HO – The X-3 family of tank cars was produced beginning in the 1920s in a variety of sizes and configurations, including 6,500-, 8,000-, and 12,000-gallon capacities with anywhere from one to three domes on top. All constructed by the Union Tank Car Co., the most numerous of the X-3 family were the simple single-dome cars of 10,000-gallon capacity designed to haul liquids that did not require any special handling, such as vegetable oils, fuel oil and gasoline. Over 13,000 of these single-dome 10,000-gallon X-3 tank cars were built.
Now available from Rapido are two major versions of these 10,000-gallon single-dome X-3 tank cars – K-brake-equipped cars appropriate before 1953, and AB-brake-equipped cars good from the 1940s onward. Each model features correct tank bolster pads, a 54” diameter dome, UTLX-style warning placard holders, Andrews or Bettendorf design trucks, full underbody detailing, era-appropriate coupler cut bars and brake equipment, semi-scale couplers, and more.
For this first production of X-3 tank cars, Rapido Trains is offering three different era-specific versions of “plain” UTLX tank cars. Pictured here is a 1930’s version equipped with K-brakes and the brake staff mounted atop the platform. Each model features correct tank bolster pads, a 54” diameter dome, UTLX-style warning placard holders, Andrews or Bettendorf design trucks, full underbody detailing, era-appropriate coupler cut bars and brake equipment, semi-scale couplers, and more. Alternate UTLX versions include ones for the 1920s era, and UTLX X-3s as they appeared in the 1950s with AB brakes.
Eleven different schemes are available, divided amongst cars with K-brakes or AB brake hardware. K-brake-equipped X-3 schemes include Union Tank Car (UTLX) 1920s, Union Tank Car (UTLX) 1930s and Atlantic Refining. Lettering schemes for AB-brake-equipped X-3 tank cars include Eastman Chemical, Northern Pacific, Procor Limited, Seaboard Air Line, and UTLX in the 1950s lettering. Undecorated versions of both K-brake and AB-brake cars are also available. MSRP $54.95 each, or $329.70 for a six-pack. Multiple road numbers per scheme where appropriate. Available now from your favorite dealers or direct.
—Rapido Trains, 500 Alden Rd., Unit 21, Markham, ON L3R 5H5, Canada; rapidotrains.com
