8,000 Gallon Welded Tank Car

Prototype Information

In the 1950s, General American Transportation Company (GATC) built all-welded tank cars at its Sharon, PA plant. By 1957, the tanks had safety platforms around the dome. Extra sheet metal on top gave the dome a “bulb” shape. GATC also updated handrails, enlarged manway uprights, and strengthened side weldments.

Railroads used these cars for corn syrup, caustic soda, fatty acids, molasses, vinegar, sodium chlorate, and fuel oil. Their smooth, modern design kept them in service into the 1990s. Most rolled in bright billboard paint schemes representing liquid shippers.