Fox Valley - Promo-08 - Boxcar, 40 Foot, Steel Single Door - Fox Valley - 110908

Specific Item Information: FVM 110908 – Milw Rd 40’ Boxcar with short ribs (they stop at the ladders). This car mimics the later Billboard style lettering.

Model Information: This model is one of Fox Valley's earlier N Scale models. It has some nice detail such as the roofwalk (I think it is etched metal), roof-mounted grab-irons and brake wheel platform (also etched metal). The molding of the other details is quite nice as well, but a molded ladder or grab iron is never quite as nice as a separately applied detail part. Also, the underframe detail is a bit overwhelming, especially when compared to a newer Trainworx or Atlas Master car. Unlike later FVM productions this car lacks body-mount couplers. The early releases also lack FVM's world class metal wheels. Later releases have metal wheels. Fortunately, the trucks and couplers on the early releases are MTL OEM and produce a typical high quality operation both in the couplers and smooth rolling wheels.

Prototype History: Steel boxcars became a common site in the post-WWII period (also known as the transition era). Steel construction resulted in a lighter, lower-maintenance car that was less expensive to acquire and operate. The economies of scale that happened during the war along with a cessation of orders from the military resulted in a plentiful, inexpensive source of metal and aluminum for the railcar manufacturers which in turn led a complete replacement of the aging wood-sheathed fleets with new steel cars.

Road Name History: Precision Master's assets sold to Red Caboose in March of 1998. Fortunately, Red Caboose continued to release these models until they also sold their assets to Fox Valley Models. Again fortunately, we continue to see releases of these excellent quality models via Fox Valley with InterMountain trains helping with distribution.

Brand/Importer Information: Fox Valley Models is a small supplier of model railroad and related products. FVM started by finding solutions to different challenges that model railroaders were faced with. Our first products resulted from a need to equip custom built passenger cars with tinted windows made of an ideal material; thin, flexible, easy to cut, simple to install, available in multiple colors and be affordable. We met those needs and even included a frosted version for the car's lavatory windows.

Other challenges inspired additional products including wooden grade crossings, trestles and different lineside structures. As our product line expands, input and requests from friends and customers help shape the product selection further.

Future products, under development, include more parts, structures, details and rolling stock. We strive to offer a good quality product at an affordable price.