The model represents one of a lot of 1,370 tank cars that ACF built in mid-1974 at its Milton, Pa., shops and numbered 86567 through 87947. The federal Department of Transportation classified these cars as 111A 100 W-1.
Additional information about modern tank cars and their nomenclature, as well as a scale drawing, were published in the February 1990 Model Railroader. To summarize, 111A indicates the car is intended for general service, 100 means a maximum pressure rating of 100 pounds per square inch, W indicates a fusion-welded tank, and the 1 means the car typically carries gasoline, kerosene, vegetable oils, or other non-pressurized liquids.
The brake linkage system, ladders, loading platform, and safety rails are finely cast acetal plastic parts applied separately. The end railings are wire. The model includes two sets of placard holders that can be decaled to indicate the commodity the car is carrying.
Micro-Trains used ACF blueprints to develop the car’s tooling. Our sample closely matches the prototype dimensions except for the height above the rail which is a bit tall at 16′-6″ (the prototype was 15′-57/8″). However, this difference is not readily discernable.
Another nice touch Micro-Trains included are the ladder rungs. The prototype has nine rungs to a side spaced 15′-½” apart, and the model’s finely cast ladders have nine rungs spaced a scale 15″ apart. The extra ½” is probably there, too, although my 1:1 scale eyes couldn’t find it.
The model rides on Micro-Trains’ free-rolling 100-ton trucks with truck-mounted couplers. All wheelsets on our sample matched the National Model Railroad Association standards gauge.
The car weighed one ounce, a tad lighter than the NMRA’s Recommended Practice of .5 ounce plus .15 ounce per inch of length, but the car should operate well on most layouts as it is. To add weight, remove the tank cap from the non-brakewheel or “A” end for access to the tank body interior.
The painting on our sample was excellent, and crisp, fine lettering makes this car a standout. Not only could I read the DOT classification without eye strain, I also could read the data indicating when the prototype was repaired and repainted.
Micro-Trains has produced an excellent piece of N scale rolling stock for modelers of the modern era.
Price: $21.95
Manufacturer:
Micro-Trains Line
351 Rogue River Parkway
P.O. Box 1200
Talent, OR 97540-1200
Description:
Ready-to-run plastic car
Road names:
ACFX
Archer Daniels Midland
MacIntyre Fuels
