Dimi-Trains - 3000 - Gondola, Sugar Beet - Undecorated

Model Information: These gondolas feature high sides, but are otherwise similar to the Dimi-Trains General Service Gondola model. This model, as well as the General Service Gondola, was later sold as a built-up model by Intermountain. Note that it is sold either as 'Sugar Beet' or 'Wood Chip', though this is the same model in both cases.

Prototype History: Originally, beet racks (as they wee always called) were flat cars with plank sides built up. These were called racks. The name stuck when they went to the drop bottom composite gons in the early 50s. These were used without extensions in the 50s but the extensions were added to increase capacity.

The beet gons were really a piece of junk, equipment wise. They were only used for a few months out of the year. Their trucks had friction bearings, and they had AB control valves which contributed to the brake system not being quite as good as a freight car equipped with an ABD control valve.

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: Dimi Trains is a n scale company that either is very small or doesn't exist anymore. I cant' find much information on them, but recall seeing ads in all my old Model Railroader magazines. Their toolings are currently being produced by Tichy Train Group.