Questions about HO scale TOFC flats and ImPacks

[Anonymous]

I am having a hard time finding any of the Accurail TOFC flats or Athearn ImPacks in hobby stores. Have these been discontinued? Also, can the ImPacks be run 'empty' since there isn't any way to hide weights on them?

[cacole]

I have a set of the Athearn ImPacks and have no problems running them empty. They do have small weights in their framework, and because the center of gravity is so low they track well. I wouldn't run them empty at the front of a long train, though. The last time I visited a hobby shop in Phoenix, they had Athearn ImPacks on the shelf that had been there for some time. I don't know about the AccuRail flats because I haven't been looking for any. Since you're in Baltimore, you're close to one of the major hobby shops that people on this forum recommend, M.B. Klein. Give them a call if you haven't already done so.

[Anonymous]

I'm pretty sure the Impacks are out of production at the moment - I have one set that I bought mail-order from a store over here (Mac's Models). I've never seen them anywhere else except for the occasional set on eBay. As far as running empty is concerned, I found they were fine, so long as you run them at the end of a train (as recommended above). I'm planning to fit metal wheels to mine which should improve weight, rolling ability, and sound, as well as keeping the track cleaner.

There's a potential alternative to the Impacks in Walthers 5-unit spine car kit. These are also out of production, but if any stores you try have no Impacks it might be worth asking about these as a "second choice". They can handle either containers or trailers, have metal frames (decent weight from the box), and are a little longer than the Impacks (might be a problem depending on your siding lengths!). They take Kadee #47 couplers as a straight drop-in fitment and 33' wheels.

[FRITSCHSR]

I have 2 sets in my store if interested call 724-774-7291 9am to 5pm. I cant
remember price off hand because I'm at home. I will ship both sets for $6.00

[StillGrande]

Best place to find them is ebay. Search both impac* (use the star as a wildcard as I have noticed people list them as impact, impack, etc. and it will get them all) and spine (you will get the walthers cars there). A complete car (5 tables) can usually be found there for $6-$12 (plus shipping). Every once and a while someone sells either a built set with trailers or several sets. I have picked up about 20 sets and have averaged about $8 for a set (ends and centers) including shipping (one guy sent me metal wheelsets for the car I bought and some extras). Just be patient on the bidding. Also go for multiple purchases from the same sellers who combine shipping. I haven't looked for the Accurail cars as I have a bunch of the Athearn 86 foot flats.