American Limited Models GATC Postwar Welded Tank Cars

摘要

American Limited Models is now shipping its latest release of their GATC-built 16,000-gallon tank car in HO scale. In 2019, we reviewed the inaugural production of this tank car that focused on replicating Santa Fe's Class Tk-N and Tk-O prototypes. For this issue, we will focus on American Limit-ed's all-new versions of these GATC-built cars delivered to the Northern Pacific and to the Spokane, Portland & Seattle railroads. Depending upon the paint scheme and details provided, these cars are suitable for modelers from 1949 to the current day. Prior to the 1940s, nearly all tank cars were of riveted construction. World War Ⅱ brought advancements in welding technology, such as electric arc welding and other techniques. After the war, freight car manufacturers such as American Car & Foundry and General American retooled their manufacturing facilities to leverage these new methods for freight car assembly.