Monon Caboose 81532 Update
Update by Les Beckman
October 3, 2026
Greetings!
Short day at Hoosier Valley on Saturday, October 3rd.
There were some new aluminum frame windows that Kevin Norman had made and I
wanted to check to see if they fit up in the cupola where they are supposed to go.
The first photo shows these sliding frames on one side of the cupola and they appear to be a perfect fit.
Inside shot of one of these frames in photo number 2. I also saw a problem.
Photo 3 shows a new aluminum frame from the edge and what is obviously missing is the window track that the frame slides through.
These tracks were rusty and partially rusted out and were removed. A new track has to be welded into place, both sides and for all four of the
window frames. So, in addition to the welding that still needs to be done to missing roof end pieces, this will also have to be addressed!
An interesting thing was discovered on these new aluminum frames. When they were made, one of the "tabs" that aided a crewman to slide
the window in the track was missing on the original. So, that particular new frame, also has the "tab" missing! An oversight!
Someone had opened the battery box on the 81532 after it was moved into a new position in the HVRM Shop (photo 4).
Two of the three hinges are missing. Plus, of course, the inside of the door needs to have the rust removed and painted.
I managed to get the door closed (5th shot) so the one remaining hinge, does the job. For now! Another piece of welding to be done!
As I mentioned above, the 81532 has been moved into a new spot in the Shop; a much better position.
Can we eventually hope for a spot back in the heated portion? We will be needing it soon!
Monon Caboose 81532 Update
Update by Les Beckman
November 1, 2026
Greetings!
Day at Hoosier Valley on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Worked on the "A end" platform of Monon 81532 in North Judson yesterday.
Above the caboose steps up to the platform, the lower body on this end, had rusted out.
This was addressed on the early restoration effort, and the rusted-out portions were cut out and new pieces of steel welded in.
This new steel had never been primed and so I cleaned out the rust and scale from that area and then primed it.
In the first photo, a hole into the lower door post still has to be addressed.
The second photo shows this area after cleanup and primer paint applied.
The third photo shows the area above the steps on the other side of the caboose door
after cleaning and then priming the steel patch. No hole on this side!
This "A end" also needed some clean up and priming. The 4th photo shows the "before" appearance.
The 5th photo the "after" shot in the area above the coupler.
Likewise, the 6th and 7th shorts show the area toward the grab iron in another 'before/after" scenario.
Finally (photo number 8), as I was cleaning up my paint brush, I noticed a "WATCH YOUR STEP" warning on one of the steps leading up to the
end platform and wondered if this was something that the Monon put on these cabooses or if it was added later by the L&N? Anybody know?
Had to cut short my day at HVRM, as I had to get back home to pass out candy for the "trick or treat" kiddies.
Les
The Monon projects continue ongoing at Hoosier Valley!
Much more still to do, but we're getting there!
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