Kaolin, a fine white clay, is produced by the natural chemical weathering of aluminum silicate minerals such as feldspar. Mined in the southeast United States (primarily Georgia and Florida), kaolin is used in the manufacture of ceramics, bricks, light bulbs, cosmetics, medicines and food additives. The largest use is in the manufacturing of paper, especially in creating glossy paper. Kaolin is shipped both as a dry powder in covered hoppers and in tank cars with water as a slurry. In the slurry form the weight of water requires the tank cars be smaller capacity compared to other liquids such as ethanol and LPG. Identical tank cars are also used to haul calcium carbonate slurry, used in the making of lime and cement.

One of the more modern versions of the clay slurry tank car is designed and manufactured by UTLX Manufacturing Inc (formerly Union Tank Car). The car is a 286K (referring to a 286,000 pound gross rail load limit) design with a capacity of approximately 16,000 gallons. The capacity varies slightly between UTLX and Englehard, the operators of the cars. The car is an AAR Plate C clearance car with a 111-inch I.D. tank and an overall length of 44 feet. For a complete bottom unloading the car incorporates a Funnel-Flow design. The cars are lined and kept in dedicated service to avoid cross-contamination.

Features:

• Fully assembled and ready for your layout
  
• Separately applied fittings nozzle, manway, and small safety valve nozzle
  
• Full brake plumbing and rigging including brake wheel, air reservoir cylinder, triple valve, brake linkage, trainline, brake rod, large brake support, small brake support
  
• See-through Photo-etched metal walkways and end platforms
  
• Wire platform railings, grab irons, and side safety rail
  
• Fine scale side ladders
  
• Printed marking on the sides, ends, and top of the tank body
  
• Placard holders
  
• Equipped with McHenry AAR upper/lower shelf couplers•
  
• Weighted for optimum performance
  
• Razor sharp painting and printing
  
• 36” solid nickel silver wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
  
• Body mounted McHenry operating scale knuckle couplers
  
• Replacement parts available
  
• Minimum radius: 18”