GHQ Models - 50006 - Flatcar, Heavy Duty, Depressed Center - Undecorated

Model Information: Roco first produced this model for Minitrix. It appears in the Minitrix 1970 catalog priced at $2.50 each in four road names. It has also been imported by Aurora (Postage Stamp) , ER-Models and Model Power

Prototype History: A flatcar (US) (also flat car (US) or flat wagon (UIC)) is a piece of railroad (US) or railway (non-US) rolling stock that consists of an open, flat deck mounted on a pair of trucks (US) or bogies (UK), one at each end containing four or six wheels. Occasionally, flat cars designed to carry extra heavy or extra large loads are mounted on a pair (or rarely, more) of bogeys under each end . The deck of the car can be wood or steel, and the sides of the deck can include pockets for stakes or tie-down points to secure loads. Flatcars designed for carrying machinery have sliding chain assemblies recessed in the deck.

Depressed center flat cars are of a special construction having the portion of floor extending between trucks depressed to provide necessary overhead clearance for lading. When large and heavy loads need to be moved long distances railroads are often the best choice for the job. These loads are often tall enough that they wouldn't pass safely under bridges or other obstacles if carried on conventional flat cars. To provide extra clearance, railroads use heavy-duty, depressed center flat cars. The lower center deck provides several inches of extra clearance, and since the cargo does not have to be lifted as high, loading and unloading is easier.

Road Name History: Although they may be molded in color, unpainted and unlettered, undecorated products are marketed to modelers who seek to custom decorate their models for private roads and/or road and/or company names that were not commercially produced by any of the major manufacturers.

Undecorated models are frequently also unassembled or only partially assembled and required modelers to be comfortable with glue, paint and sometimes solder in order to prepare their models for display. Materials for these models can vary but often include plastic, pewter and resin. Models may or may not come with decals or other decorations such as plastic signage, railings and ladders to enhance the appearance of the final product.

Brand/Importer Information: GHQ has been a leader in the fine scale model industry since 1967. Over the years, we have dabbled in various model railroading projects. In 1993, we made a concerted effort to enter the N-Scale market. Our first offering was a Mi-Jack straddle crane. From there we went on to produce the finest line of N-Scale vehicles ever made.

Our vehicles have received glowing reviews from many model railroading magazines, including Model Railroader, N-Scale, Model Railroad News, Railmodel Journal, Model Railroading, and Railroad Model Craftsman.

All of the kits that you see listed on our website are available, but these kits are not in constant production. When overall customer interest on kits wanes, those items will be pulled. So, if you see something that you want, buy while it is available.

GHQ 28100 Woodside Rd Shorewood, MN 55331 Telephone (612-374-2693) Fax (952-470-4428)