This is kinda out of my area of model railroading. I model the 1950 and earlier. I do have some locos and cars up into the 1970's but nothing real modern. Then my grandkids come along and they love my trains but I wanted something they might recognize on my layout as they don't connect with 40ft box cars and 8000 gal tankers. So I start getting some more modern equipment. I buy two WbB Dash 9 diesels and reapint for CSX as that's what runs near their home. I was going to get 12-15 modern hoppers but that was difficult. So I went with Intermodal....not seen as often around here but modern for sure.
Learning about scale Intermodal I found that true scale units are costly and even traditional or Rail King size cars were not cheap.
Then someone posted a photo of his scratchbuilt Intermodal cars so I thought I'd try. I designed a car somewhat based on Thrall prototype. It's traditional size to go with the other cars I had already bought. I cut the basic body on a laser table from .040 plastic. Lionel roller bearing trucks (I have a BUNCH of them), a Selley brake wheel and Plastruct ladder stock are the only parts I used. I will apply the walk ways after paint and my own designed decals.
The container shown is a semi scale 20 ft container built so I can run two on the lower level of the car. I have enjoyed building the car and now will cut out half a dozen more and my Intermodal train will be complete. I'll post more pics when I get this one complete. THX
