Today I am reviewing an intermodal car from Walthers, the NSC 3-unit well car. This is by no means a new product, I have had mine for about 2 years now, but given the demand for intermodal models, I thought it would be appropriate. As a general rule, James and I never review a model that is out of production, and these are still being made. I don't think the road numbers I have are still available, but the car type is.
The real cars are quite new, and are able to carry 53' containers on the bottom of the well. 53' containers are currently the maximum length allowed on the US roads, so these are some of the longest intermodal platforms on the tracks. Unlike most intermodal cars, which have two platforms sharing a single truck, these cars have two trucks per platform with each platform connected by a drawbar. When I was roaming the rails this past July, I noticed these cars on virtually every stack train I saw.
These models are part of Walthers Gold Line series and come packed with all the regular features. As per the prototype, the three platforms are connected by drawbars rather than sharing a truck. The paint job is correct, and all the lettering is visible and legible. The cars include white visibility striping on the top sill, just like the prototype. There is a brake wheel on each end, and each platform is labeled "A", "C", and "B" like on the real thing. There are virtually no grab irons on the car, so they are all factory applied.
The cars come equipped with Proto-Max knuckle couplers, which I replaced with Kadee #58s when I bought the cars, although now I would put Sergent Engineering couplers on the cars. The drawbars go into identical pockets as the couplers, so make sure you have the platforms in the correct order. I do not like this setup, because you have to unscrew the coupler pockets to take the car off the track and put it back in the box. If you have a big enough layout that you leave your rolling stock on the layout all the time, this shouldn't be a problem. The cars are die cast and have no problems staying on the track when they are empty. Despite the die cast body, the empty car weighs in at a mere 4.23 ounces per platform, far below the NMRA recommended 6.125 ounces. I did not weigh the car with containers, but that would make it heavier.
If you are modeling modern day intermodal trains, this excellent model from Walthers will fit right into your fleet. It will look good hauling containers across your layout, and will do so reliably. I have two models of this car, and I am glad I spent the money on them.
Price: $54.98
Available road names: TTX Company
2 comments:
//Wishing I could fit these into my operating scheme...
(also, I spy personal info on a sticky note on the computer...might want to Photoshop that out. Just a friendly FYI)
Thanks for the warning, it's been fixed. I'll bring them to your layout next time I come, just for fun, if you want...I hope you still have containers because I don't have enough to fill them!
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