Color doesn't determine the load. Most companies probably use black to hide spills, leaks, or overflows. It is your railroad, and you could use them for whatever you want. Though I would stay away from liquid asphalt, since some can spill on the sides of the car during loading, so black would be a better color.
DING DING DING We have a winner. Johnny, tell us what he's won.
A NEW ................
rrinker Blue tank car? well duh, the reporting marks should be something like SSLX, and they are used to carrry...SMURFBERRY JUICE! --Randy SSLX - Smurf Shipping Lines (X is for private owner)
Blue tank car? well duh, the reporting marks should be something like SSLX, and they are used to carrry...SMURFBERRY JUICE!
--Randy
SSLX - Smurf Shipping Lines (X is for private owner)
LOL.
Frank
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Fifty years ago on Dads and my layout we had blue tank cars that said "Mobil gas" on them. So who knows.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Dan,
''What's in a Blue tank car''?
Anything you want. If it is hazardous...that will be designated by the placard that will be placed in the holders on the four sides of the car. They have been around for quite some time. You just may have not seen any around in the area that You live.
A three dome blue tank car...built 1938:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chandler-Arizona_Railroad_museum-Three_Dome_Tank_Car-1938.JPG
Take Care!
Since most tank cars are black, I'm assuming it's the cheapest most effective color. So, to not use black, there's a reason. White can be used because it's the least energy (heat) absorptive. I haven't heard of any color coding for tank car colors, so other than the above two reasons, I think it's purely decorative. Just like boxcars.
BUT.
When you get your rather attractive new tank cars, you might find that a careful examination of the applied lettering will answer your question. I was recently watching a train with a buncha tank cars, and noted the magic word "sulfur" on the side. Other times, you can figure out the load from the owning company. Or, at least, get a good start.
Ed
I just committed a classic model railroading faux pas.... I came across a great deal on a pair of blue Walthers 54' modern tank car kits on eBay. I decided it was too good a deal to pass up, so of course I bought them. The only problem is, now I have to figure out how to use them on my layout
For now, I'm just thinking some kind of transloading type scenario at the team track, but it would be helpful to know what's supposed to be inside these things.
So that's my question.... what commodity is typically transported in blue tank cars?
Generally speaking, is there any significance to the color of a tank car? Are certain colors used exclusively for certain commodities?
Dan Stokes
My other car is a tunnel motor