This gorgeous prototype tank car model has never been available in either brass or plastic, and is applicable to modelers from 1979 to the 2000s. Tangent Scale Models are excited to bring you this highly relevant – and needed – tank car model in HO Scale.

You’ve been asking for 1970s tank cars. Here is the first ever dual diameter, jacketed tank car, in HO scale! And – this is Tangent Scale Models third all-new 1960s/1970s tank car released in 2026!

North American Car Corporation (NACC) originally produced this 33,000 Gallon “Dual Diameter” tank car design between 1963-1965, designed for Propane and Anhydrous Ammonia. After a series of tank car safety incidents, U.S. DOT mandated that all of the cars must receive either head shields or an external insulated jacket – to be installed between 1979–1980.

In the case of these DOT-112-J-340-W cars, an external insulated jacket was added to the tanks, hence the “J” in the DOT class designation. North American made many modifications to these cars during the rebuild process; notably, these “pressure tank cars” were modified with the jacketed insulation, which made the cars visually larger in both tank diameters. Additionally, large metal boxes were fabricated around the bolster area. The tanks maintained the large “Manway Nozzle” at the top of the car for gas loading/unloading, and the safety valve. These cars are notable because of the handrails that extend across the top of the entire tank from the ends. The addition of jacketing boosted the car’s spec to Plate C. Finally, these cars were equipped with shelf couplers per USDOT rules instituted at the same time as the rule mandating tank protection: head shields (Tangent Scale Models May release for cars without insulation) or insulation (this release).

The Tangent Scale Models NACC 1979+ Jacketed 33,000 Dual Diameter Flammable Gas Tank Car is a dimensionally-accurate replica that adds great visual variety to your tank car fleet. Tangent Scale Models model includes key build variations, including top walkway handrail modifications. This replica includes Tangent Scale Models “near-scale” draft gear box including side “key” detail, and many underframe and bolster area details. Tangent Scale Models ready-to-operate replica is finished with coupler lift bars accompanying Kadee scale shelf couplers, sufficient hidden weights, and CNC-machined wheels to ensure the model operates as good as it looks.

A quick synopsis of Tangent Scale Models NACC 1979+ Jacketed 33,000 Dual Diameter Flammable Gas Tank Car paint-scheme specific details and variations include:

• Highly correct “true to life” colors
• Industry-leading “Hyper-Accurate” lettering including exact fonts and lettering placement
• Multiple road numbers for each scheme
• Beautiful weld lines across the many insulated courses on the tank body
• “See through” rooftop walkways and end platforms
• “Lacey” handrails and ladders
• Dimensionally-correct hazardous placards with accurate hole detail
• Accurate bolster “boxes”
• “See-through” bolster detail just like the prototype
• Detailed brake system including a combination of plastic and wire parts to maximize realism
• Separate flexible durable rubber air hoses
• “Near-scale” draft gear box with beautifully-rendered side “key” detail
• Genuine Kadee scale shelf couplers – prototypically accurate per the prototypes
• Tangent Scale Models precision Tangent Scale Models 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with prototype-specific rotating bearing caps (four possible options!) and separate brake beam part
• CNC-machined 36” wheels with accurate front and back detail
• Replacement semi-scale wheels available separately from Tangent
• Weighted to NMRA specifications
• Recommended age 14 years and older

NATX Black Lease 1981 NACC 1979+ Jacketed 33,000 Gallon Dual Diameter Insulated LPG Tank Car

• Product: NACC 1979+ Jacketed 33,000 Gallon Dual Diameter Insulated LPG Tank Car
• Scale: HO Scale 1:87.1
• Truck: Tangent 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with rotating Timken bearing caps and separate brake beam part
• Wheels: CNC-Machined 36″ Wheels
• Era: 1981-2000

– NATX “Black Lease 1981” introduces Tangent Scale Models NATX “plain black lease” paint scheme as applied to the tank car when rebuilt in 1981. This lease scheme is entirely painted black, and includes white stenciling. Color on the car is present with the red, white, and blue North American logo on the side of the car. These cars feature the Roman-style stenciling in white, which certainly “pops” against the black-painted carbody. Among many small stencils, the words “Liquified Petroleum Gas” is stenciled on the right side, confirming its service use, as well as a myriad of other accurate stenciling. These tank cars roll on Tangent 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with 36’ wheels, separate truck brake beams and rotating Timken roller bearing caps. These cars are perfect for filling out your era-specific trains.

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