Athearn Releases Newly Tooled HO FMC 5077 Offset Boxcar Line

Athearn Trains of Champaign, Illinois announced Jan. 9, 2026 that its HO-scale FMC 5077 offset double-door boxcar is available now, offering collectors and layout operators a detailed, ready-to-run option priced between $39.99 and $44.99. The release spans paint schemes representing eras from roughly 1977 into the early 2000s, giving modelers options for freight consists across multiple time periods.

The model features a newly tooled body and road-specific doors in Youngstown or Superior styles, plus an X-panel roof. Running gear includes 33-inch machined metal wheels finished to RP-25 contour standards and screw-mounted, roller-bearing trucks. Body-mounted McHenry scale couplers are installed, with screw-mounted draft-gear box covers for secure mounting. Minimum recommended operating radius is 18 inches, making the car compatible with many home layouts.

Underbody and safety details come factory-applied and separate where prototypes demand it. The underbody assembly includes a plastic air reservoir and control valve, brake cylinder and lever assembly, and formed wire brake rods in long and short lengths. Crossover platforms are rendered in see-through, photo-etched metal, while wire grab irons are applied separately. Plastic end ladders, stirrup steps, a brake wheel, gear box, tack boards, and a defect card round out the exterior fittings that help the car look at home in close-up scenes.

Athearn announced initial road names including Texas, Oklahoma & Eastern in dark blue and white; Camino, Placerville & Lake Tahoe in green and white; Union Railroad of Oregon in light green; and a Lamoille Valley release described as primed for grime patchouts. The announcement lists one to three road numbers per paint scheme, so early buying may be necessary for specific road numbers.

For layout operators, the combination of RP-25 wheels, body-mounted couplers, and a minimum 18-inch radius make this car a practical add-on to modern freight consists and branchline operations. The array of road names and eras provides options for accurate consists or spot purchases for variety. Contact Athearn at athearn.com or your favorite retailer for current availability and to confirm specific road numbers.