I always enjoy a good kit build, and fortunately, Tangent Scale Models still provides an opportunity for modelers to purchase parts. This gondola is one of 100 examples purchased by Atlantic Coast Line in 1952 from American Car and Foundry (ACF) which were originally numbered as ACL 98000-98099. This group was classified as the K-19 series which were used in specialized tin plate service as well as general service.
The model was originally released in 2009, and again in ready to run form in ACL's black carbody with white Prismo striping in 2011. I originally ordered a primed example and rolled my own after several years. The model is an excellent representation of the prototype with only one detail variation required for any cars beyond their initial delivery years.
Some notes from my files on the K-19 series:
- 70 ton rating
- 1647 cubic foot capacity
- fabricated from steel using 26 pressed steel side stakes (entire car, 13 per side)
- US Gypsum brake step
- Miner type A-22XL draft gear
- Lever type handle brakes, Union Asbestos & Rubber Co.
- ASF A-3 Ride control side frames with 33" one wear wrought steel wheels
- Stucki roller bearings
- ACF drop end locks and lading anchors
- Nailable steel flooring by Great Lakes Steel Corporation
Of note - the original K-19 diagram contains the post spacing as follows - 5' 1 1/8" - 3' 11" - 3' 7" - 3' 7" - 3' 7" - 3' 7" - 3' 7" - 3' 7" - 3' 7" - 3' 7" - 3' 7" - 3' 7" - 3' 11" - 4' 5 7/8". The extreme width is 10' 6 15/16", Interior width 9' 6", end opening 8' 9", overall length coupled 57'2", interior length 52' 6", and truck centers of 43' 8".
The series as a whole were transfered to the 698000-698099 series, with a key group going into dedicated coil tinplate service. The following 15 cars were removed from the series and placed into coil tinplate service: ACL 98002, 98004, 98005, 98028, 98036, 98047, 98048, 98055, 98059, 98066, 98070, 98071, 98077, 98080, and 98092. These 15 cars were initially removed from the general pool and given hoods to protect coils. ACL constructed 30 sets of covers in total for the series with 23 covers constructed by the Rocky Mount, NC shops in 1957, and 7 additional sets constructed in 1959 again at Rocky Mount.
On May 4, 1965, 7 of the listed cars were removed from the dedicated service and returned to the general pool. On May 23, 1967, 5 additional cars were removed from the dedicated service and returned to the general pool. Of the original 15 cars, 5 remained in dedicated service as of 1972.
Structurally speaking, the cars remained the same save for triangular braces added near the top chord which served as guides for insertion of the covers. The removable covers measured 14' 9" by 8' 11" by 5' 10 3/8". The covers are labeled as drawing No. S-845 and are also given special loading instructions under drawing No. S-846. A general arrangement drawing for the series is listed under drawing No. S-588. The coiled tinplate cars were transferred into SCL series 698000-698099 at the 1967 merger and the 15 cars were listed as 698002, 698004, 698005, 698028, 698036, 698047, 698048, 698055, 698059, 698066, 698070, 698071, 698077, 698080, and 698092.
After examining multiple prototype photos, the defect car holder was removed and as such, it is quick work of this cast on part. I located an in-service photograph of these recently which garnered my attention and will become a source for an article. The heavy lifting is nearly complete in this image, with only grab iron installation, brake equipment and final details to be installed.
Tangent's excellent customer service and ready to run models have no rival in HO scale, and I appreciate their attention to the kit builders out here.
