Well, I had good luck this time.  I started to pry gently on the ladders,  and the whole end assembly with the railing, brake wheel, and ladder popped loose.

Two bits of cement held it on the car body! Other side, same thing ... came off with no damage. Removed  roof with everything attached.

Hope this can help someone else !!! Happy New Year, all.  Ken

Thanks, Tom.  Anybody else have any insight before I damage something Thanks in advance.

Hello folks. Just acquired a caboose 27799 and want to install Tomar marker lights. So... how do I remove the roof without damage to ladders or
anything else??   Thanks, Ken