1950s Auto transport semi-trailer
Modeling real railroads and what they do
I
cannot count how many times I have driven I-5 through
Marysville, Washington. For many years I was intrigued by
an auto carrier trailer that sat across the road. So I finally
decided to get off the highway and investigate. What fasci-
nated me about the trailer was its Art Deco look, with its round
porthole openings and stainless steel horizontal trim bands.
A decorative cast metal logo, for the “Mechanical Handling
Company” was placed at the front of the trim bands. I took
photos for future reference. At that time the trailer was located
at J. K. Eastbury Salvage Metals. In fall of 2008 one these trail-
ers was for sale on eBay, “Some rust, no ramps, has air brakes,
you could pull it home”.
By the time I turned back to this project, the trailer had been
moved to Quill Ceda Auto Wrecking. When I made it to the
new location, they had gone out of business. The trailer still
sat there awaiting sale. In the intervening time, the trailer
had been cut down to the frame. I was told by the folks at the
Getting Real column
by Nick Muff, MD
All photos by author unless noted otherwise
A unique detail for your layout ...
Getting Real Column - 1
MRH-Feb 2014
