Model Power - 84054 - Flatcar, 45 Foot, Fishbelly - Rio Grande - 8307

Specific Item Information: Comes with 2 Rio Grande Containers.

Model Information: This body style was made in China for Model Power. It is a knock-off of the Lima 40 foot flatcar which was imported by AHM, MRC, PMI as well as Model Power. You can spot the difference by checking to see if "Lima" is stamped on the bottom. The Chinese made models also have wonky clips holding the trucks in place instead of the ubiquitous "Kingpin". The model measures 3.43" long so it comes in at over 45 scale feet but nowhere close to the advertised 50 feet in Model Power catalogs and marketing material.

Road Name History: The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad (reporting mark DRGW), often shortened to Rio Grande, D&RG or D&RGW, formerly the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, was an American Class I railroad company. The railroad started as a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge line running south from Denver, Colorado in 1870. It served mainly as a transcontinental bridge line between Denver, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

In 1988, the Rio Grande's parent corporation, Rio Grande Industries, purchased Southern Pacific Transportation Company, and as the result of a merger, the larger Southern Pacific Railroad name was chosen for identity. The Rio Grande operated as a separate division of the Southern Pacific, until that company was acquired by the Union Pacific Railroad. Today, most former D&RGW main lines are owned and operated by the Union Pacific while several branch lines are now operated as heritage railways by various companies.

Brand/Importer Information: Founded in the late 1960's by Michael Tager, the 3rd generation business specializes in quality hobby products serving the toy and hobby markets worldwide. During its 50 years of operation, Model Power has developed a full line of model railroading products, die-cast metal aircraft, and die-cast metal cars and trucks.

In early 2014, Model Power ceased its business operations. Its extensive portfolio of intellectual property and physical assets are now exclusively produced, marketed, sold, and distributed by MRC (Model Power, MetalTrain and Mantua) and by Daron (Postage Stamp Airplanes and Airliner Collection).