After a long time figuring out a layout this is what I have.
My question is what flat cars with Tanks can I get?
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The layout looks like a combination of O31 and O42.
These would work, but be advised the Abrams is not to scale. It’s probably closer to S Gauge.
https://mthtrains.com/prod-sea...lassification%3A7040
Is this what you were asking for?
Peter
GI Joe,
You did not mention what your layouts minimum curves were but the inner loop looks like 031 so that would restrict you from running most scale 50 Ft flatcars (Atlas, Lionel and MTH). You maybe able to use the Lionel scale 40 Ft flatcars (the ones with wooden decks). I am not sure what Lionel recommends.
You did not mention wether you intend on running Steam or Diesel engines. Just a quick rule of thumb steam engines would pull flatcars (40 ft) with Sherman tanks and Sherman variants such as Tank Destroyers, Priests etc. Also 2 i/2 ton 4X4 trucks, half tracks etc. These are all WW2 and Korea armor.
Diesels will require that they pull Vietnam war and more modern armor equipment. M48, M60 Patton Tanks, M1A Abrams tanks etc. Modern 3 axle diesels would only pull the most modern military armor where as you can use F units, early GP engines etc pulling Korean War armor (see above).
Stick with either 1/48 or 1/50 scale armor avoid 1/43 which is too big.
JohnB
- (1) 1/50th Die-Cast M1A Abrams Tank
- Unit Measures: 11 3/4 x 2 5/16 x 1 15/16
- Operates On O-27 Curves
Check out any of the Menards 10.5" long military flat cars. They will run down to O-27 curves and should work fine on your layout.
@PRRronbh posted:A scale M1Abram.
Ron
Nice A2 variant.
I especially love that you modeled it without the crew-served machine guns, something most modelers mess up with military loads. But it needs wood wheel chocks and a set of chains.
An M1 variant is just over 30 feet long, much larger than any production US tanks from WW2.
@p51 posted:Nice A2 variant.
I especially love that you modeled it without the crew-served machine guns, something most modelers mess up with military loads. But it needs wood wheel chocks and a set of chains.
An M1 variant is just over 30 feet long, much larger than any production US tanks from WW2.
Hi Lee, Yes I always pull the machine guns. I have the wood to make the chocks just have not done it yet. I am not sure if will use chains or cable and turnbuckles. I have found neat pictures of M1's being tied down with cables and TB's.
Ron
I would vote for the Menard's flat. It is nicely done and would accommodate a single Abrams.
I use mine for a Sherman and a jeep.
Norm
The Lionel scale 40' flatcars with the wood deck will navigate O27 curves when pulled behind the Lionel 0-6-0 Docksider and the MTH 44 tonner. You can buy 1/48 or 1/50 tanks from several manufacturers on ebay (or elsewhere). It's what I did before Lionel, MTH, and Menards starting producing flatcars with tanks.
You may be able to pull them with other engines; the two I listed are ones I've personally used as indicated above.
-Greg
I forgot to mention the largest American tank used in late WW2 and latter during the Korean War to a greater extent was the M26 Pershing tank. This tank developed into modern variant used in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf wars M47, M48 and M60 Patton tanks. All of these are much larger than a Sherman tank bit smaller than a Abrams Tank. For any of the Pershing and Patton tanks would require a 50 Ft flatcar. I believe Abrams tanks are transported on 80 Ft flatcars 2 per flatcar.
I know tanks are transported in the US with the machine guns removed however on my WW2 era military train I leave the 50 caliber M2 machine guns attached as they look real cool. Nothing says don”t F with me as a Ma Deuce.
JohnB
Yes, they're often placed two to a DODX long flat (something I had a hand in several times as an Army officer, serving in heavy mech units), which is especially made for such a heavy load:
As for keeping the machine guns, nothing says, "it only takes about 5 seconds to remove me from the cradle with only two pins holding me in place," like a Ma Duce...
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