars were rebuilt at Topeka and emerged as Ce-1 class waycars, while other 500 class cars were rebuilt into Ce-2 class cars in 1970.
 
Classonemodelworks.com will be offering 500-class way cars in both wig-wag equipped style and radio equipped style.  Both styles come with operating marker lamps which can be illuminated and shut off with the use of a magnetic wand.  The 500 class cars in this production run will be equipped with Kass grate walkways.  These highly detailed models will be right at home on your layout and will provide a style of ATSF caboose which has never been produced in plastic, and which exceeds the quality of previous brass models.

Highest Level of Detail Available

The car contains an incredible amount of detail including; etched end steps and platforms, under frame detailing never before seen on a model caboose - including the frame mounted Dayco belt generator (if applied), and etched metal wig-wags as applied.  The models also have a window treatment which mimics the screens found on the prototype

Accurately Dimensioned

These state-of-the-art model cars have been accurately reproduced from field measurements, detailed photographs, and from original builder’s blueprints of the actual cars right down to every visible detail.  Classonemodelorks.com stands for accuracy and we strive to provide that with every model we produce.

Sharp And Accurate Paint And Lettering

Classonemodelworks.com provides accurate paint and lettering taken from photographs of the prototype, and numbering that matches the actual class numbers for the ATSF.  Our cars come with colors matched to the prototype from actual paint chips, drift cards, and historical society-provided information.  Lettering matches that photographed on prototype cars, even for re-paints.

Meticulous research and realistic lighting

Classonemodelworks.com believes in providing models that accurately depict the prototype equipment.  Keeping that as our core, we are proud to provide accurate body styles and detailing for each car.  These models include state-of-the-art lighting regulated from track power with a storage capacitor that holds a charge which ensures that lighting does not flicker from dirty track work or electrical rail gaps.  Power pick-up trucks match the prototype, and the marker lamps are prototype size and fully illuminated when illumination is selected with the provided magnet wand.

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Why This One Stands Out

• Peaked roofs with flat cupola/car sides
• Appropriate etched metal roofwalks:
  • Kass grate roofwalk
  • Morton roofwalks
• Underside tool cellar installation
• Proper cupola railing type application:
  • Full cupola periphery
  • Corner only
• Separately applied wire railings and grab irons
• “Wood” end platform and etched step grating
• Removal of underframe tool cellars (boxes) where appropriate
• Stunning ATSF paint and lettering
• Thin window glazing
• Journal box lube data where appropriate
• Stylized Circle-Cross reflectors where applicable
• Frame-mounted Dayco belt driven generator
• Etched wig-wag signals where appropriate
• Ground plane antenna platform as appropriate
• Double hung windows with window screen
• ASF Ride-Control or Swing Motion Trucks as applied to prototype
• Operating corner mounted marker lights
• CNC machined and polished-tread wheelsets
  

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About the Prototype – Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (ATSF)

The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway—better known as the Santa Fe—was one of the most iconic railroads in American history. Spanning the Southwest and reaching from Chicago to California, ATSF became synonymous with long-distance freight, fast schedules, and distinctive equipment.

Santa Fe cabooses, including the 2200-series, were a familiar sight at the end of freight trains for decades. These cars served as mobile offices and observation points for crews, equipped to monitor train conditions and ensure safe operations.

Details like the wig wag signal weren’t just for show—they were functional safety devices used to communicate movement and status. Today, they represent a unique and memorable part of railroading history.

For modelers, ATSF equipment carries a strong following—and pieces like this caboose bring both authenticity and personality to any consist.

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The Bottom Line

If you’re running Santa Fe—or just want a caboose that people actually stop and look at—this is it.

Between the wig wag, lighting, and craftsmanship, this isn’t just the end of the train… it’s the highlight.

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About Class One Model Works

Class One Model Works is built around one idea: craftsmanship comes first.

These are not mass-produced models—they’re carefully researched, limited-run releases designed for modelers who appreciate true-to-prototype detail. From road-specific features to crisp paint and fine component work, every piece is built with a level of precision that stands out the moment it hits the rails.

With Class One, you’ll get detail, accuracy, and overall build quality that simply isn’t found in standard production pieces.

If you’re looking for a model that goes beyond “good enough” and truly stands out, Class One Model Works delivers.