Brickworld Chicago is now in full swing. After a setback in travel, BMR (just Cale this time) is at the event and enjoying the fun. Unfortunately I (Glenn) can’t be there due to prior obligations, so I’m tasked with writing the article this time.

International Car Company Extended Vision Caboose is Available Now

At long last, after months of work with our largest instruction book yet, our International Car Company Extended Vision Caboose Premium Instructions Kit is now available.

The idea for this kit was taken from our NMRA 2018 exclusive kit, which was a Missouri Pacific version of the same car. The plan was to release a more generic version of the car, so I decided we would include instructions for one of each style of caboose – centered cupola, semi-offset cupola, and offset cupola. Each car would have it’s own interior faithful to the prototype. Cale, however, convinced me that three cars would be limiting for the consumer, so we decided to expand the plan once more and onclude instructions for six unique cars.

The book is laid out much differently than our previous models. The approach we took is a modular design, reflected in the instructions. Instead of building a caboose from start to finish, the builder first builds the many sub-models appropriate to the caboose in question, and then builds the framework of the caboose and adds in the sub-models. Part lists are included separately at the back of the spiral bound, 164 page book.

Decals

Decals offered for this kit are limited to six accurate choices, each of which correspond to a single version of the caboose:

Attendees of Brickworld will have the first chance to take home these Premium Instructions. Since BMR does not have a vendor booth, anyone who is there and would like to purchase this and other products can find Cale Leiphart for assistance. Online orders will begin shipping next week, after Brickworld is over and everyone has returned home.

Feel free to watch our video detailing the kit:

We also have a brand new bearing tile pattern available. Included in the kit will be eight hex-pattern printed bearing tiles, printed exclusively for BMR by Brick Print Studios.

Restocks

It seems like everyone has been asking when we’ll be restocking various Premium Instructions. If you’ve been waiting for that to happen, wait no more. Our store is now restocked with what kits we have remaining. Again, any online orders will be shipping next week following Brickworld.

Restocked Premium Instructions Kits include:

• Pullman Standard PS-1 40′ Boxcar
• USRA 55-TON Hopper
• American Car & Foundry Type 27 Tank Car
• AAR 53′ 70 Ton Flat Car
• Northeastern Caboose
• 52′-6″ 70 Ton Drop-End Gondola
• Thrall 61′-1″ Bulkhead Flatcar
• Pacific Car & Foundry 50′ Insulated Boxcar

After Brickworld

Once Brickworld ends, we’ll be posting on the fun happenings that occurred. Tonight (Friday, June 14) is the charity auction, where there are several donated custom train models going up for auction and we’re excited to see the results.

We will also be looking at the Train Olympics, hosted by Andy Mollamnn, as well as the Brickworld award for “Best Train” and the BMR Awards for Best Steam, Best Diesel, Best Rolling Stock, Best Structure, Best Landscaping, and Best LGMS Module.

Lastly, there’s bound to be some excellent conversation regarding the future of the hobby. We’ll report on whatever we can.

Have a fun, safe weekend, and if you’re in the area, stop by Brickworld Chicago and say hello, and of course, enjoy some trains.