Bottom line first: I am quite pleased to have this iconic tank car for my collection of HO scale Chicago Great Western models.

From 1954 to 1957, the CGW took delivery of 42 19K gallon tank cars from American Car & Foundry and General American Transportation Corp. They were “color-code” painted – most of them in maroon, some with a yellow band around the dome, for diesel fuel loading, a few in black for oil loading, one in green for lube oil, and one in silver for kerosene.

In the March, 1990 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman, Rev Bill Landis wrote an article about scratchbuilding these cars. Basically kitbashed Athearn models, they more closely resembled the ACF than the GATC cars.

Now, some 35 years later, Roka Models have done a run of RTR 16K gallon GATC tank cars, painted, lettered, and numbered for the CGW in all the above noted paint schemes save for the single silver kerosene loading car, # 290. I do not have blueprints or even scale line drawings from which to make precise comparison between prototype and model, and “rivet counters” may take me to task for this, but I think the Roka cars are reasonable stand-ins for the 19K gallon CGW cars. Some noteworthy CGW/GATC specific details: correct configuration of the handrails, Superior horizontal hand brakes, double tank bands at each end, and Barber roller bearing trucks.

To my eye, the most faithful-to-prototype color rendition of the Roka cars are the two black oil loading cars, #s 254 and 262. Lettering is crisp and accurately placed. On the top of the tank, on both sides of the dome, there is a 5 ft wide light gray patch, which I cannot make out on prototype photos I’ve seen, all of which were taken after the car had been in service for many years. Perhaps, the patch was an “as-delivered” paint feature which became obscured over time with weathering and grime? Otherwise, my model seems a very good likeness of the prototype photo by E E Valentine pictured in Gene Green’s Chicago Great Western Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment.

Ordered the fire service tank car which i thought wasa pretty cool car and unique model. I received the car very well packaged in the shipping box and the model was very secure inside its box as well. From order placement to delivery was roughly 5 to 7 days as there was a weekend involved.

The detail is awesome.

like the gatc fire cars along they will go great with my existing gatc fire cars. Getting ready to order 4 more. That should just about finish my train. 9 fire cars + the fire command caboose

ROKA Modles shipped my order promptly. After receiving the two tank cars, I was pleased with the quality and detail. I will certainly order more from ROKA Models.

incredible cars highly recomend

The cars arrived without damage and are nicely detailed and well manufactured.

Beautiful highly detailed model. Must have for your layout. Just a little light on weight. Free rolling, great paint and lettering.

This model has the highest details. It is one of a kind. I had never heard of it before. It's packaged in best packaging. Quick delivery by this company. I personally hope they produce more, one of a kind railroad equipment I can't wait to see what is next.

This is the best ready to run model Railroad car I have ever seen, bar non. The detail and quality is perfect and very accurate. Well done.

Very high quality model of a prototype not offered before. It is very much appreciated that such an accurate model is now available.

CHICAGO GREAT WESTERN LIGHT BLUE LUBE OIL LOADING GATC TANK CAR 1955-1970

Another beautiful model from Roka. These Santa Fe tank cars capture the prototype in every detail. The paint is outstanding as is the lettering. Every Santa Fe layout needs a string of these accurate models

Just received my two BNSF water tank car. The quality is excellent, lot of details that are perfect, fine and crisp. I'm so happy with this purchase that I will do business again. Keep the good work ROKA!

The CGW tank cars look and run great!