Alrighty,
I’ve been postponing and postponing purchases for my HO layout, but am starting to get back to it. I need intermodal cars, but can’t afford super expensive ones. I’m gonna need enough for 1 train to start, so we’re talking 5 or 6 car sets. Anyone have suggestions? I’d like to spend less than $70 if possible, but would prefer to spend around $50. Thanks!
All my intermodal equipment is Athearn BB kits, which, unfortunately, are all no longer produced. The five platform sets were $25 to $35 each, not counting trailers or containers. They were another $10 for two. I have both well and spine cars.
Now you’re pretty much limited to well cars only. To my knowledge, no one currently produces spine cars.
You might want to cruise E-bay or shows for the BB kits.
Nick
Accurail (http://www.accurail.com/accurail/) produces 89’ flatcars. You will have to paint though as only undecorated and MP are currently available.
A-line has great intermodal cars. I have a set, and love it.
I’ve got a couple sets of the A-Line cars and 8 Athearn RTR cars, both run great but are a little expensive. The Athearn RTR cars came with containers.
I have a bunch of Athearn BB intermodal cars. These are great cars as they are easy to build & not expensive.
Gordon
Derrick,
Can you be more specific what you’re looking for? 89 foot flats? Spine cars? Well cars? Most of the stuff will probably still be available on Ebay, just be patient. The prices fluctuate wildly, so setting a maximum you’ll bid for a certain item and sticking to it will most likely get you what you’re looking for.
Derrick!
Double stack sets usually come in five-car sets. Walthers makes three-car sets of their NSC 53’ well cars, and their 69’ all-purpose husky stacks. Intermountain makes three-car sets of their husky stacks. Everything else is either a single-car or five-car sets.
I would suggest monitoring eBay. I see some great Intermountain double stack sets go for way less than retail. I’ve got a set myself, and must say they are the best on the market. The only problem I’ve had is getting Accumate couplers to fit in the coupler box. They work, but are quite a snug fit.
If you don’t want to fool with eBay, then don’t bother with Intermountain. Retail on those suckers is $100-$120. Look around for dealers still carrying the old Athearn BB kits. They were around $7 or $8 in most hobby shops. Sometimes you can find a discount on the Walthers NSC 53’ well cars. My local Hobbytown USA had the three-car sets for $30 at one time.
Good luck, and try eBay!
Matt
I’ve picked up 5 sets of Aline recently on ebay and got them all for under $33.00 bucks each.
Thank you all,
To clarify, I am looking for either double stack or spine or well cars. No 89’ flats though. Ebay is iffy for me, but I love those BB spine car kits. I just can’t find any in the right paint schemes (AHHHHH!). So as for right now, does anyone know any online sites that still have the BB kits listed? Thanks!
I would go with the Athearns @ 53.99 for 5 or the RTR husky stack with containers for $ $21.59.
For BB kits