Story and Photos by Harry K. Wong
At first glance, the rise of the automobile as the dominant mode of passenger transportation might seem at odds with the railroad industry. Yet the two have developed a surprisingly symbiotic relationship, with railroads playing a vital role in moving auto parts to assembly plants and finished vehicles to market.
When the Chrysler Corporation’s minivan design surged in popularity around 1990, a new challenge emerged. The slightly taller vehicles could fit only on the upper deck of a standard 19-foot tri-level auto rack — far from an efficient solution. In response, the ten member railroads of Trailer Train placed orders for a new generation of tri-level auto carriers built a full 12 inches taller, reaching 20’ 2” above the rail — the same maximum height as a loaded intermodal double-stack car. Lettered with TTQX reporting marks, these extra-height racks could accommodate minivans on all three decks.
Over the next decade, the fleet grew to a peak of 1,090 cars. However, clearance restrictions and limited adoption by other automakers confined the 20’ 2” racks to specific routes. By 2010, most had been retired or rebuilt to the standard 19-foot height.
The Model
Recently released from Class One Model Works are highly detailed replicas of the distinctive 20’ 2” TTQX autoracks, offered in four different body styles and mounted on either the Pullman-Standard PLH10W or the F89CHW flatcar designs.
Out of the box, these big models are impressive not only in size, but in the fidelity of detail execution for such a big car. The details begin with multiple etched stamped perforated see-through metal side panels, followed by separately applied grab irons, metal stirrup steps, wire formed cut levers, POM plastic air hoses, and a full complement of multi-layered brake rigging beneath the side sills.
The most impressive feature of these cars are the exquisitely etched apertures in each side panel that deliver a highly realistic translucent appearance that is finer than most. This is especially apparent when light shines through from the other side. Secondly, unlike prior iterations of HO scale auto racks with similar etched metal see-through side panels, the construction of these cars is solid, delivering a sturdy feel in hand with all three decks in place behind the side panels. On our production models, all parts were carefully assembled and in proper alignment, with no loose parts noted.
The Family
Class One Model Works divides the TTQX fleet into four visually distinct groups: Types A, B, C, and D. Types A and B represent cars built new as 20-foot-2-inch autoracks from the outset, with Type B distinguished by a heavier, taller end sill compared to Type A. Types C and D depict cars converted from conventional 19-foot tri-level racks. Type C cars feature a raised roof supported by reinforced vertical add-on posts, while Type D cars are identified by their distinctive “C”-channel vertical posts beneath the extended roofline. In addition, Types A and B are equipped with 10-rung side ladders, whereas the converted Types C and D carry 11-rung ladders…
