During the 1960s, railcar builders experimented with new covered hopper designs to satisfy the evolving needs of shippers as they moved away from forty-foot box cars to bulk transport railcars. During the 1963-1966 period, General American Transportation Corporation (GATC) produced its first “grain hopper” design as a 4500 cubic foot capacity prototype, selling more than 1,200 cars to a variety of railroads and lessors. The design had two distinct exterior appearances, with either 13 or 15 exterior side posts. The 4500 had a sister car design, of 4700 cubic feet, which looked similar because it had the same side post variations, however it utilized a 5-inch taller design.

The Tangent Scale Models GA 4500 covered hopper system is a state of the art, dimensionally-accurate scale replica with highly accurate “true-to-life” colors and precise letter stencils. The Tangent Scale Models GATC 4500 system of models offers a multitude of detail variations and phases to replicate the many different GATC 4500 offerings. Example variations include: 13-post or 15-post body shells, original and rebuilt roof options, body-mount or truck-mount brake systems, multiple prototype outlet gates and Apex and Morton roof walkways. This replica includes the Tangent Scale Models fine “near-scale” draft gear box with beautifully-rendered side “key” detail. The Tangent Scale Models 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, Tangent Scale Models provide you with a high-value model that will provide you with years of enjoyment and curb-appeal.

A quick synopsis of Tangent Scale Models GATC 4500 era and railroad-specific details and variations include:

• Dimensional accuracy – designed from General American 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

• 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, 12 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

ATSF “Quality Repaint 1991” is a great example of a later-era GATC 4500. The ATSF refurbished their GATC 4500s in the early 1980s and removed the distinctive General American rooftop ribs. We have carefully duplicated this rebuilt roof with this offering, including an accurate Morton style running board with that distinctive Uni-wing flange. We didn’t stop there. Along with its roof changes, the car lost its original frame-style Wine outlet gates. If you look carefully, you will notice the updated, accurate Miner outlet gates with “Selflok” mechanisms on the model. The ATSF’s prototype GATC cars featured a 13-post body, body-mounted brake hardware and linkage below the underframe, all features that are present on this Tangent replica. The B-end has as accurate Klasing 1150 hand brake, modern brake wheel, Moton brake step and lowered retainer valve. Check out those gorgeous 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with proper body-style brake beam and rotating Timken caps! The Santa Fe GA-159 covered hopper is painted in Topeka Shops-applied oxide red with “Quality” logo graphics for the 1991+ era. This is a modern example of Santa Fe railroading.

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