Milwaukee, Wis. - Walthers announces the addition of the all-new Flexi-Van Flat Cars to the Gold Line™ line of HO Scale models. Additional Flexi-Van Trailers will also be available separately. All models will be arriving in January 2008.

As trailer-on-flat-car (TOFC) service evolved in the late 50s, many roads began trying to cut costs, opening the door to new ideas. Among these was the Flexi Van system, first tested by the New York Central in 1957. Designed to replace "circus-style" loading ramps and speed operations, the system used unique low profile skeleton cars fitted with turntables, and special trailers with removable wheels (bogies), which allowed trailers to be loaded or unloaded at virtually point on the railroad. Lighter and lower than standard TOFC cars, the design proved well suited for high-speed operation and many cars were rebuilt so they could be moved in both freight and passenger service. Other roads showed some interest in the system, including ATSF, CB&Q, IC, MILW, WP and more. Although intended for most types of freight, the system eventually proved quite popular for handling mail. Although successful, the rapid rise of containers and the acceptance of industry-wide methods for moving trailers on flat cars soon pushed Flexi Van service into the pages of history.

Walthers new models will be a welcome addition to period freight or passenger service; as the cars are the correct scale length, a minimum radius of 24" is recommended for operation. The models feature a die-cast metal center sill for improved performance, and plastic end platforms. A variety of separate details, including turntables, brake gear and a set of modeler-applied grab irons are also included. For the finishing touch, each car includes a pair of road-specific trailers with correct signboards and other details. Single cars are $42.98 (unless noted) and will be offered in these roadnames:

932-3921 NYC* #504228
932-3922 MILW #7025
932-3923 IC #903 $45.98
932-3925 NYC* #504100
932-3926 MILW #7028
932-3927 Seaboard Air Line* #1
932-3928 SOU #50104 $45.98
932-3929 WP† #1618
932-3920 Undecorated

To expand a fleet, limited-run two-packs with different car numbers will also be available, priced at $81.98 (unless noted):
932-23921 NYC* #504289 & #504302
932-23922 MILW #7026
932-23923 IC #905 & #906 $86.98
932-23925 NYC* #504128 & #504204
932-23926 MILW #7036 & #7043
932-23927 Seaboard Air Line* #2 & #3
932-23928 SOU #50109 & #50114 $86.98
932-23929 WP† #1616 & 1623

For detailing period terminals, loading docks and highways, Flexi-Van Bogies (#933-1318, pack of two, $6.98) and Trailers will be available separately. Trailers are priced at just $12.98 and feature additional paint and lettering schemes including:

933-1681 NYC*
933-1682 MILW
933-1683 IC - Side Door Version
933-1685 CB&Q
933-1686 Seaboard Air Line* - Side Door Version
933-1687 SOU
933-1688 WP†
933-1689 L&N*
933-1690 SOO
933-1680 Undecorated - End Door Version

These layout ready models will be available in January 2008. For more information on Walthers Flexi-Van cars and accessories, or to locate a dealer, visit Walthers on the Internet at www.walthers.com. Call 414-527-0770 or write Walthers, P.O. Box 3039, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3039.

†Union Pacific licensed product.

*CSX proprietary marks used by permission of CSX Transportation, Inc.