Dear N Scale Modelers, Red Caboose has just announced a new paint scheme for their 73' Centerbeam Straight Truss Flat Car.

    Modelers refer to bulkhead flat cars with a center beam connecting the ends as a 'Centerbeam' flat car. The words 'Center Beam' are actually trademarked by Thrall who was an early pioneer in developing these widely used cars. Today, Thrall along with Gunderson, National Steel Car, Trinity and others make different variations of these earlier designs, each company's design a little different adding variety. These cars are used to carry lumber, trusses and other building materials, sometimes wrapped and sometimes exposed to the elements.