THE TOFC

 

TOFC simply means “Trailer On Flat Car’’, whilst the other name is “Piggy-Back’’. This system first appeared in the mid-1950’s in USA and is a well known kind of freight with whole trains of trailers crossing the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

 

The loading gauge in the USA is taller than in Europe, so there is the height to put trailers directly onto flat cars without the need for the depressed centre type. These flat cars are equipped with guides to help the trailer wheels to stay on the car during transit.

The 53’ Santa Fe flat car

 

There being a lack of realistic TOFC flat cars, I use Atlas models by modifying the deck with added styrene sides and end loading plates.

After a coat of paint, it looks like a commercial model…

My N scale models

Above left : the original model equipped with Micro-Trains bogies and couplers, and with the modified deck. The photo was shot just before painting.

 

Right : two 25’ trailers loaded on a flat car. The trailers are Atlas models decorated with the aid of my printer. They match the Santa Fe scheme of the late 1950’s.

Above left and right : the trailer ready for painting. The hinges and door latches can be seen.

 

 

 

Left : the finished trailer painted, weathered, and with addition of the ’’San Juan System TOFC service’’ logo.

The 30’ trailer

 

In 2003 there were not available models of the older type of trailer, so using Evergreen styrene I scratchbuilt a 30’ long trailer in the style of the 1950’s. Since then good quality models of this type have become commercially available from CMW.

I used Atlas wheels and jacks. The body was painted with Humbrol enamel. A little weathering and SJV lettering adds to the realism of the model.

 

Other models are under construction...

 

The 25’ trailers

 

These are Atlas models that I have chosen to repaint to provide an SJV version.

Another CMW trailer on a Micro-Trains flat car modified with running boards and equipment to haul the trailers onto the car.

The 32’ Aerovan trailer and IH R-190 truck

 

For a Classic Metal Works truck and trailer, I have made and printed SJV lettering.

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