Review by Joe Bohannon/model photos by Tony Cook
Roka Prototype Models released their 16,000-gallon GATC tank cars in an assortment of fascinating paint schemes and services. Roka has been dedicated to producing accurate, well researched products and these tank cars are no different.
What is interesting about this run of cars originally built in 1949 for Santa Fe; Northern Pacific; and Spokane, Portland & Pacific is Roka examples of these cars lasting into more modern times. These cars had a service life that extended into railroad company service, such as providing locomotive shop needs like lubricating oils, solvents, and diesel fuel. Some found service in maintenance-of-way, providing water or herbicides for vegetation and weed spraying. But the truly unique addition to this release is the water fire protection cars with included hose reel and pump detail.
Roka provided an assortment of these various cars with all samples including interesting labeling applied, some with unique color bands for their intended service, and a few included FRA 224 regulation stripes, making these cars suitable for use after 2005.
Burlington Northern 973371 is a former Northern Pacific car that found its way onto BN’s roster through the 1970 merger. A striking feature of this car is the all-white body and red lettering indicating its operating base and use as a Seattle Fire Car. The inclusion of the fire hose, pump, and battery detail further proves its intended use. The model also features roller bearings and FRA stripes.
Montana Rail Link 100011 is an example of a car that was built for Northern Pacific. A neat detail included is the previous NP number of 102011 on the frame, a reporting mark Montana Rail Link missed when they patched the car. There is labeling on the dome indicating this car is in locomotive lube oil service. Lube oil is what most would think of as motor oil, but has higher viscosity and additives to serve it better in heavy duty diesel engines. The model features metal walkway and friction bearing trucks. The faded blue MRL patch and FRA stripes make it a nice car for contemporary models to add.
Santa Fe 98195 is an example of a solvent car. Solvents are strong parts cleaners used in locomotive shops. Santa Fe applied a yellow dome and a yellow band outlined in red for such a service. The model features metal walkways, friction bearing trucks, and a nice addition of “flammable” placards already installed. Santa Fe 189238 represents a car transferred to maintenance-of-way service in the 1980s. The sample is painted silver and features a label for domestic water. Water has many uses in MOW operations, including cleaning, cooking, and drinking by track gangs in remote areas. The model features removed walkways and roller bearing trucks.
Santa Fe 209886 is another silver car found in MOW use. The car’s labeling shows its use as providing vegetation control. Railroads constantly battle mother nature as she attempts to reclaim the railroad right of way and as a result, railroads spray herbicides along the tracks to prevent the growth of weeds. The model also features removed walkways and roller bearing trucks.
Santa Fe 189238 is an exciting addition to the release. It also uses the color band markings Santa Fe adopted. The gray banding indicates the car is used for domestic water, but more importantly, the large white panel on the car side clears up any confusion of what this water is used for. Written in large red font “Water Car Fire Service.” Such a car would have served with rail grinders, which throw sparks and potentially start fires as it works. However, more often, BNSF stages these types of cars in areas prone to forest fires and are deployed to protect the track from such blazes. The model features an all-new detail addition of a fire hose reel, pump, and battery box mounted on one side of the car. It has roller bearing trucks and FRA stripes.
The 16,000-gallon GATC cars were an all-welded body that has stood the test of time and has provided railroads with years of service. These tank cars often helped keep locomotives rolling and tracks open for business. This group of HO-scale Roka Prototype Models arrived intact, with no detail loss, protected in a snug clam shell in a distinctive yellow outer box. These 1:87 models are very well detailed, meticulously researched for accurate appearance, and feature crisp, legible lettering on smooth paint.
Roka’s tank car miniatures feature roller bearing trucks and possess spinning bearing caps, with spare caps included in the packaging. Their weight (near 7 oz.), metal wheels, and Kadee metal couplers make them strong runners on your layout; while their unique paint and lettering make them conversation pieces. Check Roka’s website or a participating hobby dealer for more information.
Roka Prototype Models
HO Scale General American Tank Car
Burlington Northern
Seattle Fire Car with hose
RPM 192, $69.95
Montana Rail Link 100011
Lube Oil Car
RPM 162, $64.95
Santa Fe 98195
LIX 239 Solvent Car
RPM 146, $64.95
Santa Fe 189238
MOW Service Car – silver
RPM 152, $64.95
Santa Fe 209886
Vegetation Control Car
RPM 160, $64.95
Santa Fe 189238
Water Fire Service with hose
RPM 186, $64.95
