Classic Metal Works Vans Question

[Kisatchie]

Are the Classic Metal Works 40' (or are they 32'?) Aerovans suitable for intermodal shipping circa 1971?

EDIT: specifically, on Micro-Trains 89'4" flats.

I can get some cheap, but I just want to make sure rivet counters can't criticize me (before I throw them out of the layout room I hope to have some day).


Hmm... and some day it'll
rain gold nuggets...

[wazzou]

I think the whole idea behind 89' flats was to haul 45' trailers which succeeded 40' trailers. 
So the answer would be not on a regular basis, if ever.

[cfritschle]

The Aerovans would have been retired from general service by 1971, although some could have been around as storage trailers or company materials trailers.

The Athearn 40-ft and Trainworx 40-ft trailers would be the best choices for intermodal service in that time period.

Carter

[pennsyfan1361]

What year were the 45' trailers introduce and legal in all states?      Rich

[nkalanaga]

45' trailers didn't appear until the very late 70s or early 80s.  The 89' flatcars spent the 60s and most of the 70s hauling 40' trailers.

Why they chose 89' over the earlier 85' I don't know.

40' trailers appeared in the mid 50s, so I doubt that many 32' were carried on 89' flatcars.  They certainly weren't used for intermodal in 1971.

[Kisatchie]

Thanks for all the interesting info. If anyone wants some of these trailers/tractors cheap ($5.99 per pair), check out MB Klein's special sale:

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/N-Scale-Trucks-and-Trailers-s/1534.htm?searching=Y&sort=3&cat=1534&show=30&page=1&brand=Classic%20Metal%20Works


Hmm... I suppose I
could backdate my
layout...

[Bangorboy]

Thanks!

Snagged a few vehicles at very good prices.

Bill B
South Okaloosa N Scalers

[cfritschle]

What year were the 45' trailers introduce and legal in all states?      Rich

The Federal Surface Transportation Act of 1982 paved the way for the longer and wider trailers. 

The act mandated that all states designate a statewide network of roadways that allowed for lengths up to 48 feet without restrictions, and up to 53 feet with some restrictions, as well widths up to 102 inches.  Doubles also became legal in all states as a result of the act.  The 45-foot trailers became popular with intermodal shippers because two trailers could be loaded on the existing 89' 4" flatcars by simply relocating the hitch stands.

Carter