Price: $49.98
Manufacturer
Athearn Trains
1600 Forbes Way, Ste. 120
Long Beach, CA 90810
Era: 1960s to 1980s
Road names: Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Illinois Central; Norfolk & Western (BTTX and TTBX reporting marks); New York Central; St. Louis-San Francisco; and Wabash (BTTX and TTBX reporting marks). Three road numbers per scheme.
Comments: An open-air auto rack has joined the Athearn Genesis line. The model, based on a Bethlehem Steel 89-foot flatcar, features plastic and die-cast metal construction; prototype-specific details, including end bridge plates, train lines, uncoupling levers, and hand brakes; and wire handrail cables on the top deck. The upper deck is crowned and has tread detail.
The Whitehead & Kales bi-level Auto-Pack is glued to the plastic body. The irregular post spacing matches prototype photos. The full-size Auto-Pack was capable of transporting eight standard or 10 to 12 compact cars.
The flatcar’s dimensions closely follow prototype information published in the Trailer Train Company Equipment Guide (Trailer Train Co., 1987). The model weighs 5.3 ounces, which is 1.825 ounces too light per National Model Railroad Association recommended practice 20.1. The body-mounted McHenry scale couplers are at the correct height.
The scale 33″ metal wheels are mounted on plastic axles and correctly gauged. The minimum recommended radius for the car is 22″, though it would look better on broader curves. This car, like other Genesis series models, features rotating bearing caps.
Thanks to Athearn, you can re-create an earlier era when the vehicles on auto racks could actually be seen. This well-detailed car can certainly hold up to being run empty, but why not take advantage of the stage to show off some pristine vehicle models to help reinforce your layout’s era?
