JTC VTTX container flats

[arbomambo]

While in Jacksonville, FL this weekend, participating in a T-TRAK layout, I received 5 of the just delivered JTC  VTTX container flats for in depth review.
I will be examining these cars over the next few weeks and testing them in various layout configurations and consists.
At first inspection, they are beautiful to look at and parts are included to allow them to be configured for various size containers. They also come weathered from the factory.

[jagged ben]

These are the 60ft cars that carry three 20ft containers or a 40ft +20ft?
This has been on my list of wants.  Looking forward to them. I hope the container supports are easily reconfigurable.

[arbomambo]

Yes, these are ‘them’, and, yes, the separately applied supports are easily changed.

[lock4244]

Really looking forward to these, they were somewhat ubiquitous cars on COFC trains and will be most welcomed.

[Englewood]

Could you at least post a picture?

[arbomambo]

I will post detail photos within the next few days.

[vermonter_railfan]

Who did you order yours through? Good to know they are finally hitting store shelves!

[Mark5]

Very curious about these! As of this moment, virtually nothing about these on JTC website. 

https://jtcmodeltrains.com/collections/pullman-60-flatcar-series

[arbomambo]

Who did you order yours through? Good to know they are finally hitting store shelves!

I was blessed and honored to receive these directly from JTC for testing and review.

[Bob]

When you review them, can you comment on whether it would be easy to change the couplers? Their 17-post well cars had the mounting screw for the coupler box on TOP of the car, rather than the bottom, so to change a coupler (and a number were damaged during shipping) you first have to remove a finely-etched metal walkway which I proved incapable of doing, making my cars more or less junk.  Hopefully they have wised up and have the mounting screw on the bottom of the car.

[arbomambo]

Here are a few pics…
I’ll test run them in various radii some time tomorrow, but here, at least, are some preliminary pics.
Initial Observations:
Packaged very well-no damage, including coupler damage
Couple pocket screw accessed from underneath.
Slight different weather finishes on each car
Molded air hose is stiff but not brittle
Reasonably weighty car (haven’t weighed them yet) metal underframe and plastic body
Brackets furnished to allow 3 20’ containers or a 40’
Box contains compartment to store 3 20’ containers with the car (containers not included)
Couple looks nice but doesn’t appear significantly smaller than MT
Wheelsets are JTC’s new metal wheels.




















I’ll have more info on how they run and track on various radii

[Rivet Miscounter]

Exciting stuff....cannot wait to hear more, and ultimatly have a few in my grubby little hands.

[sundowner]

Those are nice looking, perfect for all those 20’ Millitary containers i got.

[basementcalling]

Looks interesting. Anyone know when they were common on the rails? Not familiar with when these saw revenue service, or if they still do.

[samusi01]

How well does their coupler play with the various styles of coupler that are out there?