Stupid question....

[88gta350]

I've seen the initials TOFC and COFC routinely here and in TRAINS, but I'm not 100% sure what they stand for. I know they seem to designated intermodal trains, so I'm thinking the T is for trailers and C is for Containers... maybe Trailers/Containers On Flat Cars? That doesn't seem right... any help?

[trainfan1221]

Trailer-on-flat-car; container-on-flat-car. Yep, that is what they stand for. Remember the original concept of intermodal essentially is a truck sitting on a flat car.

[Overmod]

Remember that the terms were originated back in the days when the trailers (and containers) WERE actually sitting on flatcars. Even the earliest TrailerTrain double cars had flat decks.

Modern practice is to use spine cars, well cars, double-stack, etc. -- but the acronyms haven't changed, even though there might be some semantic advantage in TOSC (etc.) to determine the kind of handling that might be expected at terminals.

[Junctionfan]

Is this BNSF your are talking about? (Z trains)

[88gta350]

Mark, I know you're not editor at TRAINS anymore, but I'm sure you still have some pull there with your column and all...... may I make a suggestion that you could pass up the chain? Either a monthly article/column that focuses on the basic aspects of railroading (like the stupid questions that get asked here)... or, when writing feature articles that use specialized terminology or acronyms, to make a point to explain what this term means.

I know a large percentage of TRAINS readers are directly or indirectly employeed by the railroad industry and may think nothing when seeing these types of things in print, but I'm sure there is an equal number of "amateur" railfans like myself that read the magazine just because we like trains and want to learn more, who often don't understand the terms or concepts talked about in the magazine. I know it's rare that I can read an article in TRAINS and understand everything I read. Perhaps a "back to basics" column like Model Railroader employs is called for. At the very least definitions or explanantions of unusual terms or concepts would be nice.

Thanks!

[DSchmitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainfan1221

Trailer-on-flat-car; container-on-flat-car. Yep, that is what they stand for. Remember the original concept of intermodal essentially is a truck sitting on a flat car.

Actually intermodal is much older than that. Before the Civil War, I am pretty sure as the 1840's (maybe earlier) there was a railroad carrying farmers wagons to and from the markets in the City. They ran special trains. I don't remember which railroad.

An interurban in the midwest had TOFC in the 1930's. I have a G scale model of one of their cars inappropriately lettered Southern Pacific. The ET&WNC (I think its East Tennesse and Western North Carolina) also had TOFC in the 1930's.

I have an unfinished O scale kit for a Pennsylvahia RR container car. BLT 3-21


Running trailers on the rails (like Roadrailer) was done in the 1950's by the B&O(?) or C&O(?) A poor photo was published in MR or RMC or Trains years ago (I don't remember which). It may have been a joint project of both those railroads.

[jeaton]

Dave

I'll get that. A good start is the "Glossary Link" on the home pages for Trains.com and each magazine.

I use it on occasion. Went for years wondering what an SP Tunnel Motor was. Found it there.

Jay

[Anonymous]

I think there already is a section in the back of TRAINS Magazine where basics are discussed and questions answered called "Ask Trains".

LC

[88gta350]

Mark, I would have thought just the opposite. I would think a suggestion from a single reader wouldn't carry nearly the weight as a sugegstion from a former editor and columnist, but I'll give it a try.

As for the glossary, it's a great tool, but I don't always read my magazine sitting in front of the computer. And the definitions are usually short, just to give you an idea and often don't tell the whole story. There are likely many others who have the same questions as I, but don't use this website or have internet access.

As for "Ask Trains", it's rare the same question I'm wondering about appears in the column (has never actually happened), and I don't even want to think about what the chances of actually having a question answered in print are, let-alone getting it in a timely manner. This of course is a good tool for someone who can't or won't come to this website to get the answers.

[snakespol]

What is the best way to find radio frequencies for the trains operating in the area?

[Anonymous]

Q: "What is the best way to find radio frequencies for the trains operating in the area?"

A: Search Google for railroad radio frequencies and similar terms. There are many sites that have these lists.

Each company and location is different so they don't interfere with each other. If you have a specific road and area in mind, post it and somebody will probably know.

[Anonymous]

A: They ain't no such of a thang as a stupid question.

B: "ASK TRAINS" is a popular place to get specialized information on things that puzzle you. I wouldn't wait to try that before "last resort" time comes around.

Old Timer

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

Both the North Shore Line and South Shore Line (both part of the Insull utility empire at the time) offered TOFC prior to the Depression. Both used custom-built specialized flatcars and truck trailers. South Shore's service faded out in the early 1930's and North Shore's service continued until just after World War II.