Something New - 1960s/70's TOFC

[pwillard]

Something new I'm trying.

A 89' TOFC with 4 hitches, "Triple 28/Twin 45", and here's the experiment. Everything above the deck is a FreightAnim. So any or all of the hitches can be set to up or down by editing the WAG file. Trailers are selected and added in the same way. So you can have a very flexible arrangement if you are also willing to do a little Freight Anim coding in the wag file.

So, maybe this experiment will be a success. Open Rails Only, of course.

Let's ignore the modern perspecuity stripes, ok?

Screenshot 2026-03-06 191323.jpg Screenshot 2026-03-06 191513.jpg

[johnnyboy99]

will there also be TOFC/COFC loads for this?

[pwillard]

Well, technically, the flatcar has no dedicated loads at all. Meaning what you place above the deck is entirely up to you. The 28' Pup trailers and possibly 45' trailers will be included with it as optional loads. If you want COFC, nothing stops you if you have a container ready. As for FA coding for actual container loading and unloading, that's up to you and how well you read and understand that section of the Open Rails manual.

I just wanted to make a flatcar with no official loads, with the option to have raised and lowered hitches, using code inside the WAG file. The trailers and hitches are standalone models.

[superheatedsteam]

Really nice model there Pete.

Cheers,

Marek.

[pwillard]

hitches.png
For further clarification. Here is my intention. Freightanim offset locations for hitches.

This is an F-89-F 89' 4" flatcar. Freight loads and Hitches are all Freightanims. Placement is therefore "adjustable". Each car can handle 3 28' pup trailers or 2 45' trailers with 5 preferred hitch locations. Some cars flip the orientation of the trailers (hence the hitches) so the FreightAnim option

flip()

is used. The flipped trailer is usually on the A-End of the car.

[cuontv]

Nice work Pete! A while back I made some Strick trailer bodies to load onto your empty Flexi-Van flats that would make some nice FA's for this flat. Guess I'll have to make some rubber tired bogies for them to use on this one. I love the options you've provided with the hitch positions.
-Tom

[pwillard]

Side Note:

I've been considering re-making the Fexi-van Flatcar, and if I do, I will convert it to using FreightAnim loads.

The whole freightAnim() option is a big experiment for me.

At the moment, I have 7 unique flatcars and 13 unique trailers tested and working in OpenRails. Still more in the works. Attached is a sampling.

Screenshot 2026-04-01 132413.jpg

[cuontv]

I'd love it if you did a second version of the Flexi-Vans, Pete. I remember you mentioning a higher-poly with thoughts about releasing it way back, but I was afraid that idea was snuffed when you discovered Blender. I know its a tough ask and may not even be possible, but would you be able to use the same texture layout the original Flexi-Vans used? I appreciate your work and the effort it takes.
-Tom

[pwillard]

Re: Flexivan Flatcar
I had to put a LOT of things on hold when I restarted modeling with Blender. I can TRY to use the same layout for Textures, but that's hard to guarantee when remaking a new model with "higher polys" and possibly a more accurate translation to the 3D world. If I remap things, I will provide a WIREFRAME reference showing how the model is mapped, at least.

RE: TOFC
8 uniquely numbered flatcars are currently about 95% done (tested), some with, some without, uniquely numbered trailer loads.

[cuontv]

Understand, Pete. Since you're dealing with apples and oranges I didn't know if that'd be even possible with a new mapping scheme. Providing a Wireframe is a huge help for those of us who like to weather things. Looking forward to the TOFC's!
-Tom

[pwillard]

Almost ready...

image.png

[rdayt]

Very cool. Anything preditchlight is welcome.

Randy

[lineman]

Sweet!!

[magmateus]

Splendid.
Congratulations, Pete.
Mateus

[frliss]

Pete,

Looks great!!! However, I am partial towards that CONRAIL van. Wonder why?

Fred