Walthers Rolling Stock
Gold Line(TM) Bethlehem 89'4" Flush-Deck Flat Car - Ready to Run
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TTX - for 40' Trailers, Sold Separately
Walthers Part # 932-40301, p. 186 Walthers 2008 HO Scale Reference
HO scale, $31.98, not currently in stock at Walthers, Expected: Unknown
Intermodal Favorites for HO Freights
* All-New Tooling
* Underbody Detail
* Great for Intermodal Consists
* Fully Assembled
* Metal RP-25 Wheels
* Working Knuckle Couplers
* Modeler Installed Grab Irons
* ACF & P-S Style Hitches Included
The introduction of the 89' flat car in 1960 opened the door for a new
generation of piggyback service. Equipped with a pair of collapsible
hitches, these big cars could easily handle the older 35' and/or the newer
40' trailers. The universal hitches also eliminated the need for complex
tie-downs, allowing trains to be loaded faster. Bridge plates were attached
at each end for the standard circus-style ramps (the work was similar to
the way circus wagons were loaded on flat cars years before) favored by
most railroads.
Within a few years, railroads began using special cranes to load trailers,
eliminating the need for the deep channel side sills that had served as rub
rails to keep trailers from being shoved over the sides, but also limited
the width of equipment that could be carried. In the mid 60s, new cars were
introduced with flush decks, which simplified trailer loading, and also
made it possible to fit special equipment on board.
The 1980s marked a turning point for intermodal technology as 45' trailers
became standard. But many railroads and TTX found themselves with fleets of
89' flats that could only carry one of these larger trailers. By 1982,
Trailer Train, Santa Fe and Southern Pacific began a modernization program,
developing the Twin 45 flat car. By moving the hitches, and allowing for a
slight overhang at each end, a pair of 45' trailers could be carried.
Collapsible hitches and bridge plates were also removed. Many of the cars
selected for rebuilding were newer flush deck cars, which allowed for
easier loading of any combination of trailers up to 90' long (such as a 45'
and 40'), or refitting with specialized load equipment.
For years to come, these cars were the backbone of intermodal fleets on
many railroads. As still larger trailers and containers arrived, they were
adapted to new roles as auto racks and specialized flat cars, where they
remain in use today.
Like the prototypes, Walthers all-new 89'4" Bethlehem Flush-deck Flat Cars
will be versatile additions to HO railroads. The models are available in
two common versions: TTX cars delivered with a pair of trailer hitches to
handle two 40' trailers and bridge plates, or the later WTTX cars designed
for crane loading and equipped to carry two 45' trailers.
Combining metal and plastic parts for superb detail and performance,
Walthers Bethlehem 89'4" Flush-Deck Flat Cars come with both ACF- and
Pullman-Standard-style hitches to match prototype practice. In addition,
the models include one of each style hitch in the down position to model a
later era car handling a single 48 or 53' trailer.
As with other Walthers Gold Line freight cars, the Bethlehem 89'4"
Flush-Deck Flat Cars come ready to run and include a complete set of add-on
wire grab irons; molded drill starter points on the body simplify
installation. Magnetic knuckle couplers and free-rolling trucks with RP-25
metal wheelsets round out each car.
TTX - for 40' Trailers
WTTX - for 45' Trailers
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe - for
45' Trailers
Florida East Coast - for 45'
Trailers
Southern - for 40' Trailers
Southern Pacific™ - for 45'
Trailers
Wisconsin Central - for 45'
Trailers
Undecorated
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