The prototype for this model is a 4,402-cubic-foot heavy-duty coal gon-dola car built by Trinity Industries for unit-train service. Unit trains are normally operated in solid consists of 100 to 120 matching cars.
These steel-and-aluminum cars have a rotary coupler at the painted end so they can be dumped without uncoupling. The lighter weight of the prototype’s aluminum body allows it to haul more coal per car than a similar all-steel car. It does have a steel underframe.
The model closely follows the proto-type dimensions listed in Trinity’s sales information. The car is a scale 50′-6″ long, 10′-6″ wide, and 12′-6″ tall. It has a one-piece molded styrene carbody that includes the floor, sides and ends. The sides have 13 exterior posts with excellent rivet detail. All of the grab irons, ladders, and steps are cast in place.
The Atlas Trainman line offers more economical rolling stock without compromising the models’ appearance or operating qualities. This is achieved by concentrating on the visible details while concealed items are more Spartan than higher-cost premium models.
In this case, the visible parts of the carbody look fine, but the underbody details are minimal and there’s no interior detail underneath the coal load. This car does have a separately applied brakewheel, but the other brake system parts are cast in place. A metal weight is concealed inside the body.
The coal gondola rides on appropriate 100-ton roller-bearing trucks that have rigid acetal plastic frames and scale 36″ diameter metal wheels. The acetal plastic axles have needle points, so the trucks are free rolling.
Our sample was smoothly painted aluminum with printed data along the lower edge of the sides and on both ends, and it’s all readable under magnification.
Overall, this Trainman coal gondola captures the appearance of today’s unit coal train cars. Atlas has achieved a nice balance between excellent visual details and decoration and reducing the cost of tooling for details that ordinarily won’t be seen.
Price: $16.95 each; three-packs, $49.95; undecorated, $13.95 each
Manufacturer:
Atlas Model Railroad Co.
378 Florence Ave.
Hillside, NJ 07205
www.atlasrr.com
Road names (three road numbers each): Burlington Northern,Santa Fe, Coleto Creek Power
(CCTX), Conecuh Valley RR (COEH), CSXT, Midwest Generation (CWEX), Union Pacific (CMO), Western Resources (JECX), Wisconsin Electric Power (WEPX)
Era: 2004 to present
Features:
Accumate magnetic knuckle couplers mounted at
the correct height
Blackened metal RP-25 contour wheels in gauge
Weight of 4½ ounces matches the NMRA recommended practice RP-20.1
