Comparing the Bachmann and Micro-Trains single-dome tank cars

[bbussey]

I had thought the recently-released Bachmann single-dome tank car model was a clone of the Micro-Trains model.  But during a break from track-laying this evening, I compared the two and discovered there are substantial differences.  The Bachmann car is shorter, with a smaller-diameter and taller dome.  The hardware that mounts the tank to the frame is different.  And the Bachmann car is about .030" closer to the rails.

Micro-Trains says their model is based on the ACF type-27 10,000-gallon car, but the dimensions are way off from the prototype for that to be true.  Bachmann simply says their model is an ACF 36½" tank.  Other than the tank mounts, it looks like a type-27 but it could be a different type.  Anyone have an idea if the MTL model is closely based on an actual prototype?  Any confirmation on what ACF type# the Bachmann model is based on?

[sd45elect2000]

Nice, I'm not the only one to notice this. If you have an intermountain 8k tank, a micro trains 3 dome, a microtrains 10k, an atlas 11k and the Bachmann 10k tank, compare them all. I was confused to say the least. The MT10k single dome car is much bigger than the Bachmann and almost as big as the Atlas 11k tank.

I mounted my Bachmann tanks on intermountain underframes and they look "right" when they are next to the Intermountain 8K tank . The MT 10k tank sticks out as way too big. I would say that it loosely follows a 10k tank but perhaps closer to a non pressurized 11500 gal tank.

Randy

[pjm20]

Spookshow lists the MTL tank car as ICC 103, so I do not know whether that means anything new. The Bachmann tank car could possibly be closer to an ACF Type 21: http://www.trainlife.com/magazines/pages/79/5697/november-2005-page-51

[Chris333]

The Bachmann tank car could possibly be closer to an ACF Type 21: http://www.trainlife.com/magazines/pages/79/5697/november-2005-page-51

The end edges are rounded off on the Bachmann car.

Edit: I guess there are Type 21 that aren't insulated that have rounded ends.

[bbussey]

Or the Bachmann car may be a true Type-27 with the tank strap buckle detail missing.  Based on prototype photos, the Bachmann model is a lot closer than the Micro-Trains car.  The MTL model definitely is not a Type-27 - the dome is too short in height (by a lot) and too wide in diameter (by a lot), and the model is three scale feet too long.  So I'm giving the benefit of the doubt and assuming the MTL model is based on another prototype.

[Bob Bufkin]

I've also noted the minor differences.  Either way, I think they are both nice looking cars.

[Chris333]

Maybe MTL calls it their PS-5 

[wcfn100]

Or the Bachmann car may be a true Type-27 with the tank strap buckle detail missing.  Based on prototype photos, the Bachmann model is a lot closer than the Micro-Trains car.  The MTL model definitely is not a Type-27 - the dome is too short in height (by a lot) and too wide in diameter (by a lot), and the model is three scale feet too long.  So I'm giving the benefit of the doubt and assuming the MTL model is based on another prototype.

First of all, Type-27 refers to the under frame.  It has nothing to do with domes or length of the car.

I've measured the MLT car and from what I remember, it comes out somewhere around 12,500 gallons based on ACF measurements.  Not sure if there's an exact prototype.

The Bachmann car measure out at 10,000 gallons.  I have a couple tank car books and can't really find an exact match for the Bachmann car (probably due to all the different domes, plus a lot of later cars were welded and had beefier saddles), but there are a couple that come close like a USAX 11083 witch is an ICC103A type car.



Jason

[bbussey]

Okay, so then both models appear to be on Type-27 underframes.  Does the designation refer just to the construction/design method?  Were there Type-27 underframes of different lengths?

[wcfn100]

Okay, so then both models appear to be on Type-27 underframes.  Does the designation refer just to the construction/design method?  Were there Type-27 underframes of different lengths?

Type-27 was the last of the riveted frames.

Jason

[bbussey]

Type-27 was the last of the riveted frames.

Multiple lengths, or a fixed length?

[wcfn100]

Multiple lengths, or a fixed length?

AFAIK, any length.

'Types' were designs for standardization of the under frames named for the year they were developed e.g. 'Type 27' was developed in 1927 (but not used until 1929).

Jason

[JMaurer1]

At one time, I was trying to prepare a list of the prototype cars for MT (and any other brands of rolling stock). I just wasn't able to get that much info...well, not true, I got a ton of info, but not info that provided easy answers. One car that I did get simple info on was the MT tank car. Without verifying the info, what I have is:

65000 39' Single Dome Tank Car
General American ICC-103 10,000 Gallon Tank Car

If anyone has the simple info for any MT cars and wants to share it, I'll post it (see new thread that I'm about to start)

[wcfn100]

If anyone has the simple info for any MT cars and wants to share it, I'll post it (see new thread that I'm about to start)

34' 11" tank length
93" dia. tank.
68" dia. dome.

None of the numbers match exactly the small sample I have in my books, but it's comparable to a 12,000 gallon tank car (as opposed to the 12,500 I said earlier).

Jason

[Cajonpassfan]

First of all, Type-27 refers to the under frame.  It has nothing to do with domes or length of the car.
Jason

Umm, Type 27 refers to an American Car & Foundry (AC&F) patented tank car design of 1927, not just the underframe. It includes things like longitudinal courses, riveting patterns, saddle design etc.
Of the major tank car builders, only AC&F used the Type *year* designation. It is true that the size if the expansion dome varied, as did the diameter of these cars, and not too often length, depending on capacity, the most common of which were 8K gal and 10K gal standard length cars. The IM tank is a respectable model of the Type 27 8K gal. car. I have no idea what the MT car is supposed to be based on.
Otto K.