F68 Bulkhead Flat Car

Prototype Information

Bethlehem Steel Company introduced the F68-series flatcars in 1969. These 100-ton cars measured 68 feet over the end sills. The design represented a new generation of high-capacity equipment for the Trailer Train Company. The versatile basic frame allowed for factory-installed appliances like end bulkheads, finger racks, and various deck types. These cars hauled a wide range of industrial loads across the United States, Canada, and Mexico for nearly five decades.

The F68AH served as the first production version. These units featured 10-foot, 11-inch tall wood-faced bulkheads and wood decks with tie-down channels. Bethlehem Steel equipped them with 36-inch wheels and hydraulic snubbers to stabilize the ride. 15-inch end-of-car cushioning reduced the risk of shifting loads during transit. The first 245 cars entered service between July and December 1969. Their massive size stood out against older, smaller flatcar designs. Success followed the initial launch, and production continued through 1974.