MTH Premier Centerbeam Flatcar Question

@eaaiii posted:

Does anyone know with which catalog that MTH moved the couplers inward from the ends of the Premier Centerbeam Flatcars?

Like the Premier MTH Autocarriers, at some point MTH moved the trucks inboard from the ends of the Centerbeam Flatcars to make the cars more stable (and more prototypical). I know that the illustrations in the catalogs don't always appear to reflect the actual location of the trucks for both the Autocarriers and the Centerbeam Flatcars.

Thanks.

-Ed

Just looking for these cars I have one a UP 20-98358 labeled, in MTHs product locator it is listed as 20-98212 with a log load from the AP 1998 vol 3 catalog, got mine off Ebay several years ago and it has the lumber packaged loads as shown under 20-98358 seller must have used the incorrect MTH box for this car. The initial and only run of these [prototypically correct truck mounting locations] was changed for the future runs of these cars to accommodate 3 rail curves.JMO

@eaaiii posted:

Does anyone know with which catalog that MTH moved the couplers inward from the ends of the Premier Centerbeam Flatcars?

It was first in the 2008 v2 catalog.  I had the UP 20-98575 from 2007 v1 where the truck was at the end of the car.  My next center beam is CP 20-98655 from 2008 v2 where the truck and coupler linkage was moved inward from the ends as you describe.  When MTH ran out of 20-98*** numbers, they shifted to the remaining 20-95*** series numbers for newer center beams where the truck and coupler linkage continues in the inner position.  So, anything after 2008 v2, you are good to go.

Thanks guys for the information.  It will help certainly help me going forward.  Since I originally asked the question, I have been making it a point to pick them up at train shows or asking for the non-catalog pictures if I ordered any online. I have the following centerbeam cars with the inward trucks: 20-95351 (UP), 20-98655 (CP Rail) and 20-98776 (TTX).

-Ed Abbot