75' Auto Carrier - Ready-to-Run Single Car -- Auto Train Corporation (Short & Tall Ladders, Roofwalk)

In late 1957, Canadian National introduced a new design and a new concept with its specialized Automobile Double Deck Transporter. Borrowing a page from the automobile box cars of the past, the design allowed new autos to be shipped securely under cover and loaded or unloaded quickly through end doors. What set them apart was the 75' length and the fixed interior loading racks. (Evidence suggests this design may have later influenced the development of high-cube box cars as well as tri-level auto rack cars.) Several cars were eventually sold to the Auto Train Corporation, which began operations on December 6, 1971. Once again, the cars were in the auto hauling business, but this time as part of a privately operated passenger train running nonstop between Virginia and Florida. This novel approach allowed families to relax enroute and save the expense of having to rent a car on arrival. As financial problems mounted, the Auto Train operation was eve