Intermodal Modeler’s Guide, Volume 2

In this second volume of the Intermodal Modeler’s Guide you will find a wealth of information to assist you in modeling the current railroad scene. The special section on United Parcel Service, and subsidiary Martrac, looks at the equipment and operations of UPS via Americaís railroads. The UPS strike in August 1997 revealed how important UPS’s role is to American business. While the strike affected many, a lesser-known result was the effect the strike had on the railroads that transport UPS intermodal equipment, as UPS-dedicated trains ceased operating and other shippers increased their rail usage as they scrambled to pick up the load.

But UPS is still a relatively small player when it comes to intermodal operations as a whole. And so, much of this volume is dedicated to modeling the rail equipment used to carry the trailers and containers that make up the intermodal fleet. Other subjects include 48’ exterior-post containers, prototype equipment numbering, refrigerator equipment and conspicuity striping. All of the articles contained in this second volume of the Intermodal Modeler’s Guide were originally published in Model Railroading magazine between November 1995 and May 1997.

In its basic form “intermodal” equipment goes back to ancient times when the first loaded wagon was transported on a barge, boat or ship. For centuries, there was little, if any, advancement in intermodal shipping. To my knowledge, history does not record the first time a loaded wagon was placed on a flatcar (or in a boxcar), thus starting the railroads’ role in intermodal transportation.

One of the earliest ventures with specialized equipment occurred when the Lake Shore Electric in Ohio experimented with special “railwagons.” Although development began in 1929, they didn’t go into service until January 1931. These railwagons were short (about 15'), outside-braced semi-trailers with independently mounted rear wheels and landing-gear supports. Three railwagons were backed onto an open-centered loading platform that straddled a loading track. At the far end of the loading platform there was a tapered ramp. A specialized freight car which consisted of little more than a steel center beam with bolsters was backed under the platform. Latches loosely hooked the railwagons to this car, and then the car was pulled forward. As it went forward, the railwagon wheels rolled down the ramp until each railwagon was fully supported by the center-beam car. The process was reversed for unloading.

Although the Lake Shore’s experiment was a failure (service ended within two to three months) it marked the beginning of a trend by the railroads to expedite the shipment of goods via specialized intermodal equipment. This trend has continued to grow to such an extent that if you model today’s railroads, you must be an intermodal modeler. This series of books is dedicated to you.

Randy Lee - Editor/Publisher

Intermodal Modeler's Guide, Vol 2 - Table Of Contents