S&R Special Edition Railroad Models - 3901 - Trailer, 40 Foot, Box - Campbell 66 Express

Model Information: These models go back to the early days of Atlas. They first appear as loads on Roco-made Atlas flatcars in the 1969 catalog. Later Atlas acquired the tooling for both the flatcars and the trailer loads from Roco and started producing them in their New Jersey facility. In 2004, Atlas decided to market the trailer loads as a standalone product in 2-unit blister packs.

Prototype History: 40-foot trailers are still widely used as inter-rail containers. 40 foot is a good length to fit on a 50 foot TOFC flatcar as they provide some room on both ends for safety and sloppy loading. They generally come with a 96" width and are rated for 55,000 pounds. They were never as popular as 48 foot trailers because of the more limited load size. Even 48 foot trailers gave way to 53' models when the laws governing highway transportation changed.

Box vans are known as such for their rectilinear proportions. Their simple design makes them easy to manufacture and maintain.

Road Name History: Campbell 66 Express was founded by Franklin George Campbell in 1926 in Springfield, Missouri. Originally started as Campbell Fuel & Transfer it became Campbell 66 Express, Inc. when a local banker asked Frank if he would take over Rapid “66” Express, a truck line operating down Route 66 from St.Louis to Springfield. It was 1933.

The pattern of expansion by the major truck lines came to an end with the passing of the Deregulation Act of 1980. For 45 years the regulated trucking industry had operated under strict regulation and the new Act was such a drastic change that many vanished. Campbell “66” was one of many that disappeared. In 1986 after 60 years the Company declared patch-0311bankruptcy and its status as a Missouri Corporation was ended in 1997.

Brand/Importer Information: S&R Models - also known as Special Edition Railroad Models (℠) - was a custom decorator located in Jacksonville, FL.