Our sample car is from the second run of these popular models, as the first group sold out very quickly. The current models come fully assembled and feature two versions of the trailer hitches. Modelers can apply either raised or retracted hitches, which press into place.
Each car is made up of five platforms that have die-cast metal frames detailed with numerous individually applied plastic and etched-metal components. Both end units have brake platforms that make them slightly longer.
End unit B has trucks at both ends with a male articulated connector over the shared inner truck. Intermediate units have a single truck with a male connection and truck at one end and a female connector at the opposite end. All five platforms are sized to carry a 53-foot container, and the entire car is configured to operate in B-C-D-E-A order.
Each platform is smoothly painted in TTX yellow with appropriate printed lettering and data for the TTAX class RAF53C fleet. Even the tiny data lettering was readable under magnification. The hitches are painted orange with a black fifth wheel. Both etched-metal end platforms look like stainless steel.
Our sample car came fitted with six ASF Ride Control 70-ton trucks with scale 33″ metal wheels that have a BLMA-designed fine cross section. The design is close to but doesn’t match the National Model Railroad Association’s Fine Scale wheel options. The NMRA’s maximum wheel gauge is .349″ (BLMA’s is .307″), minimum back-to-back wheel spacing is .323″ (.302″), wheel width minimum is .051″ (.055″), the maximum flange depth is .017″ (.035″), and the maximum flange width is .013″ (.013″). All of the wheelsets have needlepoint axles, and the wheels are mounted so they fit an NMRA gauge. When all five platforms are connected, the car ran smoothly along code 55 and 80 track.
The end platforms feature body mounted Magne-Matic knuckle couplers set at the proper height.
Each intermodal platform weighs .25 ounce, which is under the NMRA’s Recommended Practice 20.1, which calls for .5 ounce plus .15 ounce per inch of length. Under this formula, each platform should weigh just over an ounce. However, additional weight can be added inside an intermodal trailer or container load.
Overall, this long intermodal car will be a great addition to a modern-era N scale layout.
Manufacturer
BLMA Models
302 District Court
Fullerton, CA 92832
www.blmamodels.com
Era: 1997 to present
Road numbers (all TTAX): nos. 555027, 555072, 555085, 555119
Features
- Accurate paint and lettering
- ASF 70-ton ride control trucks
- Assembled raised or lowered hitches
- BLMA scale-profile metal wheels
- Body-mounted Magne-Matic knuckle couplers
- Correct prototypical height
- Die-cast metal and plastic
- Etched-metal platforms
- Fine add-on detail
I just retired after 42 years at Penn Central/Conrail. Four of the last six years I was the intermodal inspector in Detroit. I worked on these cars every day and can tell you these are very nice models. Upgrading the trucks and adding some etched details(brake wheels and sill step/hand holds) would make these cars show pieces for a layout.