Cars on Rails

Toy Transport Trains

0-27 Transport trains provide the perfect combination of toy trains and classic car models in a single package

One of the most popular Lionel O-27-gauge trains was the transport car called the Auto-Loader (shown above). Known as car #6414, it came with four plastic automobiles of non-distinguishable identity; they were red, blue, yellow and white. Since it was released back in 1956, there have also been versions with all red cars, all green cars, and also all brown cars. Many other car-themed trains have since been issued.

_{M.T.H. (Mike’s Train House) started producing their Classic Auto Transport series in the 1990s. This double-deck transport car, known as no. 6770, was produced in 1998, and featured two 1967 Pontiac Firebirds and two 1970 Chevrolet Novas. The 1/43rd-scale metal cars were made by Ertl.}

During the 1990s, Lionel and newcomer toy train manufacturer MTH, released a series of automotive transport cars with various car models. But unlike the no-name car models of the Lionel Auto-Loader, the more modern transport rolling stock are equipped with cars we can all relate to.

_{Lionel’s Route 66 series had many offereings of various cars, including transport no. 9823-5 that was released in 1999. It featured a pair of 1958 Edsel Bermuda station wagons. These 1/43rd-scale metal cars were made by Lionel.}

If it has wheels, automotive enthusiasts adore it, even if those wheels are attached to a locomotive. Although cars are our main area of interest, many of us are also train enthusiasts. This is especially true of baby boomers who played with Lionel trains when they were young.

**_{One of the more desirable Classic Auto Transport trains was the M.T.H. no. 1965 featuring two Shelby 427 Cobras.}**

These trains vary from single- and double-car flatbeds to double-stack transporters with four cars. The car models are made of metal, with most having been made by Ertl. They are 1/43rd scale in size, which equates to about four inches in length. Both the Lionel and M.T.H. transport trains feature spring-loaded trucks and steel wheels and couplers.

The more popular auto transport releases featured 1964 1/2 Mustangs (M.T.H. no. 1964), 1969 Camaros, 1969 GTOs, 1957 Thunderbirds, 1959 Checker cabs (M.T.H. no. 1959), Country Squire station wagons, a Prowler (Lionel no. PT9823), and late-model Mini Coopers (M.T.H. no. CSXT408545). There are many others, and they can easily be found either online at various toy train sites and ebay and at toy train shows and conventions.