About The Steam Era Freightcars Blog

This blog discusses all aspects of North American freight cars of the steam era, from the dawn of railroading through 1960.
It is intended to support the efforts of model railroaders who wish to produce the most prototypically accurate freight cars possible.
Prototype modelers are encouraged to participate in this blog. Please consider sending photos of prototypes and your efforts to model them, reviews of kits, books and other products, “articles” about your modeling efforts – with or without photos. The nature of blogging means the material can be "real time," and in-process models can be shared. These are not only welcomed, but appreciated as we all love to see a model develop over time.
Also welcome is information about upcoming prototype meets, shows, and other events.
Information submitted for this blog is considered gratis. Also, all submissions must include your name and contact email.
For more information or to submit information email steamfreightcar@gmail.com.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Resin Car Works Type 27 7K and 8K Acid Tank Car Kits - Update

Seems like this fall has lots of big news about little tank cars...
I received my Resin Car Works Type 27 7,000 and 8,000-gallon Acid tank car in yesterday's mail, and look forward to building it this weekend. I'll be sure to post some photos of the build on this blog.
In the meantime, RCW is gearing up to ship kits. Kits will be available direct from the manufacturer's web site (resincarworks.com) in early December - shipping date is dependent on when the photo etched parts arrive. RCW will accept PayPal or payment by check with a printable order form.

Here's the flyer showing the roadnames that will be offered in the first run of kits:
 

Friday, November 7, 2014

New HO Scale 8K Chemical Tank Car from Tangent

I mentioned at Naperville there were rumblings about a couple of new steam era freight cars that "maybe" would be announced around the time of Trainfest in Milwaukee.
Awoke to find this posted this morning - Marty

"Tangent Scale Models is proud to introduce our next ALL-NEW freight car replica, the General American 8,000 Gallon Acid Tank Car with Welded Underframe.  Following World War II, specialized liquid shippers requested new special duty tank cars, and General American Transportation Corporation met their demands by producing specific-service cars such as this 8,000 gallon acid service tank car.  At the same time, General American switched from a riveted underframe and riveted tank design to a welded underframe and tank.  While General American’s factory in Sharon PA manufactured at least three different post-war versions of 8,000 gallon acid all-welded tank cars, these specific prototypes were produced between 1949 and 1960.  Like all Tangent Scale Models offerings, these tank cars had long service lives, lasting well into the 1980s in revenue service.  Acid service tank cars were commonly-seen nationwide, providing transportation for strong chemical compounds, such as hydrochloric (muriatic), hydrofluoric, phosphoric, and sulfuric acids.  Acid tank cars were rubber-lined, featured one percent expansion domes on the top, and did not have bottom tank outlets. 

The Tangent Scale Models General American 8,000 gallon acid tank car is a visually-distinctive model that includes details accurate for each paint scheme.  Note the distinctive small expansion dome at the top, surrounded by a beautifully-rendered “see-through” safety walkway.  Our walkways along the side of the car are also “see-through” safety tread, just like their prototypes.  As always, our correct “true-to-life” colors and “hyper-accurate” lettering includes 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.  
This is NOT a pre-order announcement.  Our NEW Ready to Run replicas are available NOW at www.tangentscalemodels.com and we are selling these at Trainfest in Milwaukee on November 8-9.  Whether wearing “plain” GATX lease colors or the colors of a lessee, these replicas will certainly be eye-catchers on your layout!  Our first stunning release includes four paint schemes:
GATX “Black Lease 1952+” in the plain “black lease 1952+” scheme.  This GATX black lease scheme represents a general lease car in service beginning in 1952 and is broadly applicable across North America.  It is available in four road numbers.
 GATX “Stauffer Chemical Company” in the distinctive gray and black scheme with a 1953 paint date and 1949 build date, complete with the Stauffer diamond logo and Victor Chemical Division lettering, just like the prototype car.  These stunning cars are available in four road numbers.
GATX “The D O W Chemical Company” in the black scheme with striking yellow graphics including “Freeport Texas” lettering.  These nationwide service cars include a 1953 paint date on the side of the car.  This GATX lease scheme is available in four road numbers.
GATX "White Lease 1971+” in the striking “white lease 1971+” scheme which includes a large black stripe in the middle of the car.  These cars were repainted in 1971, which of course is modeled after an exact prototype photo.  These cars lasted in service into the 1990s, and are available in four road numbers.
Undecorated RTR Black 1949-1951 cars are immediately ready for decaling!
Undecorated RTR Black 1951-1960 cars are immediately ready for decaling!
Undecorated Unpainted Kits are available as well for those who desire to build their own. 

Pricing for RTR models is $44.95.  High-resolution images showing these fine replicas are available at www.tangentscalemodels.com  and our site also includes prototype images for your reference as well."