89' Thrall Tri-Level Enclosed Auto Carrier - Ready to Run - Platinum Line(TM) -- Norfolk Southern Rack #31700, Flat ETTX #171555 (brown Rack & Flat)

Over half of all new autos make their first long trip by train, riding in enclosed tri-level auto rack cars. Since autos are smaller and shorter than trucks or vans, the third deck increases carrying capacity; usually 15 mid-size or 18 compact cars make up a full load. As some of the longest and tallest equipment in operation, tunnels, bridges or other obstructions can present routing problems that require detours. To avoid this, a modified tri-level design was introduced in the mid 1970s. The 89' flat car that carries the rack is a special low-level car, easily identified by the side-sill cut outs that provide left and right side clearance for the trucks. In place of the usual 33" wheels, these cars ride on smaller 28" wheels to further reduce overall height. In service with most major roads, they can be found in the staging areas of every auto assembly plant, as well as reloading with import cars for their return trip. Fully assembled and ready for service, these H