Rapido 1024002-5 - HO NSC 89' Bi-Level Autorack: CPR - Script w/ large panel: Single Car #540052

Rapido 1024002-5 - HO NSC 89' Bi-Level Autorack: CPR - Script w/ large panel: Single Car #540052

 The Rapido HO Scale NSC 89’ Autorack Features:

• Newly tooled from original blueprints and measurements
• Full underbody details and airline piping
• Separate metal grab irons
• Etched-metal safety mesh screen on appropriate cars
• Semi-scale metal knuckle couplers
• Free-rolling trucks with profiled metal wheelsets
• Suggested minimum radius: 22"

In 1962, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific acquired their first 89’ tri-level autoracks. The tri-level autorack was designed to transport automobiles across three compact levels of “racks”. The cars were driven onto the racks and then tied down for transport. The racks were built by Whitehead & Kales of Detroit, Michigan, while the 89’ flat car was produced by National Steel Car of Hamilton, Ontario. Follow up orders were placed every year from 1963 through 1965! A fourth order by CP was placed in 1968, despite more modern designs being constructed. Over 400 were produced for CN while CP accumulated over 300 of these autoracks.

To transport light trucks and utility vehicles, the bi-level version of this autorack was created in 1964. More orders for the CN and CP were placed in 1965. CP created a third order between 1969 and 1970, bringing their total to 202 bi-levels while CN rostered 125.

What makes these autoracks stand out are the long service lives, cars featuring safety screens and their overall open design. Many of these autoracks ran well into the early-2000s, carrying modern vehicles! You don’t need to have a 1970s layout to enjoy these cars!