O scale heavy duty 4-xle 50 foot flatcar designated for use as an "idler railcar".
This O scale model is a 50 foot 4-axle flatcar with an extra heavy duty under frame. A special feature is the use of articulated truck bolsters which allow the car to operate on small radius curves. Because each truck is allowed to shift side to side the car can operate more smoothly through turnouts and yards. The model also features a low center of gravity for additional stability. Although this flatcar model could be used for general purpose lading it is intended for use as an "idler" or "buffer" car. Note: Other details such as grab rails and underbody brake lines to be added to the model.
The following information was obtained from the Norfolk Southern website. An idler is an empty car placed between your shipment and the next load. Idlers are required for shipments that overhang the end sills of a railcar and/or are of excessive weight as determined by the NS engineering department.
