Model Railroading > Athearn Flatcar Question

Does anyone own an Athearn Genesis F89-F 89' flatcar? If so, I'd like to know if the ramps (in the hitch area) are molded in-place or are they separate pieces? I really can't tell by viewing Athearn's website. Thanks...... CSX ENG

CSX_ENG Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Does anyone own an Athearn Genesis F89-F 89'
> flatcar? If so, I'd like to know if the ramps (in
> the hitch area) are molded in-place or are they
> separate pieces? I really can't tell by viewing
> Athearn's website. Thanks...... CSX ENG

The ramps (Deck Risers per Athearns instruction sheet) at the hitches are a separate piece, where the body is drilled and the ramps are glued in place. There are pre-cast hole locators on the bottom of the carbody, so the assembly plant knows exactly where to drill. Whati I am not sure of is if the ramps are glued prior to or post painting. I have a TT TTX reporting marked F89F to modify myself for a pipe load, see my thread below regarding MoonDog Rails' Pipeloads.

Russ



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/05/12 07:55 by NSTopHat.

I was wondering the same thing after seeing your post on the MoonDog pipe loads. If anyone finds out, please let me know. I would like to make some of the pipe loads for our club layout. Thanks!

NSTopHat Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> CSX_ENG Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Does anyone own an Athearn Genesis F89-F 89'
> > flatcar? If so, I'd like to know if the ramps
> (in
> > the hitch area) are molded in-place or are they
> > separate pieces? I really can't tell by viewing
> > Athearn's website. Thanks...... CSX ENG
>
> The ramps (Deck Risers per Athearns instruction
> sheet) at the hitches are a separate piece, where
> the body is drilled and the ramps are glued in
> place. There are pre-cast hole locators on the
> bottom of the carbody, so the assembly plant knows
> exactly where to drill. Whati I am not sure of is
> if the ramps are glued prior to or post painting.
> I have a TT TTX reporting marked F89F to modify
> myself for a pipe load, see my thread below
> regarding MoonDog Rails' Pipeloads.
>
> Russ

I would like to add a comment about the Genesis 89' flat.

I have found their car sits too high. On my club layout, with its undulating track, I find the cars uncouple especially when you put the Kadee #158's on the car and couple up with Walthers and Atlas cars. I am surprised I haven't read about others noticing the coupler height difference. I just completed a mini project of lowering these cars by milling a bit off of the truck bolster.

Rick

he are glued on but come off easily with a chisel xacto blade. The ca r was painted before th hump is installed.

Mongo

Special thanks to all who helped in answering my question! Yep, I'd like to get buy a car or two, modify the deck (remove the deck risers) and then add a Moondog pipe load.