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

CB&Q “Delivery Gray 1-1965” replicates the CB&Q’s second order of cars from General American. These 400 cars were delivered in the Q’s classic covered hopper gray with Chinese Red graphics and featured a herald applied to a stand-off plate across the ribs. One of the neat details of this scheme is the large General American triangle logo painted on the far left of the body, carefully duplicated on the Tangent model with the correct red background specific to the CB&Q. Of course, those black bays and underframe are a classy touch. The Q’s cars were built with the 15-post body style with an Apex walkway and a high-mount retainer on the B-End. The prototype’s truck-mounted brake gear translates to little things on the model like a “missing” brake cylinder on the B-End. The 4 individual brake cylinders are actually mounted on the truck brake beams, duplicated on the 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks! Take your time and enjoy the Wine outlet gates and their distinctive frame mounting plus accurate gear housing mechanism on the one side. The CB&Q was one of the largest owners of the GATC 4500, and these cars lasted in CB&Q paint into the 1990s!

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