In June 2024, Micro-Trains released the 102 00 300 Iowa Interstate Anniversary Car, which was inspired by the IAIS locomotive paint scheme, and commemorates their 40th anniversary this year. After seeing our model, the Iowa Interstate Railroad reached out to us and asked if they could use our artwork to be applied to a real-life 40′ boxcar they use as the equipment and tool car for their steam program, to be displayed at the Iowa State Fair. Of course, we said yes! Here are photos of this car fresh from the paint booth – one of the few times life imitates art, and a model trains artwork becomes a real-life railcar! And now, with the blessing of Iowa Interstate Railroad and the Central States Steam Preservation Assn, available for pre-order is this prototypical 40 boxcar in N scale!