Milwaukee, Wis. - Walthers latest Gold Line™ Bethlehem 89'4" Flush-Deck Flat Cars in HO Scale will feature new hitch arrangements and roadnames. These ready-to-run freight cars will be available in September 2007. Single cars will retail for $26.98 each and limited-run two-packs at $51.98.

The 1980s were a turning point for intermodal technology as 45' trailers became standard, but 89' flats 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; the cars could also carry a pair of the older 40' vans, or a single 48' trailer. As crane loading was fast becoming standard practice, rebuilt cars had fixed hitches and no bridge plates. Trailer Train gave its rebuilt cars KTTX reporting marks to identify these important features.

Changes in regulations made double-bottom trailers legal in most states by the mid 80s and short 28' "pup" trailers were soon common. Trailer Train again expanded the capabilities of its 89' flat cars by installing a collapsible hitch slightly off-center between the two fixed hitches. This version, designated RTTX, could carry three of the shorter trailers or a pair of 45' footers, and came to be known as a "Triple 28."

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 latest 89'4" Bethlehem Flush-Deck Flat Cars will be versatile additions to HO railroads. Combining metal and plastic parts for superb detail and performance, each includes appropriate hitches to match prototype practice. All 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 model.

Decorated cars are available individually and in limited-run two-packs for a total of three roadnumbers per roadname.

Single Cars, $26.98 Each:
932-40308 New Orleans Public Belt
932-40309 ATSF
932-40316 RTTX
932-40317 TTX - RTTX
932-40321 KTTX #1
932-40322 TTX - KTTX #1
932-40326 KTTX #2
932-40327 TTX - KTTX #2
932-40315 Undecorated RTTX Version
932-40320 Undecorated KTTX w/Collapsible Hitches Back to Back
932-40325 Undecorated KTTX Version w/Rigid Hitches Back to Back

Limited-Run 2-Packs $51.98 Each:
932-240308 New Orleans Public Belt
932-240309 ATSF
932-240316 RTTX
932-240317 TTX - RTTX
932-240321 KTTX #1
932-240322 TTX - KTTX #1
932-240326 KTTX #2
932-240327 TTX - KTTX #2

The latest run of HO Scale Bethlehem 89'4" Flush-Deck Flat Cars will arrive in September 2007.

Give us a call at 1-866-840-7777, or click the items below, or use the "New Customer Extra-Net" part of our website to place your order!