Mark IV Flexi-Van Flatcars

Mark IV Flexi-Van Flatcars Unveil New Variation of a Popular HO Model

Walthers announces an all-new variation of the Gold Line™ Flexi-Van flatcar: the Mark IV Flexi-Van Flatcar. This new body style is ideal for operation in HO freight and passenger consists.

Fast Facts: As trailer-on-flatcar (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 any 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.

Early Flexi-Van cars were designed to handle only 36' trailers, but later Mark III and Mark IV cars could handle 36' and 40' units, and those built from 1961 to 1968 were designed for 40' trailers. Mark IV cars featured an improved turntable designed for unloading by a dedicated terminal tractor. They could be spotted by their trucks inset from the car ends and larger end platforms.

While tested and heavily used by NYC, 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. 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.

Features: Walthers new models will be a welcome addition to period freight or passenger service. The cars are the correct scale length and a minimum radius of 24" is recommended for operation. A die cast metal center sill offers plenty of weight for reliable performance. Mark IV cars feature the inset trucks and larger end platforms of the prototypes. A variety of separate details, including injection-molded end platforms, 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. The cars come equipped with RP-25 metal wheels and Proto MAX™ metal knuckle couplers.

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