Does anyone know if this is a bi-level or tri-level autorack? Do any other pictures exist of these? I'd be interested in modeling one. Seems like a great idea for M-T or RC, depending on the number of levels. Thanks,
I just found the Trainboard thread from '02 about this. It doesn't appear that there are many photos of Frisco enclosed autoracks out there.
Here are some images I scanned from the Morning Sun Book " Frisco/Katy Color Guide to Freight Equipment". None are enclosed bi-levels though. Sorry those were not allowed in Railimages, pm me and maybe I can get them to you some how.
Not sure if there are Frisco models in N, but Walthers did put them out in HO. I have some in my collection......
When you consider that the Frisco pioneered autoracks, it is disgraceful that not one of the three N scale manufacturers of autoracks has ever made any Frisco cars or have even announced plans to do any in the future.
Hello Tim - If you could make out the ETTX, BTTX, Etc... Number - you can go to a railway equipment register book (like a phone book, I have a couple if you cannot find someone with one)... It will list what type it is (Bi-Level/Tri-Level) and who owns it, length, etc... My guess is that is a Bi-Level based on the Whitehead and Kales style sturup step... But not 100% sure... This would be hard to do in HO as nobody makes this flat... I do have a picture of a Tri-Level similar to Walthers - ETTX (which is one of the Tri-Level rack flats - 28" Wheels)... It was shot in STL 2-93... I cannot scan a picture as my personal home office is being remodeled, but It is similar to the one you have pictured... Good luck and Happy modeling! -Ed
Hello Tim - I cannot be for sure, but I would guess it to be a Bi-Level... Many of the Whitehead/Kales styles where Bi-Levels... However, if you can read the flat number (BTTX, ETTX, TTGX, Etc...) One could find out through a handy Railway Equipment register... Looks like a phone book but lists every detail about every freight car and every railroad... I do have a picture taken in STL on 2-93 of a Frisco orange Tri-Level on a ETTX flat #'d 852266 with 28" wheels... I cannot scan the picture at the moment, but it is similar to the one you have posted... You also might deduce what kind it is based on the the train direction/Symbol/Location - headed from an area with an auto plant that produces Ford vans, then it would be a Bi-Level... Just a long shot... Well, hope that helps... Hope all is well back in St. Peters - I grew up there, went to All Saints - now living in Denver... Take care, Ed
Oh, and just found another pic of a Tri-Level - ETTX 820943... Rack # SL-SF R-304 built 4-79... You can model two now! Best regards, -Ed
Thanks Ed. The best starting point to model a bi-level appears to be RC's Milwaukee Road (no placard). The CN black model has the correct placard, but MILW yellow would be easier to cover with Frisco orange. For a tri-level, I can't find an M-T model with the correct placard, so the best option would probably be the ATSF or BNSF version with no placard, like I used for my Mopac racks. Maybe we should suggest a Frisco tri-level to Micro-Trains. I think RC has stated that they are not producing any more roadnames. My niece plays soccer for All Saints - small world, huh? Thanks again for the info!
