ExactRail HO scale depressed-center flatcar

This modern depressed-center flatcar is a recent release from ExactRail that follows the overall lines of prototype cars built by General Steel Industries (GSI) in the 1970s and 1980s. The prototypes featured one-piece, cast-steel underframes that could carry tall loads because the carbody deck is only 23″ above the rails.

Depressed-center flatcars remain relatively rare, and most of them were built for use by a specific customer. ExactRail has combined common prototype features in this 48-foot model to capture the typical GSI appearance. Its detailing is closest to the Conrail class FE42A (ex-Erie Lackawanna) cars, but it’ll make a good stand-in for many other similar cars of 100-ton capacity.

The model has a well-detailed plastic body with a concealed die-cast metal weight. Its perforated, see-through GSI-style decks are bound to capture attention. An AB control valve and brake reservoir is mounted on the car’s raised deck at the B-end. All of the grab irons are formed wire.

The model has factory-installed Kadee no. 5 magnetic knuckle couplers mounted at the proper height in well-detailed coupler boxes. The coupler box covers are retained with Phillips screws.

Our sample car rides on ExactRail’s excellent American Steel Foundries (ASF) 100-ton Ride-Control trucks. The wheelsets have acetal plastic needle-point axles, metal RP-25 contour wheels, and are free rolling. The wheelsets matched National Model Railroad Association standards.

The sample car is smoothly painted and neatly lettered for Conrail – even the tiny maintenance dates are readable under magnification.

These well-done models are available decorated for Conrail; Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (Mineral Brown); Chicago & North Western (yellow); Southern Ry. (brown); Southern Pacific (brown); and TTX Corp. (yellow with QTTX reporting marks).

Price: $26.95
 
Manufacturer
ExactRail
251 West River Park Drive
Suite 300
Provo, UT 84604
www.exactrail.com

Era: 1970s to present