89' Flat car for Auto frames?

[tom mann]

Would something like this work for auto frames? 

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/BLMA-N-F89-J-89-Flat-Car-JTTX-p/blma-13033.htm

[James Costello]

1) It's your railroad some Rule #1 always applies.

2) Auto frames are pretty rare over Tehachapi so I don't know as much about them as some other TTX flats, but they generally appear to be flush deck flats, with or without modifications to suit the frames.

3) They would typically have FTTX reporting marks. JTTX was typically in general service, although it was long joked that it was "Junk" service for cars nearing the end of their lives. Prior to specific PTTX pole flats, you'd typically see JTTX carrying long structural steel loads, poles, wrecked cars, etc etc.

4) If it were me, I'd start with the new flush deck from MTL (without the TOFC hardware) or see what could be done with the Atlas flat and go from there. The forthcoming Athearn F89F *might* be another candidate.

http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/ttx/fttx604555amh.jpg
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/ttx/fttx603168amh.jpg
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/ttx/fttx603618ase.jpg

http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=34486

5) I'd still like to see what you could do with a F89J in JTTX service though.... 
 

[jagged ben]

In James item (4), he's referring to:  Micro-Trains N 99300127 89' Flat Car with Deck

Currently very available. 
They come with markings for wind-turbine service but I'm sure you can handle redecorating.

[tom mann]

Thanks guys! Always great info on the 'Wire.

The next question is has anyone tried the auto frames on Shapeways?

https://www.shapeways.com/product/ZYKTAZDTY/automobile-frames-n-scale?optionId=1899711

Any plans for the top and bottom supports @stonysmith ?

[Philip H]

Thanks guys! Always great info on the 'Wire.

The next question is has anyone tried the auto frames on Shapeways?

https://www.shapeways.com/product/ZYKTAZDTY/automobile-frames-n-scale?optionId=1899711

Any plans for the top and bottom supports @stonysmith ?

I bought a couple of sets when they first came out.  Looked good to me, but honestly I have yet to do anything with them . . . .

[Catt]

I used to see these flats all the time back when CP was using the CSX tracks from Chicago east.The ones that I saw had a large storage box on one end to hold all of the tie down hardware for securing the stacks of frames to the flats.

[highway70]

   FTTX Auto Frame Flat Car



Trailer Train Reporting Marks 1994  FTTX reporting mark for cars in auto frame service
http://www.railfan.net/railpix/text/ttxmarks.txt

[Robbman]

Rule #1 always applies... but as info and much to my dismay... F89Js were never in FTTX service... TTX, KTTX, RTTX, MTTX, JTTX, PTTX.

krunk.org should have photos of the chain holdown boxes at the end of the car

[milw156]

Anyone know of pictures of the racks that go on the top and bottom of the stacks? is the bottom one welded to the car?
thanks,
Rick