Cars: 712846, 712849, 712853, 712952
Prototype Information:
The Autorack (or “Auto Carrier”) is a piece of railroad rolling stock built for a specific purpose – to transport cars. Commonly used to transport cars from the manufacturer to larger automotive distributors (before they’re loaded onto the semis that are commonly seen on highways), they are also used on services such as Amtrak’s Auto Train – a special train which operates between Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL in which passengers can load their cars aboard any one of the 20-30 trailing Autorack cars and enjoy a luxurious ride down the United States’ east coast, the end of which they can take their car with them for the continuation of their journey.
This particular type of Autorack is quite modern – first introduced in 2004 in Canada, this fully enclosed autorack is built with an Aluminum shell that is more weather resistant than the older style “open” or “grated” Autorack cars, and with a roomier interior and smoother ride that better protects the cars within.
Model Features:
- All wheel electrical pickup on blackened metal wheels promise a smooth ride with the capacity for aftermarket additions such as FREDs or other EOT lights.
- Modern appearance matching the Amtrak body style (CP and CN versions will use finely printed detail to replicate the perforations along the side of the body).
- Arranged in packages of four with individually printed car numbers.
- The Amtrak versions of this release will be an ideal match for Phase IVb Superliners for modeling the Amtrak Autotrain!