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.

All of these cars came with staple-end trucks and 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. Most of the variations of this car have metal side doors that are painted ORANGE. Most variations issued after 1950 have car doors that are made out of plastic. The lettering was heat-stamped on these cars.

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

Variation A: Has the "ARMOUR" sticker with BLACK lettering. The cattle car is equipped with magnetic couplers and steps at the four corners of the car. This variation has an early version of the corral with a fixed platform and 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, magnetic couplers, and steps at the four corners. This variation, and all subsequent variations, have the late corral with a liftout platform and no chain across the top of the ramp. 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 to 1955 production.