InterMountain - 65381-06 - Covered Hopper, 3-Bay, Thrall 4750 - Swift Transportation - 44650

Specific Item Information: Built: NEW 2-75

Model Information: Rib-side, 3-bay covered hoppers. 4750 cubic foot capacity. Features etched metal roofwalks, sharp painting and lettering, multiple road numbers per paint scheme, and metal wheels (at least for the 2017 release - earlier releases likely have plastic wheelsets).

InterMountain does not refer to a specific prototype on their website for this model, but I have seen it referred to as both a PS (Pullman-Standard) as well as a Thrall. Perhaps the model has elements of both prototypes baked into the molding? Would love to hear from a prototype expert on this one...

Prototype History: Starting around 1970 or so, every major railcar manufacturer produced a 4750 cubic foot covered hopper. Thrall was no exception. To be honest, these hoppers all look pretty similar. To make matters worse, these cars were modified as improvements were made to the design. In the case of the Thrall model, at least two major revisions were made to this car during the period in which it was produced. The cars were built starting in the late 1970s, this 263,000 lbs GRL (Gross Rail Loading) car is used primarily for grain transport. The thrall models feature 3 bays and rib sides. The roof is flat. These cars were used by the Burlington Northern in large numbers as well as by many other railroads.

Road Name History: Swift Transportation began operations in 1966 transporting imported steel through the ports of Los Angeles to Arizona and Arizona cotton for export back through to Southern California.

Jerry Moyes, founder, began with the same entrepreneurial, can-do spirit that is one of Swift’s core values today. The original operation was conducted under the name of Common Market. Operating authority was purchased from a descendant of the Swift Meat Packing family, hence, today’s name of Swift Transportation. Jerry, with his father, brother and a partner, grew the business, with typical start up challenges, to a $25 million annual revenue in 1984. With the passing of Jerry’s father, Carl Moyes, Jerry became the sole owner. By 1990, Swift had grown to a $125 million carrier with 800 trucks. Swift’s significant revenue growth is attributable to internal growth with existing customers as well as acquisitions. Since 1988, Swift has acquired 13 different motor carriers. Today, Swift generates over $4 billion in revenue and operates nearly 20,000 trucks.

Swift’s terminal network has grown to over forty full service facilities in both the continental United States and Mexico. Swift owns 100% of Trans-Mex, a Nuevo Laredo, Mexico based carrier. Swift offers border crossing services at all major Mexican border crossings. Swift maintains a presence in every Canadian province each day. Swift is unquestionably the largest full-truckload motor carrier in North America.

Brand/Importer Information: InterMountain was founded in 1985 by Fred Brummet. They got started in the model railroad business by producing O-Scale model kits. They got started in the N Scale business almost a decade later when in 1994 they introduced the 40-23 reefer car in kit form. Later, in 1998, they started producing RTR (Ready-to-Run) models. By the early 2000s, InterMountain phased out kit production in favor of the RTR models.

The InterMountain Railway company is located at 1224 Boston Ave in Longmont, CO. They are a manufacturer of HO, N and Z scale model trains. They have produced kits as well as RTR (Ready-To-Run) models. Their N Scale products include locomotives as well as rolling stock. Their rolling stock lineup includes Boxcars, Hoppers, Tank Cars, Reefers, Gondolas, Stock Cars and Flatcars.

Their locomotive releases have primarily been diesel units, with the one major exception being their series of AC-12 Cab Forward steam locos. Their diesel lineup includes F3's, F7's, F9's, SD40's, SD45's and FT units. They are known for quality and detail. They also release their rolling stock in larger varieties of road numbers than most of the other manufacturers.