Review

Walthers' new Bethlehem flush-deck piggyback flatcars are sharp-looking models of popular trailer haulers of the 1970s and '80s. The ready-to-run models are based on the flush-deck flatcar design first used in the late 1960s, which was originally developed as an all-purpose car for hauling containers or trailers. Many cars were also built without container pedestals, which is the basis for this trailer-only model.

Cars were initially set up to haul two 40-foot trailers (TTX reporting marks), but the coming of the 45-foot trailer in 1981 required a different end hitch moved farther toward the end of the car (WTTX), or moving the hitches to opposite ends (the KTTX cars). Another variation was adding a middle hitch to enable hauling three 28-foot trailers (RTTX cars).

The cars have injection-molded styrene bodies, with a metal weight hidden under the deck. The detail is very good, with many separately applied parts, including grab irons, stirrups and trailer hitches. Brake details include the lever, rod, cylinder, valve and reservoir. Three different trailer hitches are used to match specific prototypes. Extra parts are included, including bridge plates and down-position trailer hitches.

The model is equipped with metal wheels and knuckle couplers with coil knuckle springs. The couplers pivot to help them track better on curves, but you'll still need at least 22-inch minimum curves for these cars.

These cars are appropriate on any layout set from the late 1960s to today. They could be found on any railroad across the country. Piggyback cars often travel in dedicated trains, or in blocks of several cars, so look for multiple sales. Roadnames are Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Florida East Coast; New Orleans Public Belt; Southern; Southern Pacific; Trailer Train (TTX, RTTX, KTTX); Wisconsin Central (re-stenciled NOPB)