Milwaukee, Wis. - Walthers announces the release of ready-to-run New York Central style Express Box Cars in HO Scale. These post-World War II models, based on prototype conversions of Troop Sleeper Cars, will be available as single cars and in limited-run two-packs in January 2008.

American railroads committed all their resources to mobilizing troops during World War II. Passenger car fleets were stretched to the limit, so special Troop Sleepers and Kitchen Cars were built, based on existing 50' boxcar designs. Following the war, the cars were sold to the railroads at bargain-basement prices and rebuilt for a variety of new roles.

Walthers models are based on troop sleeper cars converted into express boxcars by the New York Central; other roads used similar cars. In service, they handled baggage, mail and express shipments on various trains. Many led long lives, remaining in use until the late 1960s.

The models come fully assembled and feature accurate Allied Full-Cushion Trucks, metal wheelsets and knuckle couplers. For modelers who want to add more detail, a set of formed wire grab irons is included and molded starter points on the body simplify installation.

Decorated cars are available individually and in limited-run two packs for a total of three different numbers per roadname:

Single Cars, $24.98 Each:
932-4155 NYC* 1947-48
932-4156 NYC* Leased (1960)
932-4157 Rock Island (Pullman Green)
932-4158 Erie (Two-Tone Green)
932-4159 Lackawanna (red, gray)

Limited-Run Two-Packs, $49.98 Each:
932-24155 NYC* 1947-48
932-24156 NYC* Leased (1960)
932-24157 Rock Island (Pullman Green)
932-24158 Erie (Two-Tone Green)
932-24159 Lackawanna (red, gray)

The New York Central style Express Box Cars will be available in January 2008. For more information, or to locate a dealer, visit Walthers online at www.walthers.com. Call 414-527-0770 or write Walthers, PO Box 3039, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3039.

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