The Autorack (or “Auto Carrier”) is a piece of railroad rolling stock built for a specific purpose – to transport cars. Commonly used to transport cars from the manufacturer to larger automotive distributors (before they’re loaded onto the semis that are commonly seen on highways), they are also used on services such as Amtrak’s Auto Train – a special train which operates between Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL in which passengers can load their cars aboard any one of the 20-30 trailing Autorack cars and enjoy a luxurious ride down the United States’ east coast, the end of which they can take their car with them for the continuation of their journey.
This particular type of Autorack is quite modern – first introduced in 2004 in Canada, this fully enclosed autorack is built with an Aluminum shell that is more weather resistant than the older style “open” or “grated” Autorack cars, and with a roomier interior and smoother ride that better protects the cars within.
Product First look: Watch this video (also accessible by clicking the image to the left) to see the new Autoracks up close!
This product showcase video (published January 2014) shows the new Amtrak, CP and CN Autoracks up close, focusing on the paint, printing and finish of these new cars as well as the differences between the US and Canadian versions. |
Auto Train Featurette: Watch this video (also accessible by clicking the image to the left) to watch an N scale Amtrak Auto Train in motion using Kato’s Autoracks and Superliners. |
Stock #
Description
Road #
Msrp
Stock #
Description
N Autorack Canadian National 4-Car Set
Road #
712846, 712849, 715853, 712952
Msrp
$125
Stock #
Description
N Autorack Canadian Pacific 4-Car Set
Road #
546017, 546056, 546128, 546274
Msrp
$125
Stock #
Description
N Autorack Amtrak Auto Train* 4-Car Set #3
Road #
9206, 9218, 9231, 9243
Msrp
$95
Stock #
Description
N Autorack Amtrak Auto Train* 4-Car Set #4
Road #
9245, 9248, 9259, 9277
Msrp
$95
Stock #
Description
N Autorack Amtrak Auto Train* Phase III 4-Car Set #1
Road #
9100, 9109, 9114, 9115
Msrp
$95
Stock #
Description
N Autorack Amtrak Auto Train* Phase III 4-Car Set #2
Road #
9116, 9117, 9119, 9122
Msrp
$95
* Officially licensed by Amtrak. Amtrak and Auto Train are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.