A 60-foot intermodal container flatcar has joined Jacksonville Terminal Co.’s growing N scale freight car lineup. The newly tooled car features Very Real Knuckle (VRK) couplers and insulated metal wheelsets.
Prototype history
The sample we received is decorated as Trailer Train car VTTX 91927. The prototype VTTX cars were a mix of Pullman-Standard 60-foot bulkhead (PTTX) and 60-foot plain-deck (MTTX) flatcars. When 68-foot, 100-ton bulkhead cars became a more popular choice with shippers, the railcar pooling company looked to better utilize its fleet of 60-foot flatcars. The solution? Full-size kitbashing so the cars could haul 20- and 40-foot intermodal containers.
“The conversion included removal of bulkheads on PTTX flatcars, removal of latitudinal floorboards, replacement of the drop-shaft handbrake with a crank-type handbrake mounted on the side sill, applying upgraded cushioning units, and reconditioning of the trucks,” said James D. Panza, retired TTX senior manager. “On cars having the floorboard extensions removed, the bolt holes in the side sill are visible. Some of the PTTX bulkhead supports attached to the side sill were cut flush with the side sill top flange, leaving numerous securements intact.
“Between 1985 and 1988, TTX converted 677 PS 60-foot cars to the TTCX (202) and VTTX (475) configuration. Of those 677 cars, 495 were ex-PTTX bulkhead flatcars and 182 were ex-MTTX plain-deck flatcars.”
Model features
The Jacksonville Terminal model has a plastic body with stringer and crossbearer detail on the deck; freestanding stirrup steps, crank-type handbrake, and train line hoses; and molded grab irons and stake pockets.
The container bolsters on both ends and the one positioned for a 20-foot container on the A end are molded. The one spaced for a 20-foot container on the B end is removable. A fold-down bolster (molded in the down position) and a flat container pedestal are included. From the box, our sample was set up to transport three 20-foot containers. The model can be configured to haul one 20-foot and one 40-foot container with the other parts.
The center sill, crossbearers, body bolsters, and draft-gear boxes are a single metal casting attached to the body with two screws. The air reservoir, brake cylinder, control valve, and related pipes and levers are a plastic piece secured with glue. A screw-mounted plastic casting covers the center sill and angled cross members. The draft-gear-box covers are also plastic.
Making its debut on this model are JTC’s VRK couplers. The two-piece couplers are offered with and without trip pins in black and rust. Two springs placed parallel to the inside edges of the draft-gear box are used to center the couplers. The VRK couplers are compatible with Accumate, Magne-Matic, and Kato couplers, among others.
Measuring up
The model’s dimensions closely follow data published in the Trailer Train Company Equipment Guide (November 1987). The lettering placement matches prototype photos. The three-panel consolidated lube plate lacks data.
Jacksonville Terminal offers its VTTX container flatcars in fresh paint and weathered to depict 3-5, 5-8, 8-11, and 12+ years of service. The weathering on our sample (3-5 years) looked odd, as it was applied around the raised and recessed details on the sides and ends.
I noticed a gap between the body and draft-gear box on both ends. As I suspected, the couplers were low on the model. To correct this, I removed the die-cast metal chassis and gently pressed up on both ends to bring the couplers to the correct height. Don’t press too hard on the metal casting, though, as it can break. I learned this lesson the hard way on the other sample we received.
The car is equipped with screw-mounted 70-ton roller-bearing trucks with 33″ insulated metal wheelsets. The gauge on all four wheelsets was tight when measured with a National Model Railroad Association Standards Gauge. I fixed the gauge by adjusting the insulated wheel on each axle.
If your layout is set between the mid-1980s and 2010s, you’ll want to check out the VTTX 60-foot intermodal container flatcar from Jacksonville Terminal. The car will be an attention-getter, whether loaded or empty.
Facts & features
Price: $48.95 to $49.95
Manufacturer
Jacksonville Terminal Co.
9526 Argyle Forest Blvd.
Ste. B2 No. 406
Jacksonville, FL 32222
Era: mid-1980s to present (varies depending on scheme)
Road names: Trailer Train and TTX (both schemes with and without weathering). Multiple road numbers per paint scheme.
Features
- 33″ insulated metal wheelsets, out of gauge
- Very Real Knuckle couplers, low on both ends
- Weight: 0.5 ounce (0.7 ounce too light per National Model Railroad Association Recommended Practice 20.1)
