Hello!
I am building Tamiya Abrams tank kits to put on flatbed cars. I am not familiar with the appropriate flatbed cars to transport Abrams tanks. Could anyone point me in the right direction?
As always, thanks,
Don
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
You need a heavy duty DODX flat car with triple axle trucks.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/...32a067f7f_z.jpg?zz=1
Unfortunately in 3 rail no one makes a roller bearing triple axle Buckeye Truck for separate sale . Your best bet is to rob a MTH Y3 tender or a NKP Berkshire of its Buckeye trucks for your project. Good Luck
Don, I did a goggle search typing in this "flat cars to transport world war two sherman tanks" and it came up with a lot of pics, numerous road names along with military flat cars. It even showed a few pics of a tank sitting in a depressed center flat car. So it looks like you have a lot of options that will work.............Paul 2
paul 2 posted:Don, I did a goggle search typing in this "flat cars to transport world war two sherman tanks" and it came up with a lot of pics, numerous road names along with military flat cars. It even showed a few pics of a tank sitting in a depressed center flat car. So it looks like you have a lot of options that will work.............Paul 2
Unfortunately the O.P. is using Modern Abrams tanks which are a lot heavier than Shermans or even M60's.
Wow, I sure didn't plan ahead on this project. I wouldn't have believed there are no flatcars in O scale that are appropriate for Abrams tanks. I guess I'll set my tank aside in hopes that someone will make a flatcar that will work for me or maybe I'll just blur the lines of reality and just use any old flatbed I can find.
Thanks, Don
prrhorseshoecurve posted:You need a heavy duty DODX flat car with triple axle trucks.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/...32a067f7f_z.jpg?zz=1
Unfortunately in 3 rail no one makes a roller bearing triple axle Buckeye Truck for separate sale . Your best bet is to rob a MTH Y3 tender or a NKP Berkshire of its Buckeye trucks for your project. Good Luck
Don,
You don't necessarily need a flat with a three axle truck. http://www.trainweb.org/philly...0100110.P1430236.jpg
Big Jim,
I don't see any DODX flatbed cars anywhere on the net, not even 4 wheel trucks. I'm looking for anything close to that like a TTX flatcar.
Don
Remember that the Abrams tanks are all pretty much over 60 tons each (and 12 feet wide), depending on configuration. Even in "shipping mode" they are still over 55 tons each. Thus, the DODX flatcars with the 3-axle "HD" trucks can transport two Abrams, while the "standard" DODX flatcars with 2-axle trucks are able to transport a single Abrams. From a modeling standpoint, it still might be a bit difficult to find correct models of either of those DODX flatcars.
Hot Water, Very difficult. I did find a MTH 20-98511 47' flatbed with double 4 wheel trucks on each end but no one has them.
MTH 20-95291, looks like several shops have them in stock. Just take the containers off.
Don
I have a military train with multiple die-cast tanks and other military vehicles on them. I use whatever flat car I can get and have an assortment of Weaver and MTH flats doing the carrying. The MO for my consist is weathered flat cars carrying New Military equipment out from the factory. Of all the trains I run this one gets the most comments from our club guests. I ran this at the clubs open house event on Dec 7, 2001 (Pearl Harbor anniversary) right after 911, I had veterans saluting the train.
Unless you are building scale models to show or your a Proro-48 guy, rivet counter, my suggestion is to do as I did.
1. Since you are building the tank models, likely plastic, Load weight is not your concern. Any Weaver, Lionel or MTH 40' flatcar will suffice. Stay with the newer models and avoid the 027 post war Lionel.
2. If you are going to run these on your layout for your guests and friends or at a local train club, trust me, no one will be looking at the flat cars. Its the military equipment that will catch everyone's eye.
Would like to see some of your cars when completed
Atlas has 68' flats for DODX with 2 axle trucks. I bought four of them and then realized there were only two road numbers made that run.
I couldn't find a good copy of the modern HD 3 axle RB trucks that I see in use. I did buy the set from Precision Scale and added real ball bearings inside to roll the best they can. Unfortunately I didn't have the heart to hack up the cars to get them to work underneath. I figure I now need to make my own flats for those trucks.
So maybe I'll have a single Abrams, or other military pieces on the Atlas flats and just a few scratch built with double Abrams on them?
As PRRHORSESHOECURVE said, DODX 89' flats with six wheel trucks are used for Abrams tanks
Attachments
Images (1)
I also wanted a consist of Abrams tanks but I didn't have the time to build six kits. I did find Sword die casts in 1/56 scale, a little small but no one notices in a moving consist. I single mount them on any available flat car in he inventory. Visitors to the layout love them and don't seem to notice the scale difference. You will need to watch your overhang, even on the 1/56's the treads overhang the flat car. In the photo the M113's are 1/48.
Attachments
Images (2)
If you want see to how great the Abrams tanks are in action check out the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJNk7DcFIkk
Charlie
Attachments
Images (1)
Trestleman,
You may want to see if these are still available (from Sell/Trade Forum)
https://ogrforum.com/...brams-tanks-for-sale
1/50 Tanks are the closest to 1/48 scale, I don’t think you would notice the difference. $30 per tank is pretty reasonable it is probably less than what you paid for a 1/48 kit plus you don’t have to put them together. If I were you I would go with the MTH 60 ft Flat even with two axle trucks put two Abrams on each one as only a real expert would know you should have 3 axle trucks. My friend usually says once you get past having 3 rails why should minor details stop you.
Good luck post some pictures when your cars are done.
JohnB
Thank you all for the pictures, web links and information. I'll probably take Big Jim's advice and get the 20-95291's and add my Tamiya tanks. I do like making them. If anyone ever makes a DODX with 6 wheel trucks I'll buy them then.
JohnB, I like you friend's comment. (My friend usually says once you get past having 3 rails why should minor details stop you.)
I am surprised no one has mentioned the big Menards flat cars, they are a bargain and I think they still sell some with army markings.
The Menards long flat cars do work well with military loads. And the four packs of the military flats are available.
Attachments
Images (2)
Trestleman1 posted:Big Jim,
I don't see any DODX flatbed cars anywhere on the net, not even 4 wheel trucks. I'm looking for anything close to that like a TTX flatcar.
Don
I believe Atlas O did a run of DODX 89' flat cars. They may have been painted in ttx yeller. Check with Beth at Public Delivery Track....a forum sponsor.
Attachments
Images (3)
I seem to recall K-Line having a DODX depressed center flatcar sporting an Abrams, but I can't find a pic online. 
Mitch
Engineer Joe, Where did you get your Abrams tanks? Did you add 6 wheel trucks to your flatbed car? Is the car an Atlas car? What's in the Precision Scale bag?
Thanks,
Don
Trestleman1 posted:Engineer Joe, Where did you get your Abrams tanks? Did you add 6 wheel trucks to your flatbed car? Is the car an Atlas car? What's in the Precision Scale bag?
Thanks,
Don
I got them from a diecast vehicle store online. I wanted more MTH versions but the new ones don't match IMO.
No, I didn't add the trucks. I didn't want to hack up the beautiful Atlas flatbed cars. The PSC9061 trucks are assembled and shown in the last pic painted black. I installed real bearings and they roll fantastic now. I think I'll have to scratch build a car for them.
They have them in HO scale!
Attachments
Images (1)
I am amazed to see this topic come up at this time. I too have been in the process of building those Tamiya Abrams tanks. I have been purchasing these kits for 21.00 apiece, I have 12 to build. I started my first one 2 weeks ago. The hold up for me is waiting for paint I ordered on line. I plan to paint in the camo scheme vs. the desert storm scheme. But may do a few for desert as well. These are awesome kits but a lot of small details. Now...…. I will show a side by side comparison of a true 1/48 vs MTH's version. MTH does show that their tank is 1/50 (stamped on the bottom). Check out the pics and you will see the size differences. MTH tanks really are nice but I just wasn't satisfied after watching youtube videos and seeing that the real tanks hang over the sides of the flat car. MTH's don't hang over but the Tamiya kit looks perfect. As you can see the Tamiya kit is not yet complete but I am waiting to paint before final assembly.I think you can still get the idea on the size. I will put these tanks on MTH's 60' DODX flat cars. I bought the 2 pack of flats with abrams and also the DODX with ISO tanks. I removed the Abrams and the chocks from the flats. MTH did an awesome job on the flats(even though they are only 2 axle trucks). I have a few of the MTH tanks available for sale since I am replacing them with 1/48 Tamiyas. Trestleman, Can you show us your Tamiyas? Great thread!
Attachments
Images (11)
Wow big difference in size
Jini5,
I'm just working on my first Abrams. I'm in the process of putting the tracks on and trying Tamiya panel line accent color to bring out the details. I want it to look new but have the details stick out. Not sure how it's going to turn out. I can always spray out it with fresh paint if I don't like it. I'll post pictures when I get done.
Don
I use this Menards military flat car for a load. Good size car for a military load.
Attachments
Images (1)
jini5 posted:I am amazed to see this topic come up at this time. I too have been in the process of building those Tamiya Abrams tanks. I have been purchasing these kits for 21.00 apiece, I have 12 to build. I started my first one 2 weeks ago. The hold up for me is waiting for paint I ordered on line. I plan to paint in the camo scheme vs. the desert storm scheme. But may do a few for desert as well. These are awesome kits but a lot of small details. Now...…. I will show a side by side comparison of a true 1/48 vs MTH's version. MTH does show that their tank is 1/50 (stamped on the bottom). Check out the pics and you will see the size differences. MTH tanks really are nice but I just wasn't satisfied after watching youtube videos and seeing that the real tanks hang over the sides of the flat car. MTH's don't hang over but the Tamiya kit looks perfect. As you can see the Tamiya kit is not yet complete but I am waiting to paint before final assembly.I think you can still get the idea on the size. I will put these tanks on MTH's 60' DODX flat cars. I bought the 2 pack of flats with abrams and also the DODX with ISO tanks. I removed the Abrams and the chocks from the flats. MTH did an awesome job on the flats(even though they are only 2 axle trucks). I have a few of the MTH tanks available for sale since I am replacing them with 1/48 Tamiyas. Trestleman, Can you show us your Tamiyas? Great thread!
Jini5,
WOW that is quite a difference between the Tamiya Abrams and the MTH Abrams. When MTH first issued their Abrams tanks on a flatcar I thought I read they were 1/56 scale. I guess they are still using the same tanks but don’t understand the 1/50 marking on the bottom of the tank. My military train is WW II/Korean War era so I have no Abrams tanks in my collection but I have a lot of Shermans some 1/48 Tamiya models other Corgi 1/50 and you can’t see a difference between them. In your photos the difference is quite noticeable.
I do think that the MTH Abrams are OK to use as long as you do not mix them with 1/48 Abrams. After all 1/56 is as small as 1/43 is larger than 1/48 scale. I always suspected scale accuracy in the MTH armor is iffy however knowing that there is not a lot of armor available in O scales you just have to make do with what you can get.
JohnB
JohnB posted:jini5 posted:I am amazed to see this topic come up at this time. I too have been in the process of building those Tamiya Abrams tanks. I have been purchasing these kits for 21.00 apiece, I have 12 to build. I started my first one 2 weeks ago. The hold up for me is waiting for paint I ordered on line. I plan to paint in the camo scheme vs. the desert storm scheme. But may do a few for desert as well. These are awesome kits but a lot of small details. Now...…. I will show a side by side comparison of a true 1/48 vs MTH's version. MTH does show that their tank is 1/50 (stamped on the bottom). Check out the pics and you will see the size differences. MTH tanks really are nice but I just wasn't satisfied after watching youtube videos and seeing that the real tanks hang over the sides of the flat car. MTH's don't hang over but the Tamiya kit looks perfect. As you can see the Tamiya kit is not yet complete but I am waiting to paint before final assembly.I think you can still get the idea on the size. I will put these tanks on MTH's 60' DODX flat cars. I bought the 2 pack of flats with abrams and also the DODX with ISO tanks. I removed the Abrams and the chocks from the flats. MTH did an awesome job on the flats(even though they are only 2 axle trucks). I have a few of the MTH tanks available for sale since I am replacing them with 1/48 Tamiyas. Trestleman, Can you show us your Tamiyas? Great thread!
Jini5,
WOW that is quite a difference between the Tamiya Abrams and the MTH Abrams. When MTH first issued their Abrams tanks on a flatcar I thought I read they were 1/56 scale. I guess they are still using the same tanks but don’t understand the 1/50 marking on the bottom of the tank. My military train is WW II/Korean War era so I have no Abrams tanks in my collection but I have a lot of Shermans some 1/48 Tamiya models other Corgi 1/50 and you can’t see a difference between them. In your photos the difference is quite noticeable.
I do think that the MTH Abrams are OK to use as long as you do not mix them with 1/48 Abrams. After all 1/56 is as small as 1/43 is larger than 1/48 scale. I always suspected scale accuracy in the MTH armor is iffy however knowing that there is not a lot of armor available in O scales you just have to make do with what you can get.
JohnB
JohnB...I was thinking the same. MTH tanks are quite nice and if all are the same,a consist of those don't look bad. Before I bought my flats with the Abrams I asked 3 different dealers about size/scale(forum sponsors) but couldn't get a straight answer from any of them. I decided to just go ahead and buy a few and find out for myself. Not one of the dealers told me the tanks are stamped 1/50 on the bottom of the tank. I decided I was going to find the flats with cars on the bay. Got a good deal from an individual who was thinning out. I have decided to build the Tamiya models because after seeing the actual flat with the MTH tanks, I just thought the tanks looked too small.
Generally, a lot of O scale rolling stock seems to scale out larger than 1/48 scale, but that's the smallest scale you'd wanna have for an M1 tank.
Yeah, the DODX flats are the way to go. If I had a nickel of each M1 I personally confirmed loaded onto a flatcar when I was active duty, I'd be rich today. I spent my Army career with heavy mech units, so I saw a lot of them (and had to be certified in how to drive one as the company master driver officer among my many extra duties).
But please, if you're modelling any military vehicle on a flat car, I ask you please please PLEASE leave off the machine guns. Almost everyone models military loads with crew served weapons in place, something you'd never see in real life and something a veteran would spot right away...
p51 posted:Generally, a lot of O scale rolling stock seems to scale out larger than 1/48 scale, but that's the smallest scale you'd wanna have for an M1 tank.
Yeah, the DODX flats are the way to go. If I had a nickel of each M1 I personally confirmed loaded onto a flatcar when I was active duty, I'd be rich today. I spent my Army career with heavy mech units, so I saw a lot of them (and had to be certified in how to drive one as the company master driver officer among my many extra duties).
But please, if you're modelling any military vehicle on a flat car, I ask you please please PLEASE leave off the machine guns. Almost everyone models military loads with crew served weapons in place, something you'd never see in real life and something a veteran would spot right away...
Couldn't agree more about the guns. Also will be leaving off the soldier figure sticking out of the turret and make sure the turret hatch is closed.
P51, Jini5,
Machine guns & figure were left in the box. I also didn't add the whip antennas.
Good to see so many modeling true 1/48 tanks. I got to see an M1A2 in person one night in Winnie. TX. It was on a flatbed at a gas station. WOW what an imposing machine, it was beautiful! The MTH ones while nice just don't work in my mind, these things are beasts.
