June 3, 2025 - M.T.H. Electric Trains will be releasing the 2025 O Gauge RailKing Stock Car in FOUR roadnames liveries next Fall. Each scheme will be available in limited quantities and expected to begin shipping to M.T.H. Authorized Retailers in December 2025.
Check out each of the offerings in the scrolling list at the bottom of the page.
PROTOTYPE HISTORY
A railroad stock car, often simply referred to as a "stock car," is a type of rail vehicle designed for transporting livestock, primarily cattle, over long distances. These cars were an essential part of the transportation infrastructure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving the needs of the livestock industry. The cars feature openings or slats on the sides and roof to allow for ventilation. Proper airflow is crucial to keep the animals comfortable and to prevent overheating during the journey.
Stock cars usually have sliding or swinging doors to facilitate the loading and unloading of animals. Ramps or platforms are often used to guide the animals into and out of the car. To ensure the safety of both the animals and the train crew, stock cars may include features such as sturdy gates, latches, and restraints to prevent the animals from moving around excessively.
While stock cars were widely used in the past, the transportation of livestock by rail has significantly decreased in modern times due to advancements in trucking and changes in the livestock industry. Many railroads have transitioned to other types of freight transportation, and stock cars are now more commonly seen in museums, historical exhibits, or in nostalgic settings that pay tribute to the history of rail transportation.
Check out each of the offerings in the scrolling list at the bottom of the page.
