Unidentified Tank Cars

if the tube is plastic pipe, could be scratch built. it has a number of cast and stamped parts that were readily available: ends, end beams, top walk, domes, ladders. I'd guess late 50's or 60's if it's a plastic tube, and the early looking unsprung trucks.

a couple fellows here are better versed with vintage kit makers than I, if it is a kit.

value? probably the most will be it's value to you with the finished model.

They could be early Weaver cars. Later Weaver went to all plastic.   

Back in the 70's (If I recall correctly), Walthers made a beer can tank car kit, in which you supplied the beer can and Walthers supplied white metal detail parts.  More than a few people used a piece of PVC pipe instead of the beer can.  It made a pretty credible modern tank car.  I believe that is what you have.  Photo taken from the web.

Interesting Ed. Mine do have some very fine 'hand grabs' at the corners and ends. Wonder were they got the end caps for what appears to be a heavy gauge plastic tube body.
And I am really surprised at the very heavy weight of the car overall. It should track very well.
Brian

railandsail posted:

Interesting Ed. Mine do have some very fine 'hand grabs' at the corners and ends. Wonder were they got the end caps for what appears to be a heavy gauge plastic tube body.
And I am really surprised at the very heavy weight of the car overall. It should track very well.
Brian

Well the Walthers kit did come with end caps that could be glued on to the PVC tube.  

I made similar tank cars. Mine were all plastic with no brass parts. I installed whatever trucks the customer wanted.

Alan Graziano