The Operating Cattle Car No. 3656 would unload the cattle into the platform from which they could then be loaded again into the car. Operated with the use of a sliding shoes that were on the trucks of the car when they contacted the electrical pickups in the platform base.

Early cars came with staple-end trucks and electronic coil couplers, while later variations had bar-end trucks with magnetic couplers. The first issue of the platform in 1949 has a painted YELLOW fixed platform and a chain that went across the top of the ramp. Later issues would have a lift out platform and no chain.

This accessory came with nine BLACK cattle in a separate box that is illustrated below. The platform, No. 3656-150, was available for separate sale. Except for Variation A, there is WHITE lettering on the car. The car and metal side doors are painted ORANGE. After 1950 the car doors would be made out of plastic.

Produced from 1949 until 1955, there are five variations to this car:

Variation A: Has the "ARMOUR" sticker with BLACK lettering. The cattle car is equipped with electronic coil couplers and steps at the four corners of the car. The corral has a chain that went across the top of the ramp. Early 1949 production.

Variation B: Has the "ARMOUR" sticker with WHITE lettering. Came with staple-end trucks, coil couplers, steps, and has the early platform. Late 1949 production.

Variation C: WHITE lettering on the car. The ORANGE cattle loading doors have been painted as has the side die-cast metal door. Came equipped with Type 5A staple-end trucks with magnetic couplers. The corral is the late type with ORANGE gates. Early 1950 production.

Variation D: WHITE lettering on the car. The plastic car and side doors are painted ORANGE. Came with staple-end trucks with magnetic couplers. Late 1950 - 1952 production.

Variation E: WHITE lettering on the car. The plastic car and side doors are painted with a lighter coat of ORANGE paint. Came with bar-end trucks with magnetic couplers that have holes in the activator flaps. Late 1952 - 1955 production.