Tangent HO GA 4700 Covered Hopper Illinois Central “As Delivered Gray”

Description

Railroad Short Name: IC

The Tangent Scale Models GATC 4700 covered hopper system is a state of the art, dimensionally-accurate scale replica with highly accurate “true-to-life” colors and precise letter stencils.  Our GATC 4700 system of models offers a multitude of detail variations and phases to replicate the many different GATC 4700 offerings.  Example variations include: 13-post, 13-post IC, or 15-post body shells, body-mount or truck-mount brake systems and multiple prototype outlet gates.   This replica includes our fine “near-scale” draft gear box with beautifully-rendered side “key” detail.  Our ready-to-operate replica is finished scale metal grab irons, coupler lift bars, accompanying Kadee® scale couplers and sufficient hidden weights to ensure the model operates as good as it looks.  At more than 150 parts per car, not to mention phase accurate details, genuine Kadee couplers, and all-metal wheels, we provide you with a high-value model that will provide you with years of enjoyment and curb-appeal.

Illinois Central (IC) “Delivery Gray 1-1967” replicates one of the largest orders for the GATC 4700.  The IC received 500 cars in this order, as part of their expanding fleet of 100-ton covered hoppers. These sharp grain haulers were painted medium gray, and were the first new cars to wear the IC’s Split-Rail logo.  The IC GATC 4700s featured a 13-post body and low ladder appliances, but with a twist.  If you look carefully at the prototype photos, you will notice that the side ladders feature 4 rungs on the ladder, versus the “normal” 3 rungs for other roads.  The end ladders feature 8 rungs, versus 7 rungs for the other roads.  Yes, Tangent designed and tooled a IC-specific body to handle this important detail.  GATC even “filled in” the unused pre-punched holes on the ladder stiles with rivets, a detail carefully replicated on the Tangent model.  The IC cars were equipped with Truck-mounted brake hardware, so this translates to little things on the model like a “missing” brake cylinder on the B-End.  The 4 individual brake cylinders are mounted on the truck brake beams on the 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks!  Don’t forget to take a look at that beautiful Ellcon-National 1600 power brake with a separately-applied short release lever.  Underneath, the model has accurate Keystone “Portloc” gravity outlet gates with intricate ratchet and rod detail.

Features:

• Dimensional accuracy – designed from General American and Despatch Shops Inc. plans and verified with field measurements
• Highly correct “true to life” colors
• Industry-leading “Hyper-Accurate” lettering including exact fonts and lettering placement
• Genuine Kadee® scale couplers
• “Near-scale” draft gear box with beautifully-rendered side “key” detail
• Multiple road numbers for each scheme
• Signature GATC ribbed roof with both upper and lower flange roof edge fastener detail
• Signature Despatch welded roof with both upper and lower flange roof edge fastener detail
• Six-panel GATC roof hatch with separately applied metal hand grabs and locking knobs.
• “See through” running boards and crossover platforms (in both Apex and Morton Uni-wing combinations)
• Road-specific details for each scheme, including 2 different brake systems, 6 different outlet gates, 2 different running board and brake step platform options, end ladder options, 7 brakewheel housing and clevis options, 2 retainer valve mounting options and 2 different routing board options.
• Beautiful details including separately-applied scale wire grab irons and coupler lift bars – no “molded on” plastic grab irons or “thick” plastic grab iron parts anywhere on this replica!
• Metal corner stirrup steps
• Separate flexible rubber air hoses
• CNC-machined 36” wheels
• Our precision Tangent Scale Models 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with prototype-specific rotating bearing caps (four possible options!) and separate brake beam part (2 possible options!)
• Recommended age 14 years and older