Western Pacific Railroad Airstream Trailers, Bet You Didn't Know About Them.

scale railOGR Forum Member

These trailers would make a great flatcar load. The 1962 Western Pacific Airstream below is one of ten commissioned by the Western Pacific Railroad company. These 40-foot trailers were used as private train cars by the foremen maintaining the railroad. The trailers were created by riveting two 20-foot trailers, making the 1962 Western Pacific Airstream symmetrical from end to end. The "double" trailer was then mounted on a 50’ railroad car. There are still five in private hands. Don

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3/19/1910:07 PM

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geysergazerOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Airstreams are actually quite heavy. There is no way a 40 footer could be supported on on two axles. As well, while two 20ft superstructures might indeed be "riveted together" the frame beneath would have to be engineered completely differently. Think massive.

"The "double" trailer was then mounted on a 50’ railroad car." Ah. There it is. Not a highway trailer at all. Supported by a flatcar under-frame.

Lew

3/19/1910:22 PM

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scale railOGR Forum Member

Lew, you missed your chance. It was recently auctioned off for $210,000 at The Mecum Denver Auction.

Don

3/19/1910:29 PM

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coach joeOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Don you would have won the bet. I never knew about them and I'm definitely not the only one. One learns so many things reading this forum.

3/20/197:00 AM

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Number 90OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Coach Joe and I are in the same boat. Who would have guessed. Thanks for shedding light on this little-known fact about the small but mighty Western Pacific.

3/20/198:07 AM

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