By the end of World War I, U.S. production of oil and oil-related products was sharply increasing thanks to the combination of war-related demands as well as demands from home. In order to move oil and new consumer products, tank car producers introduced new car designs. In 1917, General American Tank Car introduced a new general service 8,000 gallon non-insulated tank car that became immensely popular with bulk liquids shippers.

Our RTR models include correct “true-to-life” colors and “hyper-accurate” lettering including exact fonts and lettering placement. Finally, our scale replicas operate as well as they look, equipped with free-rolling all-metal wheels and Kadee scale couplers, meaning our models are truly ready to run.

Features for these awesome replicas include:

• Circumferential riveted tank body and riveted underframe (count ‘em, there are many!)

• Radial course tank body – note the “stairstep” appearance!

• All-new underframe for the GATC 1917-design

• “See-through” cast knee above the bolsters

• Accurate dome appliances

• Dimensionally-correct hazardous placards with accurate hole detail

• Separately applied tank handrail

• Separately applied tank strap detail

• KC- or AB- brake variations depending on the prototype car

• Inclusion of Cardwell draft sill springs depending on the prototype car, otherwise “oval” frame openings where the springs were removed

• Different hand brake appliance options depending on the prototype car

• Highly correct “true to life” colors

• “Hyper-Accurate” lettering including exact fonts and lettering placement, including lettering applied to the underframe and air reservoir

• Durable wire grab irons and coupler lift bars

• Separate air hoses

• “Near-scale” draft gear box with side detail

• Kadee “scale-head” couplers

• CNC-machined 33” wheels in high-quality Tangent Scale Models ASF cast steel truck with spring plank and with separate brake beams

• Replacement semi-scale wheels available separately from Tangent

• Multiple road numbers for each scheme – these cars often traveled in “groups” of more than one

• Recommended age 14 years and older

GATX “ Union Starch and Refining Company 1950+” in the attractive “Union Starch and Refining Company – Quality Products From Corn” bright red scheme with accompanying white stenciling with black border.  These cars also feature “GRANITE CITY, ILLINOIS” spelled out.  This transition-era tank car is another great nationwide roamer, seen on all corners of the North American rail network hauling corn products. These models come with an AB brake system, and are available in six all-new road numbers for 2022!

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