The Southern Railway was a technology pioneer in launching unmanned radio-controlled helper operations over much of its operating territory in the 1960s by using radio signals to communicate throttle and brake positions to the unmanned helper locomotive set operating further back in the train.  Prior to the miniaturization of electronic controls, installing this bulky and expensive “Locotrol” radio control equipment in a dedicated freight car or old locomotive body with standard m.u. connections provided greater flexibility and lower cost than equipping a dedicated fleet of locomotives with Locotrol.   Resembling a boxcar, but without side doors, 50 of these purpose-built radio control receiver cars were built by Berwick  and delivered to the Southern Railway in 1966.

Available now from State Tool and Die Company are easy-to-build “shake the box” kits of Southern Railway’s “Radio Cars” in both early and late paint schemes. Each kit includes a fully painted and decorated single-piece body shell and underframe upon which end ladders, brass radio antennas, m.u. hoses and brake gear – all included – are to be attached.  Every kit also provides trucks, metal wheels, weight and genuine Kadee couplers.  Two Southern  liveries are available – early and late (1980s repaint). $85 each, available direct.

State Tool & Die, statetoolanddie.com