Micro-Mark Caboose Red Paint, 20ml

• Classic deep red inspired by historic North American cabooses
• Slightly darker and earthier than Signal Red, with a more weathered tone
• Ideal for cabooses, boxcars, structures, and railroad signage
• Pairs well with Depot Buff, Engine Black, and Reefer Yellow
• Made in the USA

Description
Caboose Red captures the rich, slightly muted red tone seen on cabooses across North American railroads from the late 19th through mid-20th century. This authentic color replicates the look of sun-aged paint and weathered oxide-based finishes, making it ideal for rolling stock, trackside structures, or historic diorama builds. Excellent for both clean and weathered effects.

Caboose Red is available in these sets:

Item #29384 Railroad Model Color Paint Set

Item #29433 Basic Acrylic Painting Set with Brushes, Mediums & Empty Bottles, 89-Piece

Modeling Use Cases

• Rolling Stock: Cabooses, boxcars, hoppers
• Structures: Water towers, barns, sheds, station signs
• Railroad Details: Signals, signage, toolboxes
• Weathering Effects: Pairs with black or brown washes for realistic age
• Dioramas & Backdrops: Rural buildings, industrial elements

Tip: For a faded/weathered effect, drybrush with Reefer White or mix with a touch of Depot Buff.

The History of Caboose Red

Caboose Red refers to the iconic deep red color used on cabooses (the last car on a freight train) throughout North America, particularly from the late 1800s to mid-20th century.

Why Red?

• Availability: Early on, railroads used iron oxide pigments—commonly known as red ochre—which were cheap, abundant, and durable. These natural pigments produced a deep, earthy red and resisted weathering.
• Visibility: Red stood out against the landscape, making cabooses easy to spot at the end of a long train—especially important in fog, dusk, or snow.
• Tradition: Over time, red became associated with cabooses in the public imagination, reinforcing a visual identity for the railroad industry.

What Is a Caboose?

• The caboose was a crewed railcar used for decades as a mobile office, lookout, and living quarters for conductors and brakemen.
• From the cupola or bay window, the crew could observe the train for signs of shifting loads, equipment failure, or overheating - a condition known as a "hotbox".

Phase-Out and Legacy

• By the 1980s, cabooses were largely phased out due to technological advances like End-of-Train Devices (EOTs).
• Despite this, "Caboose Red" endures as a nostalgic color, widely used by:
• Model railroaders
• Museums and restorations
• Toy trains (like Lionel)
• Historic dioramas and scenery

The exact shade of Caboose Red varied by railroad company and era, ranging from bright red-orange to dark burgundy. Weathering and sun exposure made each caboose unique over time.  This Caboose Red is slightly brighter than most lines Caboose Red and it is easily darkened to match the caboose of the line you are modeling.