Intermodal transportation requires specialized rail equipment which is, on occasion, too specialized. To allow more flexibility in loading containers and trailers at terminals, all-purpose spine cars were developed. These cars can be configured to allow loading of trailers of varying lengths, from 28' pups to 53' high capacity units. With the trailer hitches collapsed, containers can also be loaded - 40', 45', 48' and 53' containers can all be accommodated on these cars (and 20' containers, too, provided they are mounted to a chassis). For maximum flexibility, an assortment of trailers and containers can be loaded on the same three-unit spine car. The Athearn RTR model will allow modelers to load a wide variety of trailers and containers, duplicating all configurations of the prototype. The prototype for this all-new Athearn RTR model is based on a Trinity built car owned by TTX Company. These 70-ton cars (TTX class RAF30A) numbered TTRX 360817-361116, first appeared on the rails in the late 90s.

Era: Late 1990s to present
All new tooling , featuring precision die-cast metal spine structure
McHenry scale knuckle spring couplers
Many separate factory applied details incliuding etched walkways and wireform brake details
Modeler applied details include raised and lowered hitches and removable container shoes to allow unlimited configuration choices