Manufacturer
Wm. K. Walthers Inc.
P.O. Box 3039
Milwaukee, WI 53201
www.walthers.com
Era: 2005 to present
Comments: This new Gold Line model from Walthers is based on a popular prototype from TrinityRail. The ready-to-run tank car features a one-piece body with separate ends, factory-installed wire grab irons, and numerous separately applied details.
The full-size tank cars are often handled in unit trains between ethanol production plants and oil refineries. To facilitate quicker unloading (and turnaround time), the tank cars are equipped with full-port bottom outlet valves. The valve covers are equipped with an extended operating handle so workers don’t have to climb below the car to open and close the valve covers.
Our sample is decorated for Abengoa Bioenergy. The satin black paint is smooth and evenly applied.
All of the white lettering is opaque, and the small printing is legible under magnification.
The model follows prototype drawings from the TrinityRail website. The RP-25 contour metal wheels are mounted on plastic axles and correctly gauged. Though the car’s Proto-Max couplers are mounted at the correct height, the model should use double-shelf couplers, such as Kadee no. 119, to match the prototype. At 4.6 ounces, the model is .15 ounces too light based on National Model Railroad Association Recommended Practice 20.1.
The tank car is also decorated for Global Ethanol, Midwest Ethanol Transport, North American Ethanol (fictional scheme), Renewable Products Marketing Group, and Trinity Industries Leasing. An undecorated version is also available.
