N scale Bachmann 3 dome prototype?

[Albert in N]

   Years ago, I saw a short string of parked small 3 dome tankers on the old Roscoe, Snyder, and Pacific near Snyder TX.  The image stuck in my head even though all the tankers I see, and have seen, on actual trains are single dome.  I grabbed some Bachmann cars plus a few MTL triple domes.  The MTL car boxes are labeled "ACF 3 Dome Tank Car".  Bachmann had no prototype noted, yet I liked the variety and colors.  Yes, they seem over sized, but fun to run.  I changed out the original non-functioning knuckle coupler wheel set (with metal wheels) for MTL coupler trucks using the MTL adapter pins on the Deep Rock black Bachmann tanker coupled to a MTL Skelly single dome.  The Deep Rock has a Woodland Scenics dust monkey dragging on one axle.  The white and red Panhandle Refining Bachmann tanker has truck mounted factory dummy knuckle couplers and is coupled to the MTL green ACF Penn Central tanker.  Any thoughts on Bachmann's prototype reference?

[learmoia]

The only thing I can find that is close to the Bachmann 3 dome tank is the Atlas A1G 3 dome tank .  Both of which are probably clones of 1970s era HO models.

That being said, N scale cars that match prototype photos I can find.. Prototypes are closer to the smaller Micro Trains tank as well as the Life Like and Model Power 3 dome tanks.

You also have 2 dome and 6 dome tanks in prototype.. 

[learmoia]

May want to skim through these 4000+ ACF Builder photos.. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/barrigerlibrary/albums/72157649155982802

Also note - the Flickr account that has this album has many other interesting things.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/barrigerlibrary/albums/with/72157649155982802

[JMaurer1]

As I recall, what they did was just take their single dome car and added two more domes which is why the car is actually so oversized.

IRL, there were single, double, triple, quad and six dome tank cars (I have a thing about multiple dome tanks). Usually multiple dome cars are smaller than single domes since they are things that are used in smaller quantities. 4 and 6 dome tanks were used a lot for shipping wine from Cali to New York and other points east. Orange Empire RR Museum ( a quick check, now called So Cal RR Museum) actually has a 6 and a 4 dome tank, both that were used for wine. Since the name change, Since my NWP RR shipped lots of wine they no longer appear to have photos of the rolling stock online. I've spent plenty of time down this rabbit hole.

[learmoia]

Each dome is it's own tank compartment correct?

[thomasjmdavis]

Each dome is it's own tank compartment correct?

Yes, at least in all the instances I am aware of.

The multi-dome cars were more popular early on- for delivery, for instance, to a small town fuel dealer who would get a shipment of 2000 gallons each of gasoline, diesel, and heating oil.  Or a factory that would receive 3 grades of lubricating oils.  Use of the multi-dome tank cars declined as trucking took over smaller deliveries.  I don't know when the last ones were retired, but it's been a long time since I saw a full sized one.

[rail_nut]

3 Dome Tank with a 1958 Build Date

[lock4244]

Yes, at least in all the instances I am aware of.

The multi-dome cars were more popular early on- for delivery, for instance, to a small town fuel dealer who would get a shipment of 2000 gallons each of gasoline, diesel, and heating oil.  Or a factory that would receive 3 grades of lubricating oils.  Use of the multi-dome tank cars declined as trucking took over smaller deliveries.  I don't know when the last ones were retired, but it's been a long time since I saw a full sized one.

I've been indulging in 80's and 90's era RR vids of late, and at least in Ontario the multi-dome cars were still common enough mid 90's. I remember monkeying with a two dome one on a tail track for Johns Manville in Scarborough around 1992/93.

[thomasjmdavis]

Well...I stand corrected. 

I would still guess that by 1980, the multi-dome cars were less common than in, say, 1920. But obviously they were in use later than I thought.

Thanks for the info.  That 1958 is interesting in that it does have 3 identical domes, in addition to a 1958 build date.

[Cajonpassfan]

The closest thing I can find to the recent Bachmann three dome car is this Shell car with a close to 10K gallon capacity. The sexy black and red Transcontinental Oil prototype was closer to 8K gallons, see pics, but clearly Bachmann used it as a basis for painting and lettering its model, down to the gallonage stencils on the domes.
Fun stuff, Otto K.

[Lenny53]

A little size comparison next to standard height boxcars, Lachine, QC mid 70s

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[nickelplate759]

Nice photo - does anyone know the purpose of the frames between the domes?

[peteski]

Nice photo - does anyone know the purpose of the frames between the domes?

While they look a bit unusual, they are probably just handrails to keep people from slipping and falling down.

[Cajonpassfan]

OSHA in action?
Otto

[Albert in N]

   Shell games with Bachmann triple dome, Bachmann single dome, and old "made in Yugoslavia" triple dome appearing colorful.  Close up of B'mann and Yugo 3 dome tankers show Yugo still has rapido couplers.  Anyway, thanks for the proto photos and info.  I know these N tankers are toy-like, but they are keepers.  Call it the fun factor.