HO scale CSX intermodal train

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H

HarryG

The Analyst
I'm looking to build up two HO scale CSX intermodal trains. Two locomotives for each train. I plan on running four EMD SD70M-MAC's.

I'm shooting for Athearn's Genesis line of locomotives. I'm having trouble finding the right rolling stock though. The CSXi husky stackers seem hard to find and the CSX box cars seem to be sold out everwhere.

Anything in CSX seems to be in either short supply or out completely. Anyone have some tips on how to properly find and build up two HO CSXi trains.
 
E-Bay.

So many manufacturers make limited runs now to save them money and drive our prices up, that finding things is hard. A Pre-order doesn't even guarantee getting what you want anymore!

I like your choice of power. When ever I see CSX, it is always ES44's or Dash 9's. I do love EMD though.

You can look for well cars and spine cars from Athearn, Intermountain/A-Line and Walthers. Athearn RTR has a MAXI I well car due out in November. You may be able to get a pre-order in still.
 
A dealer recommended I look at Inter Mountain Railway Co. HO trains to build up a nice intermodal train.

Does anyone here have any experience with IMRC HO models? Especially the intermodals?
 
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Intermountain makes excellent cars. Their fully assembled models come with metal wheels, nice weight and kaydee couplers. The only down side is how delicate the cars are. All those details are very easy to break if you transport the cars a lot.

I have lots of their cylindrical hoppers and several well cars. The well cars are A-Line kits that are painted and assembled by intermountain. The detail on them is very good. I would recommend them for home layouts, but not for taking back and forth to a club. My cars are getting a little beat up from transport.
 
I have an assortment of intermodal cars, from Athearn Blue Box, Intermountain, A-line, and Walthers. They all run pretty well though the Athearns are really lightweight, and need something to weigh them down a bit. I have Huskys, Maxis, twin-stacks, NSCs, all-purpose, etc. I think only one set is lettered CSX, most are TTX, but there's a BN and a BRAN. I really need a better assortment of all-purpose cars; so I can stick trailers in them.

I don't necessarily model CSX, but since I railfan in central Ohio, I see their intermodals a lot, so I have some of the more inexpensive CSX locomotives to pull this stuff.

Kennedy
 
Thanks for your input guys. Below is what I purchased so far in my quest for two CSX intermodal trains. I got carried away and purchased some extra freight cars. I also hear that Athearn is releasing some more intermodal stuff soon.

Locomotives
Two Athearn Genesis CSX SD70MACs,

Intermodal
two sets of A-Line Gunderson "Husky Stack" 3-Pack double stack container cars,
two sets of 48' corrugated decorated - CSX two different road number sets of 3 containers,
one set of 48' corrugated decorated - Pacer Stacktrain set of 3 containers,
one set of 48' corrugated decorated - APL set of 3 containers.

Freight
Athearn RTR 52' Gondola w/ load CSX
Athearn RTR 50' Gondola w/ load CSX
two Athearn RTR 50' PS Box cars CSX two different road numbers
 
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If you can swing it, try to pickup a 5pack of 53" JB Hunts, Hub Group, or maybe Schneider or Swift. Put one or two in the top position, on top of the 48s, and that'll look good!

Kennedy
 
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