I know several of the companies make bulkhead flatcars but not really long ones. If I really wanted to go long I’d guess I’d have to look for a scale 2-rail car. While delivering to an Andersons Window plant I saw a bulkhead flatcar that was 81’-6" long. Woa boy that baby was long. In O scale that would be 20-3/8" long, nearly as long as an 027 circle is across, not that I use any 027 any more. I just think long cars are neat looking.
Boyd, have you tried MTH or Williams or Atlas O gauge for those flatcars? Another source might be Third Rail Brass but they are really expensive. You can try Weaver but I have had problems when running Weaver and any other brand cars on the same train, something about Weaver cars being too light. If all else fails go to a local train show and look around for one.
Lee F.
I don’t think those are bulkhead flats you saw. They are center beam lumber cars. The bulkhead flat is normally used for pulpwood loading, and never over 50’ long. The longest flats, up to 89’ (two 40’ trailers) are used for intermodal service, which by rail car standards is a very light weight load. No bulkheads.
The center beam allows the car to carry that much weight without folding up in the middle. MTH actually makes a scale model of this type of car.
I bought a Weaver 50’ Bulkhead flatcar with load at a train show this past weekend.It must be designed for wider than 042 operation.Because I tried to push it around for a test run,and it would not negotiate the 042 curves of my temporary layout.So I took the trucks off and spaced them with a small hourglass shaped spacer about a 1/4 inch in height.The car runs thru any radius of track now.The car measures 14.5" end to end.And the distance between the wheels are 9.5".The car must have been originaly set up for 072 radius.I couldn’t imagine a 20" car , WOW !
MTH makes several long lumber cars. Premeir part number 20-90014B (Center I beam flat car part of a set) and 20-98212 (Center I beam flat car) are two that I have.
Jim H
I have one of these cars as well…will work on taking a pic and posting it.
EDIT: Here’s my Tobacco Valley Lumber I-Beam Flatcar:
Chris
Boyd
The member above posted this, MTH # 20-98212. The MTH site does not list the length. The car is, however, 20 inches long.
I almost bought one, however, it was too long for my pike.
Dave
Chris, that’s it, except I have one with a CP paint scheme. I’m not sure how many different roads MTH has done. That car is not for everyone, it’s a monster.
The MTH Premier Center Beam Flat Cars are models of cars that measure approximately 72’ Long.
What were the reporting marks and road number of the Bulkhead Flat Car that was spotted at the Anderson’s Window Plant? That information will help solve the mystery.
Andrew F.
Elliot I think your right on it being a centerbeam flatcar I saw at Andersons. I didn’t write down the road name of the car I saw. If you go in the very north entrance and keep going straight back its at the end of a spur, or at least is was as of 3 days ago. I commonly see them there and a lot of ACF center flow hoppers and some box cars. I don’t think that MTH car would handle 48" curves with ease.