Flatcar Trailers
Glossary of Auto Transport Terms
A
Autorack
A specially designed multi-level rail car used to transport automobiles. Autoracks have two or three decks, can carry up to 20 vehicles and have metal side panels and end doors to protect automobiles while in transit. Bi-level or double-deck Autoracks usually transport trucks and large SUV’s, while tri-level or triple deck Autoracks usually transport passenger cars. A dedicated train with 70 Autoracks is capable of transporting more than 1,000 vehicles at one time.
Auto Transport
Moving or shipping automobiles as freight. Auto shippers are strongly encouraged to seek out reputable, fully-insured, financially strong car haulers. A new generation of smart, customer-focused auto transport companies are making nationwide auto transport more convenient and affordable than ever before.
B
Backhaul
Refers to the car hauler’s opportunity to pick up a second load of vehicles close to the destination where they delivered their first load; i.e., returning to the origin of the first load. A to B, then B to A.
Bi-Level Rail Car
A type of rail car used for auto transport, called a bi-level because it has two decks, an upper and a lower. Bi-level capacity is between 8 – 12 vehicles. They are often used to transport vans, pickups and SUVs, or passenger vehicles that have radio antennas or higher profiles that exclude them from fitting on a tri-level rail car.
C
Car Hauler/Carrier
A company which provides auto transport service; the physical transport of a vehicle.
Car Carrier / Auto Transport Equipment
A specially constructed semi-trailer (unpowered unit) usually capable of transporting up to 9 vehicles. Some include hydraulically operated ramps. Some vehicles are backed onto the trailer while others are driven nose first to help maximize space or meet overhang requirements. Each vehicle is firmly blocked and tied down to help protect it during transit. Large vehicles are usually transported on the upper level of multi-deck transport trailers.
D
Delivery Network
A complex system of connected trucks, railroads and ships used to transport cars. Car haulers with access to all modes of auto transport have a powerful delivery network that provides efficient auto shipping to meet their customers’ time and cost requirements.
E
Enclosed Auto Transport
Auto transport using a fully enclosed van, semi trailer or rail car, usually with metal sides and a top. Enclosed auto transport offers increased protection against weather, road debris and other hazards especially over long distances. Enclosed truck transport is a premium service which usually costs more than standard open auto transport. Enclosed rail transport is standard and often costs less than open truck transport when moving cars more than 500 miles.
F
Freight Forwarder
One who assembles small shipments of vehicles into one large consolidated shipment which is then tendered to an auto carrier. Upon reaching destination, the shipment is separated into small shipments and delivered.
I
Intermodal/Multimodal
The process of shipping a vehicle using more than one mode of auto transport. Offered by only a few select car haulers, intermodal auto transport integrates both short-distance truck transport and long-distance rail service options.
L
Local Move
A term used to describe auto transport from pickup to delivery by a single carrier, usually within a radius of 200 miles from origin to destination.
M
Modifications
Changes or additions to a vehicle from its original state, such as spoilers, roof racks, 4 x 4 lift kits, running boards, camper cabs, etc. Modifications can affect a vehicle’s overall dimensions and weight, which may require a different mode of auto transport or additional fees.
O
Origin
The location where transport of a vehicle starts, or originates. Car haulers need both the origin and destination of a shipment to provide an accurate auto transport quote.
P
Pick Up and Transit Time
Pick up and transit times may vary based on the auto transport company you choose. Auto transport usually averages between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on pick-up and delivery locations, availability of the vehicles, shipping capacity, and distance. Most car haulers also offer expedited service at an additional fee.
R
Ramp
Another word for an intermodal terminal. Ramps were originally structures, permanent or temporary, from which trailers or machinery are driven onto or off of a railroad flatcar.
S
Shipper
The person for whom the car hauler agrees to move vehicles to a specified destination and at a specified price. Also called “Consignor”.
T
Terminal
A facility provided by a railroad or car hauling company at an intermediate point in its network for the handling of freight; and for the breaking up, making up, forwarding and servicing loads, and interchanging with other carriers. Also referred to as a “ramp” when referencing a rail terminal.
Tie-downs
Straps or chains that a car hauler uses to secure a vehicle on a tow truck or multi-level car carrier. Many car haulers are switching to straps to minimize damage in transit.
V
Vehicle Size Classifications
Vehicle size classes are a way of classifying automobiles to estimate auto transport fees prior shipment. Passenger cars are generally classified as vehicles from 0-60″ in height, or as mini-compact, sub-compact, compact, mid-size or large cars based on their industry standard interior volume index measured in cubic feet. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost to transport it.
W
Wheel Straps
Reinforced straps used in an auto rail car which go over the wheels and secure the vehicle to the floor to minimize transportation damage.
About the Author
About ShipCarsNow – About Wally Koster, Freelance Writer
Wally Koster is a retired marketing and advertising executive with more than 40 years experience in the automotive industry. He now enjoys life as a freelance writer for ShipCarsNow and is a published philatelist. Visit http://www.shipcarsnow.com
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4 PIN FLAT CAR SIDE TRAILER CONNECTOR $3.75 |
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6 O SCALE BUILT TRAILER TRAIN PIGGYBACK FLAT CARS FOR PARTS/PROJECTS $32.99 |
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MT 053 00 020 Trailer Train 60′ Bulkhead Flat Car with Load $18.95 |
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LIONEL # 9282 GREAT NORTHERN FLATCAR WITH TRAILERS $19.95 |
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MT 994 00 041 Trailer Train Bulkhead Flatcar with Wood Loads 4 Car Set $64.95 |
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Lionel # 52168 Flat Car w/ Trailer – CARAIL $125.00 |
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MODEL POWER “HO” SANTA FE ATSF 50′ FLAT CAR/ UN-LETTERED 40′ TRAILER $9.00 |
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MODEL POWER “HO” ATSF 50′ FLAT CAR/ SANTA FE 40′ TRAILER $9.00 |
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MODEL POWER “HO” SOUTHERN PACIFIC 50′ FLAT CAR/ SP 40′ TRAILER $9.00 |
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ATHEARN 86′ FLAT CAR CUSTOM PAINTED TRAILER TRAIN YELLOW NO LETTERING $4.99 |
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ATHEARN 86′ ALL PURPOSE FLATCAR CUSTOM PAINTED TRAILER TRAIN YELLOW NO LETTERING $4.99 |
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TRAILER TRAIN, TT, 86’ PIGGYBACK FLAT CAR, HO SCALE DECALS, HC296 $5.00 |
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Walthers HO 72′ Centerbeam Flat Car Trailer Train $14.99 |
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MTH O Scale Alaska Flat Car w-Bulkheads and 2 Car Trailers #30-76253-new $42.00 |
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LIONEL TRAINS NO. 16323 LIONEL LINES FLATCAR WITH TRAILERS IN BOX – VERY NICE $19.95 |
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Walthers HO 72′ Centerbeam Flat car Trailer Train $22.97 |
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WALTHERS HO 89′ FLEXI-VAN FLATCAR w/trailer (MILW) # 7027 $19.99 |
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LIONEL NORTHERN PACIFIC FLATCAR W/TRAILERS 9120 W/BOX $26.00 |
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MTH CP RAIL FLAT CAR W/40’ TRAILER NEW $90.00 |
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P&LE 2 Pk HO Flexi-Van Flat Car w/Trailers Rd 2#s by Walthers Stock #932-240853 $47.99 |
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MTH PREMIER NORFOLK SOUTHERN FLATCAR W/48′ TRAILER 20-98116 “NEW ” $47.00 |
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FALCON PIGGYBACK TRAILER W/51 FT. FLAT CAR, A.H.M., HO, MISB $12.00 |
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LIONEL FLAT CAR # 9149 , CANADIAN PACIFIC W/ C.P. TRAILERS 0-027 $21.95 |
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CB&Q HO Flexi-Van IV Flat Car w/Trailers Rd #96013 Walthers Stk #932-41058 $19.99 |
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Weaver CF trailer on MILW 50′ piggyback flat car $53.95 |
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CON-COR NORTHERN PACIFIC 54′ FLAT CAR WITH TRAILER HO SCALE $19.99 |
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CB&Q HO Flexi-Van IV Flat Car w/Trailers Rd #96005 Walthers Stk #932-41057 $19.99 |
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CB&Q HO Flexi-Van IV Flat Car w/Trailers Rd #96024 Walthers Stk #932-41059 $19.99 |
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Vintage Custom Rail 89 Ft. TOFC Flat Car Kit, Trailer Train #971654, RARE! $9.99 |
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Vintage Custom Rail 89 Ft. TOFC Flat Car Kit, Trailer Train #971675, RARE! $9.99 |
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N NOB TRIX 40′ TOFC FLATCAR W/NO TRAILERS SANTA FE ATSF 90806 $5.95 |
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N NOB TRIX 40′ TOFC FLATCAR W/NO TRAILERS SANTA FE ATSF 94138 $5.95 |
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NEW ROUNDHOUSE BUILT FROM KIT TRAILER TRAIN BULK HEAD FLAT CAR $8.00 |
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Southern Pacific 510105 Flat Car w/ Piggyback PFE Trailer Atlas 37829 N [MY16.26 $7.95 |
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Ulrich Models Southern Pacific Trailer on Flat Car $9.95 |
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Ulrich Models B&O Trailer on Flat Car $21.45 |
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M.T.H.#20-98551 Norfolk & Southern (#11248) Flat Car w/48′ Triple Crown Trailer $39.99 |
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HERALD KING DECALS PR-35 YELLOW TRAILER TRAIN PIGGYBACK FLAT CAR $2.99 |
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MTH Premier 20-98606 Harley Davidson Flatcar with 48′ Trailer HTF MIB $39.00 |
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MTH Premier 20-98186 C&O Chesapeake Flatcar with 48′ Trailer HTF MIB $35.00 |
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Vintage HO Train Trailer Train Flat cars $9.95 |
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MARKLIN MINI-CLUB Z SCALE MOUNT RUSHMORE TRAILER ON FLATCAR NO 2545 $15.50 |
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WALTHERS / ATHEARN LE CUSTOM 85′ FLAT CAR TTX TRAILER TRAIN HO MODEL TRAIN KIT $5.95 |
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MTH Premier 20-90017C NYC New York Central Flatcar with Trailers MIB $35.00 |
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LIONEL 9212 SEABOARD COASTLINE FLATCAR WITH TRAILERS OB $19.99 |
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ATHEARN HO John Deere 50′ Flat Car w/ 45′ JD Trailer MINT OB $40.00 |
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Lot of 3 TYCO Tractor Trailer Truck Cabs Cargo for Flat Cars HO Scale Tractor $5.50 |
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26665 Hershey’s Speical Dark Flat Car With Trailer New In Box $52.00 |
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Lionel #16308 Burlington Northern Flatcar w/ Trailer – New/Box $36.00 |
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Lionel #19437 LRRC Flatcar w/ Trailer (1997) – New in Sealed Box $49.50 |
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LIFE LIKE TRAILER TRAIN Flat Car with 3 autos # SL-SP 9620 $4.25 |
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O Scale Lionel Louiseville & Nashville Flat Car with Trailer 6-16357 $19.95 |
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MDT HO Flexi-Van IV Flat Car w/ NYC Trailers Rd #9697 Walthers Stk #932-41065 $20.99 |
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MDT HO Flexi-Van IV Flat Car w/ NYC Trailers Rd #9652 Walthers Stk #932-41064 $20.99 |
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MDT HO Flexi-Van IV Flat Car w/ NYC Trailers Rd #9619 Walthers Stk #932-41063 $20.99 |
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LIONEL #39477 Christmas Flatcar with Reindeer Trailer $44.95 |
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HO SCALE Flexi-Van Flatcar w/Two Trailers Milwaukee NEW $24.90 |
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Atlas O Trailer Train 89′4″ Flat Car 2-rail $60.00 |
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Atlas O Trailer Train 89′4″ Flat Car 2-rail $60.00 |
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Atlas O Trailer Train 89′4″ Flat Car 2-rail $60.00 |
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Atlas O Trailer Train 89′4″ Flat Car 2-rail $60.00 |
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Athearn HO Scale #504372 Canadian Pacific 50′ Flat Car w’ 45′ Trailer 97758 $30.00 |
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Athearn HO Scale #635056 Burlington Northern 50′ Flat Car w’ 45′ Trailer 97754 $30.00 |
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Athearn HO Scale #53467 UP Union Pacifc 50′ Flat Car w’ 45′ Trailer 97761 $30.00 |
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Lionel Christmas Flatcar+ Reindeer Express Agency Piggyback Trailers REA 6-39477 $49.95 |
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K-Line Lionel 6-22539 Ford Motorcraft® Trailer on BNSF flatcar BN Santa Fe $49.99 |
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Lionel 6-26366 Railway Express Agency REA flat car w/ 2 removeable trailers 027 $59.95 |
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K-Line Lionel 6-21659 Ford Trailer on Detroit Toledo & Ironton Scale Flatcar DTI $49.95 |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT TTX FLAT CAR W/DOLE SEMI TRAILER M98363 $6.51 |
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Lionel New parts TTUX Trailer Train Flatcar shell frame 48512 $25.00 |
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CURT TRAILER HITCH WIRING PRODUCTS: I-4 4-FLAT CAR END 60″ KIT #58044 $18.42 |
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CURT TRAILER HITCH WIRING PRODUCTS: 5-FLAT CAR END 60″ #58530 $19.30 |
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CURT TRAILER HITCH WIRING PRODUCTS: I-53 5-FLAT CAR END 60″ #58531 $19.69 |
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LIONEL BNSF Flatcar w/Tractor Trailer # 6-26645 $49.99 |
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6-17502 SANTA FE FLAT CAR WITH TRAILER $65.00 |
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Lionel Nickel Plate PS-4 Flatcar w/Piggyback Trailers $97.99 |
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Lionel #16953 Red Wing Shoes Flatcar w/Trailer 1995 $59.95 |
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Lionel Ringling Bros. Flat Car w/Trailer New in Box! $54.99 |
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LIONEL #19437 RAILROADER CLUB FLATCAR WITH TRAILER FROM 1997-MINT W BOX-TRAIN— $32.44 |
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K-LINE O SPRITE HEAVY HAULER TRACTOR TRAILER W FLATCAR $37.99 |
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Athearn Genesis HO #154880 TTX Trailer Train F89F 89′ Flat Car G29509 $35.00 |
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Athearn Genesis HO #150606 TTX Trailer Train F89F 89′ Flat Car G29505 $35.00 |
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Athearn Genesis HO #150615 TTX Trailer Train F89F 89′ Flat Car G29559 $33.00 |
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MTH Premier #20-98107 Union Pacific Flatcar W/ 20′ Trailers $50.00 |
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1950s Rivarossi Pennsylvania MOBIL GAS TANK TRAILER Piggyback Flat Car HO Lionel $68.88 |
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LIONEL 9126 CHESAPEAKE & OHIO TRAILER TRAIN FLAT CAR $9.99 |
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Athearn Genesis HO 89′ Flat Car – Trailer Train #154880 $29.96 |
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Athearn Genesis HO 89′ Flat Car – Trailer Train #155594 $29.96 |
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Athearn Genesis HO 89′ Flat Car – Trailer Train #155645 $29.96 |
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Athearn Genesis HO 89′ Flat Car – Trailer Train #155699 $29.96 |
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LIONEL PENNS NEW IN BOXYLVANIA FLAT CAR WITH TRAILERS 6-16303 $14.99 |
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InterMountain Railway Company Trailer Train 60′ Wood Deck Flat Car Kit OTTX 9213 $12.00 |
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Royal American Circus Flatcar & White Trailer $21.00 |
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Circus Flatcar & two 24′ Trailers #4 $25.00 |
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LIONEL TONY STEWART FLAT CAR WITH TRAILER O SCALE NEW IN BOX $0.99 |
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Athearn # 92734 Trailer Train 60′ Flat Car w/2 Stake Bed Truck Loads NIB! $19.99 |
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MTH Railking Rolling Rock Flat Car with Trailer 30-76375 O Scale $55.00 |
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HO Scale Athearn Trains in Minature Trailer Train 60′ Flat Car #OTTX 90238 $10.71 |
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Z SCALE BULK HEAD FLAT CAR MTL TRAILER TRAIN RUNNER 4-PK NEW RELEASE LOT $46.00 |
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Micro-Trains Trailer Train 60′ Flat Car Four Car Runner Pack $9.51 |
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Walthers Gold Line(TM) HO Scale Mark III Flexi-Van Flatcar with Two Trailers Ready to Run Illinois Central #903 $45.86 Illinois Central #903 HO scale PLEASE NOTE: As these cars are the correct prototype length, a minimum 24″ radius is recommended for operation. Flexi-Vans Traveled In Freight & Passenger Consists * All-New Tooling * Includes Two Road-Specific Trailers * Use on Freight or Passenger Trains Walthers Gold Line Freight Cars * Fully Assembled * Metal RP-25 Wheels * Knuckle Couplers * Razor-Shar… |
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Walthers Gold Line(TM) HO Scale Mark III Flexi-Van Flatcar with Two Trailers Ready to Run Milwaukee Road #7025 $49.99 Milwaukee Road #7025 HO scale PLEASE NOTE: As these cars are the correct prototype length, a minimum 24″ radius is recommended for operation. Flexi-Vans Traveled In Freight & Passenger Consists * All-New Tooling * Includes Two Road-Specific Trailers * Use on Freight or Passenger Trains Walthers Gold Line Freight Cars * Fully Assembled * Metal RP-25 Wheels * Knuckle Couplers * Razor-Sharp… |
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Atlas Trailer Train #974777 89′4Flatcar HO Scale Freight Car $36.99 … |
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Trailer-on-flatcar: An economic analysis of piggyback transportation in New England ; excerpts from a Ph.D. dissertation (Research report to Federal Reserve Bank of Boston) … |
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Trailer-on-flatcar transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables: The Southwest and Florida (Staff paper) … |
