The flat car is perhaps the oldest of railroad cars, predating even the steam locomotive. From the very beginning, it was useful for commodities that could not have fit into a covered car. As far back as 1834, the horse-drawn Granite Railway in Quincy, Massachusetts ganged four of its four-wheel flatcars together to ship 60-ton granite blocks destined to be made into columns for the new Boston Court House.
On its customer Web site, the Union Pacific Railroad characterizes modern flat cars like this model as available “in a variety of lengths, tonnage and capacities for specialized commodities that are not subject to damage from the elements.” Attributes are listed as “easier to load and unload freight,” “can drive machinery directly
on to the car,” and nailable wood (as in our model) or steel floors that allow “nail blocking and bracing to the floor for a damagefree, secure shipment.” For shipping large or bulky items, from machinery and vehicles to steel plates, pipes, and beams, the flat car has been the solution for nearly two centuries.
MTH Premier O Scale freight cars are the perfect complement to any manufacturer’s scale proportioned O Gauge locomotives. Whether you prefer to purchase cars separately or assemble a unit train, MTH Premier Rolling Stock has the cars for you in a variety of car types and paint schemes.
Virtually every sturdy car is offered in two car numbers which makes it even easier than ever to combine them into a mult-car consist. Many of MTH’s Premier Rolling Stock offerings can also operate on the tightest O Gauge curves giving them even more added versatitlity to your layout.
