Rath packing box car

[GM and BB RR]

I purchased a Rath packing box car at a swap meet recently and would like to know if any one can tell me the Bachman stock number and the year(s) that it was produced. Thanks

[Loco Bill Canelos]

Hi,

Your Rath Packing Boxcar RPRX#608 does not have a Bachmann stock number.   It was sold only as a part of a set called the Red Comet put on the market in 1989.   The set had a Big hauler ATSF  4-6-0 #49.  The set was never listed in the Bachamnn Catalog.   Limited run  specials were part of Bachmann marketing style in the early years of large scale.   I was told by a Bachmann VP some years ago that only 1200 sets were made.  Although I have no other verification it is probably pretty close, and would be typical of other advertized limited runs where the quantity was stated. 

Here are the details of the set:
90012*   ATSF   Red Comet   1989   Ltd Run   Mixed   49   Ver2   Rath Boxcar RPRX#608   B&O Flat #1525   ATSF Combine #24

Rath Cars were refrigerator cars not Boxcars, and although I have asked many folks at bachmann why they put it out as a boxcar, I have never had an answer.  Still in all a very nice looking car.

Have fun with it.!!

[GM and BB RR]

Thanks for the info Loco Bill