One of the more visually interesting (and generally misunderstood) tank cars appeared in the mid to late 1960s. Carrying anywhere from around 7,500 to 11,000 gallons, these AAR T102 / T103 cars were extremely tiny at less than 40 feet long (mostly between 28-36 feet), and resembled a jelly bean or beer can on wheels. Many designs were unpressurized, and were heavily utilized by the petrochemical industry, specialty chemical manufacturers, foodstuffs, and solubilized metals suppliers. Contrary to what one might think, these cars were not for small load shipments, but for carrying extremely dense or heavy liquid loads such as asphalt, oil production chemicals, lead gasoline additives (anti-knock), thick molasses and tallow, or chlorinated / brominated solvents. The size of the car (and the corresponding stub-sill and bolster design) was better able to distribute the weight to the rails safely than would a longer or larger car design.

Now arriving is the Atlas Master HO 10,000 Gallon GATX “Beercan” tank car.  This model was developed from prototype plans in cooperation with GATX, and features angled or rounded ladders, steam jacketed or standard gravity outlets, etched metal walkways and new Barber S-2-A trucks with machined metal wheelsets.  Road names for this first production include Cargill (GATX), Detrex (GATX, brown), GATX (black), General Molasses (GATX), Hercules (HPCX),  and Texaco (TCX).  Multiple road numbers per livery. $49.95 MSRP each. Available now at your favorite dealers or direct.

Atlas Model Railroad Company, 378 Florence Avenue, Hillside, NJ 07205; 908-687-0880; www.atlasrr.com

TCX is a reporting mark assigned to Texaco Oil.  Contrary to what one might think, these cars were not for small load shipments, but for carrying extremely dense or heavy liquid loads such as asphalt, oil production chemicals, lead gasoline additives (anti-knock), thick molasses or specific solvents.