Bachmann has released a series of 1:20.3 narrow gauge tank cars in both frameless and narrow frame varieties. Choo-Choo has loaned me a narrow frame car for this review. The particular model that I have is a silver undecorated model which is based on a ULTX design. This car is definitely designed to work only on eight foot minimum diameter track, and the manufacturer points this out in the literature that is included with the car. The car is a scale 29 feet 2 inches long, which comes out to 19 inches over couplers in our scale of 1:20.3. This car represents the narrow gauge tank cars that were used on various different railroads in the early part of the 20th century, specifically ULTX, White Pass and Yukon, and Gramps oil.
The car is fitted with inside brakes, and has arch-bar trucks which are sprung. The journal lids open, which is a nice feature, but they fall off and are are easily lost. I would recommend that they be glued in place which I have done with all my Bachmann 1:20.3 freight cars.
The car has a horizontal brake shaft with a chain attached that runs down to the brake rigging. An operating ratchet and pawl assembly are provided that actually works when the brake wheel is turned. Operating knuckle couplers come set at a high level for easy mating with Accucraft and other couplers in this scale. Low level couplers are provided for those who wish to couple to older Bachmann equipment and coupler height. Coupler lift bars are metal and functional on this car as with all Bachmann Spectrum cars. The steps and handrails are metal and prototypical. Wheels are metal which allow the car to roll very nicely down the track, and give it a low center of gravity.
Walkways are weathered a light gray wood grain. This looks very artificial to me and is something which the modeler can definitely improve upon. Rivet detail is excellent on both the tank and dome. All under frame details including brake equipment, piping, valves, etc. are extremely well done on this model. Besides the brake rigging, the manufacturer has done an excellent job on the valves used for unloading. Since this is a tank car, this detail is extremely important since it is easily seen from the side, and many other large scale manufacturers do not execute this well.
Bachmann has once again come up with a winner. The car is very nicely done, and would be a great addition to any narrow gauge railroad. The cars come in the following paint variations: Narrow Frame-White Pass and Yukon (Black), UTLX (Black), Undecorated Black, Silver, and Oxide Red. Frameless- Gramps (Black), UTLX (Black), Undecorated Black, Silver, and Oxide Red.
