I would like to convert 6 flat cars I have into Army or DOD flat cars with military loads from the 90's on. They are 50' and what color should they be painted? Also any decals out there for the Army or DOD?
Thx, Dave
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I think all DOD flatcars have the reporting mark DODX. Colors vary. Could be green, brown, red, or yellow.
Most modern DOD flats are either 89ft for trucks and light armor or 60ft Heavy Duty types for heavy tanks.
Google DODX or military train to search for pictures.
I have seen personally hundreds of these flats per train roar and screech south at full speed. I did not take pictures because of the obselete attitude towards loose lips sinks ships back in the Iraqi Invasion of 2003 when the rail activity was at it's peak.
It seemed every flat that can carry something of all kinds, colors lengths etc. Roadnames too. Quite a few were DODX And they seemed some to be relics from the past barring interchange limits. They were needed and fast.
I have seen some loaded military cargo, generally with the weapons removed and small crates, tarps and treatment all over the vehicles of different kinds.
Today it is common to see at least one to three Bradley being hauled north sans guns and external fittings. The 18 wheelers would take them north on low boy flats. The condition of the APC's showed battle and wear. And probably are headed to either Ohio or Kentuck for rebuilding or scrap.
You tube would provide a friendly user viewing for these military trains.
When they were loading the Maritime Prepositioning Ships at our local port most of the material came by rail from a Marine Corps base in Georgia. I would watch 80-100 car trains of their wheeled equipment (trucks, humvees, trailers, armored cars) loaded on TrailerTrain flat cars. I don't recall seeing any military railroad cars.
Jan
