Mark IV Flexi-Van Flatcar w/Two Trailers - Ready to Run - Gold Line(TM) -- Merchants Despatch #9697

Intermodal Cars for Freight & Passenger Consists * Mark IV Version * Includes Two Road-Specific Trailers * Use on Freight or Passenger Trains * Ready to Run * Metal RP-25 Wheels * Proto MAX(TM) Metal Knuckle Couplers * Razor-Sharp Paint and Lettering * Modeler-Installed Grab Irons Included As trailer-on-flat-car (TOFC) service evolved in the late 50s, many roads began trying to cut costs, opening the door to new ideas. Among these was the Flexi-Van system, first tested by the New York Central in 1957. Designed to speed loading and unloading, the design used a special turntable (mounted on a standard flat car for testing), and a 36' trailer with a removable wheel assembly (bogie). In operation, the trailer was first aligned with the turntable and backed into place. The bogie was then unlocked and the trailer slid aboard. Once in position, a pin locked the trailer to the turntable, which was turned to the loaded position using the on-board hydraulics