Atlas HO scale ACF 100-ton Center Flow covered hopper

Atlas offers ready-to-run models of ACF Industries 100-ton 4,650-cubic-foot Center Flow covered hoppers in two versions. Both are excellent models with etched metal running boards and detail variations to represent prototype cars built before or after 1971.

These popular cars were introduced in 1964 to haul grain, fertilizers, kaolin clay, plastic pellets, sugar, salt, soda ash, and similar products. The Atlas models represent the most common prototypes which were built starting in mid-1966 and remain in production. Since then, nearly 15,000 have been built, according to Ed Kaminski, author of the book American Car & Foundry 1899-1999.

The Atlas 4650 models closely match the prototype dimensions specified in ACF sales literature. Each car has three compartments and either six round hatches, three long hatches, or one continuous trough hatch, along with three bottom outlets for unloading.

A thin horizontal reinforcing rib about two-thirds of the way up the curved sides (visible on the Thiele Kaolin model at left) marks the early version. A design change in 1971 eliminated this rib and replaced it with a pair of similar reinforcing ribs located higher along the juncture of the roof and sides (as on the Soo Line model at left).

A pair of general articles on the development of the ACF Center Flow cars were published in the February 2000 issues of Model Railroader and Trains magazines.

This model follows the same construction as its larger Pressureaide brother, reviewed in the October 2001 Model Railroader. It’s built around a one-piece molded body which includes the hoppers and sides. The roof, slope sheets and ends, fine end bracing, and ladders are separate added parts.

Some modelers have noticed the lack of vertical weld lines in the sides of these models. These joints were deliberately left off the model as ACF used a variety of different size steel panels to construct the prototype car sides. Modelers who want this detail can lightly scribe the appropriate joints to match their favorite prototype.

Atlas has matched the hatch configuration to the specific prototype paint schemes. Finely etched .012″-thick metal running boards are mounted on plastic brackets cast into the roof.

A pair of free-rolling 100-ton roller-bearing trucks, molded in acetal plastic, are included. Each wheelset has brass wheels mounted on needlepoint stub axles which are pressed into an axle tube. All of the wheelsets on our sample car matched the National Model Railroad Association standards gauge.

Accumate magnetic knuckle couplers are mounted in coupler boxes cast into the floor with lids that are secured with small Phillips screws. The coupler height is correct. Horn-hook couplers are included in the package.

Three formed steel weights fit inside the hoppers and they’re secured with small Phillips screws. The model weighs 5 ounces, so it’s ½ ounce heavier than the NMRA’s Recommended Practice of one ounce plus ½-ounce per inch of length. Interior access is easy, so the weight can be adjusted.

Our sample cars were superbly finished in prototype paint schemes done from ACF builder’s photos. All of the lettering was clear and sharp and the models come in two car numbers each.

These great-looking modern cars see service nationwide, so most diesel-era modelers will want to add some to their car fleets.

HO ACF 4650 covered hopper

Price: $24.95 each

Manufacturer:
Atlas Model Railroad Co. Inc.
603 Sweetland Ave.
Hillside, NJ 07205-1799
www.atlasrr.com

Description:
Ready-to-run plastic freight cars

Road names:
Pre-1971
1400 undecorated
1401-1, -2 Erie Lackawanna
1402-1, -2 Great Northern
1403-1, -2 New York Central
1404-1, -2 Thiele Kaolin
Post-1971
1450 undecorated
1451-1, -2 Soo Line
1452-1, -2 Southern Pacific
1453-1, -2 Western Pacific