I think you might be a little early for multilevel auto rack loads if you modeling the 50's. They came into widespread use in the early sixties. Several roads played around with some form of racks for autos on flat cars earlier than that but nothing in widespread use back then, that I know of.
From the description of available space, it looks like you have to stay with "circus" style loading. That was the norm for your era anyway.
Be happy in your work.
Charlie
bsteel4065....but could a loader drive down a number of flat cars to make up a train?
Yes. The pic below shows a metal plate at the end of the car that folds up after the train is loaded.
http://www.model160.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ttx473393-F85B-Early-TOFC-loaded.jpg
Here's an old loading ramp in St. Louis that still exists.
http://binged.it/1LyLdCN
Gidday Barry, about half way down this page is a video of 1950s TOFC which should help answer a few questions.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/13/t/239981.aspx?page=4
Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Hi
I am building PRR and NYC interchange in HO modelled in mid 1950's. On my two level layout I have a yard with 6 stub ends and I would like to make one or two of them end loading for trailers on flat cars or loading automobiles on auto cars.
How was this done? I have limited space so trailers cannot be lifted on using an overhead crane or lifted from the side.
I have seen pictures of trailers being backed up a ramp and loaded onto a flat car, but could a loader drive down a number of flat cars to make up a train? Or did an empty flat car have to be brought up for loading each time?
Same to automobiles.... how did they load more than one car? Could you drive through?
Thanks in advance guys.
Barry