USA Trains 1:29 scale intermodal train set

1:29 scale, gauge 1, intermodal train set and container set
USA Trains
PO Box 100
Malden MA 02148
Web site: www.usatrains.com
Prices: See text

Description: Ready-to-run, plastic and metal, five unit, articulated TTX intermodal train set for carrying containers; metal walkways; Timken roller-bearing trucks (axle ends do not rotate); hook-and-loop couplers installed, knuckles provided; minor assembly required; available in a variety of road names; container sets sold separately. Dimensions of each unit: Length over body, 23″; width, 4 1/2″; height (without containers), 3 1/2″. In 1:29 scale, this works out to 55’7″ x 10’3″ x 7’10”, respectively.
Pros: High level of detail; excellent paint job; crisp, clear, opaque, multi-colored graphics; metal detail parts; excellent fidelity to prototype; free-rolling cars
Cons: Some details fragile

USA Trains continues to expand its line of modern, mainline rolling stock in 1:29 scale. The latest offering is an articulated set of five intermodal container cars. An articulated train is one where two or more cars are permanently coupled and each pair of cars shares a single truck between them. With this five-car set, there are only six trucks. This gives the train different operational characteristics from those coupled conventionally. Watching an articulated train snake through curves is a treat.

This five-unit set is intended to be used together. There are only two couplers provided. The cars in the middle couple to one another over the trucks via a loop on one end that fits over a pin on the end of the car in front. These joints can be permanently screwed together. There is a designated order, which is covered in the provided instructions. Handrails must be installed on one car.

Our review sample is in the yellow TTX livery, with black and white graphics ($499.95). Several additional road names are available, including Burlington Northern, Santa Fe, Union Pacific, Canadian Pacific, Southern Pacific, and others. The paint job is excellent and the graphics flawless. Each car is equipped with perforated metal walkways. The level of detail is good. However, some of the projecting details, like handrails, are a little fragile, and care is required in handling.
These cars are packaged as a set of five, with no loads. Four different container multi-packs are available separately ($99.95). Each package includes two long containers, two medium, and two short ones. Our review sample includes containers painted for Hanjin, Evergreen, SeaLand, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, NYK, and OOCL. The containers can be carried singly or double-stacked. Because there are different sized containers, the cars have locating holes in them and the containers are supplied with separate locating studs to keep them in place.

When assembled, these cars make an impressive train over 10′ long. Because of their length, you’ll need long stretches of straight track and broad sweeping curves for the train to look good and operate well. If you are modeling modern US standard-gauge railroading, these cars are right up to date.