This is the first of several different how-to articles with detailed photos and instructions for installing marker lights in a variety of N Scale cabooses.   

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These projects all started with the discovery of Layouts4U, a great model railroad supplier in England, offering complete caboose lighting kits at very reasonable prices. I highly recommend their products and service.

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I opted for their magnetic latching reed switches with onboard battery (top left), which allow for simple installation and easy on-off activation with a magnetic wand. Disassemble the Atlas EV caboose by removing the end railings and separating the body from the chassis (top center), then remove the window glazing from each side (top right).

 

Trim and replace the interior window glazing to allow for the width of the battery holder and drill a small hole in the top of the wall/roofline at the end of the car body for the LED and wires (center left). Drill a small hole in two styrene tabs and thread the ends of the reed switch through the tabs before soldering the lead wires. Then use CA to attach the tab/reed switch assembly to the underside of the roof (center middle). Mount the battery holder to the chassis and reassemble the caboose after cutting a small notch in the top of the end railing frame to allow for the marker light (center right).

 

With the reed switch cemented to the roof, passing a magnet over the caboose will operate the marker light at your discretion.