The tank car was
relatively uncommon
until the 1870s,
when the nascent
petroleum industry
ordered large
quantities of metal
tanks carried on
wooden car bodies.
By the early 1900s,
a standard design
had evolved that
lasted throughout
the steam and early
diesel eras: an
8,000-11,000 gallon
metal tank perched
on a metal
flatcar-like
underframe.
The one big change
during that time was
the transition from
riveted to welded
construction
beginning in the
late 1930s. Car
builders introduced
X-ray inspection of
welds to ensure
safety, as well as
giant annealing
ovens that could
heat-treat assembled
tanks to relieve
joint stress. Welded
tanks were stronger,
less susceptible to
rust and corrosion,
and less likely to
rupture in the event
of a wreck.
Our model represents
a typical
all-welded,
insulated tank car
built in the late
1940s or 1950s. A
layer of insulation
protected cargos
that were sensitive
to temperature
extremes, and some
such cars also had
heating coils under
their outer layer.
Our model also
features a safety
platform around the
dome - insulation
and safety platforms
being features
commonly found on
cars used in the
chemical industry.
High quality, traditionally sized RailKing Freight Cars provide detailed bodies and colorful paint schemes for the O Gauge railroader. MTH makes an enormous variety of RailKing Freight Cars, including many different car types and roadnames. No matter what era or part of the country you are modeling, RailKing is sure to have something for you.
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