<Please click on the images at right for pricing, SKUs, high resolution photos, prototype photos, car number options, and/or to order these HO scale replicas!
Tangent Scale Models is happy to announce the next release of our Greenville 86’ High Cube Double Plug Door Box Car! This is not just a single box car, but instead a system of 86’ High Cube Double Plug Door Box Car models. Today, we are releasing six all-new exciting paint schemes. This is not a pre-order announcement — the cars are available right now!
During the 1960s, the most radical freight car designs employed the extreme height clearances offered by Plate F car designs. In 1964, no car type articulated this extreme more than the 86-foot, purpose-built “Auto Parts” boxcars. These large boxcars became fixtures on the rails all over North American mainlines, riding hot trains to deliver components vital to the productivity of auto plants. While several car builders offered 86’ auto parts boxcars, the most prolific builder of the double plug door design was Greenville Steel Car Company of Greenville, PA. More than 4,400 of these cars were acquired by most major railroads, and they were assigned to pools where multiple railroad’s cars served a specific shipper or shippers. Original utilization of these cars was for Ford, Pontiac, and Chrysler, as well as deliveries from 3rd party parts suppliers to the auto plants. Greenville’s 1964-1978 production was the longest run for this car type, with many still in service today.
Our November 2024 release includes all-new paint schemes, as requested by our customers. We are listening. This roadname mix includes delivery schemes as well as 1980s repaints and patch work. We continue to demonstrate an unprecedented variety of tooling options for our Greenville 86’ box car system – more than any other manufacturer, in fact. For those keeping score at home, we have now released thirteen different build variation options in our Greenville 86’ System of Auto Part Box Car Replicas, so far.
The Tangent Scale Models Greenville 86′ Double Plug Door Box Car continues the design and operational standards set by previous models in the Tangent product line. This includes multiple specific body variations, four different brake layouts (two brake systems), four different draft gear combinations, and three underframe styles which incorporate Center-of-Car Cushioning and End-Of-Car Cushioning options. The Tangent Greenville 86’ box car includes 70-ton or 100-ton truck options, with selections appropriate for each paint scheme, and both include “spinning” roller bearing caps. Finally, our cars are weighted properly and come with Kadee® couplers mounted in specially-designed coupler pockets which means they operate as good as they look. Due to the car’s size, we recommend curves of 24” or larger for these models.
Are you modeling auto parts traffic from 1965 forward? Welcome. You don’t have any Greenville cars that look like these!
Our November 2024 release includes these six all-new paint schemes – available for purchase today!
– Detroit, Toledo, & Ironton (DT&I) “Delivery 1964 Green” 1965+ Era offers DT&I’s first Greenville order, delivered in a distinctive green body color. Twenty-six cars were delivered in September of 1964. While the cars were originally built with high ladders and running boards, these features were quickly changed on the prototype cars. This is where the Tangent model comes in, duplicating this 1965+ look. The running board was removed, but the bracket bolt remnants remained up on the roof. The prototype end appliances were completely rebuilt: The brake wheel was lowered, the high and low ladders were removed, replaced with “L” grab irons and full-width crossover platforms. This Tangent model carefully replicates all these features with this 1965+ body, including the bolt remnants where all of that “high” equipment was attached. This detail includes the body side, showing off the high grab iron remnants in the top-right corners. This is an important group of details to get right, since these cars operated in this configuration for their entire 1965+ service lives. Moving on to the stenciling, the accurately-replicated DT&I lettering is something everyone can appreciate, and Tangent’s industry-leading artwork does not disappoint: eagle-eyed modelers will also notice the modified “Excess Height” yellow boxes, relocated “Retainer Valve” lettering and modified end reporting marks and data for this 1965+ era scheme. The return route is correctly stenciled for the Ford Stamping plant on the Wabash Railway in Buffalo, New York. The features go on and on, including an accurate Center-of-Car Cushioning underframe with truck-mounted brake hardware, “lowered” Miner hand brake, 1965 replacement full-width Apex crossover platforms, 70T trucks with 33” wheels and rotating “Timken” roller bearing caps. This stunning model is available in six numbers — don’t miss it! SKU 25063
– Norfolk & Western (N&W) “Delivery 1964 Brown” 1965+ Era replicates the N&W’s first order of 86-foot auto parts box cars in their attractive brown paint with “Hamburger” logo. This order of forty cars was delivered in July 1964 and they were among the first Greenville 86’ Double-Door cars built. While the cars were originally built with high ladders and running boards, these features were quickly changed on the prototype cars. This Tangent model duplicates this 1965+ look. The prototype’s running board was removed, but the bracket bolt remnants remained up on the roof. The prototype end appliances were completely rebuilt: The brake wheel was lowered, the high and low ladders were removed, replaced with “L” grab irons and full-width crossover platforms. This Tangent model carefully replicates all these features with this 1965+ body, including the bolt remnants where all of that “high” equipment was attached. This detail includes the body side, showing off the high grab iron remnants in the top-right corners. This is an important group of details to get right, since these cars operated in this configuration for their entire 1965+ service lives. The N&W hamburger graphics are carefully recreated on this car, from the large logo down to the small data in Greenville’s distinctive typestyle. The return route is accurately stenciled for the Ford Stamping plant on the Wabash Railroad in Buffalo, New York. Underneath. The model features an accurate Center-of-Car Cushioning underframe with truck-mounted brake hardware, “lowered” Miner hand brake, 1965 replacement full-width Apex crossover platforms, 70T trucks with 33” wheels and rotating “Hyatt” roller bearing caps. This sharp model is available in six numbers. SKU 25064
– Seaboard System (SBD) “1986 Repaint” is a nod to the classic 1980s and the new corporate image of the combined SCL and L&N railroads. Formed in 1982, the Seaboard System would go on to officially acquire the remaining Family Lines railroads and Chessie System Railroads by 1987 and become CSX Transportation. The Tangent model mimics cars from L&N’s first order of cars in 1964. While the L&N cars were originally built with high ladders and running boards, these features were quickly changed on the prototype cars. This Tangent model duplicates this 1965+ look: the prototype’s running board was removed; the end appliances were completely rebuilt with a lowered brake wheel and new “L” grab irons and full-width crossover platforms. This Tangent model carefully replicates all these features with this 1965+ body, including the bolt remnants where all of that “high” equipment was attached. This includes the body side, showing off the high grab iron remnants in the top-right corners. These cars were repainted at the former L&N South Louisville Shops in Kentucky and feature the big-bold Seaboard System logo, perfect for 1986. The ends of the car are painted silver (yes, silver) at the tops of the excess height area. Underneath. The model features an accurate Center-of-Car Cushioning underframe with truck-mounted brake hardware, “lowered” Miner hand brake, 1965 replacement full-width Apex crossover platforms, 70T trucks with 33” wheels and rotating “Hyatt” roller bearing caps. This heavily requested scheme is available in two numbers. SKU 25065
– Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) “Delivery 1969 Red” offers the bold yellow MKT graphics as-delivered from Greenville Steel Car Company. We chose cars from the 12-car MKT order delivered in January 1969. The prototypes were painted bright red with the “KATY CUSHIONED CAR” lettering. The model features accurate Keystone Center-of-Car Cushioning (COCC) and full truck-mounted brake piping and details, just like the prototype. The ends of the COCC draft gear extend beyond the ends of the car and feature carefully-painted yellow coupler centering device handle detail. Take a look at those gorgeous 100-Ton “Low Profile” Barber S-2-C trucks that show off the accurate rotating Hyatt roller bearing caps. Yes, the industry’s best trucks include road-specific rotating cap truck details! This MKT scheme features an accurate return route to GTW in Pontiac, Michigan. Yes, these cars were in GM Service for loading stampings at the Pontiac Metal Center. For those care about routing details: these prototype cars were in the same pool as our previous CB&Q green and UP Yellow 86’ Double-Door offerings! MKT fans have been patient from day 1, waiting for this scheme, and we want to acknowledge them. We are proud to release this car in three numbers. SKU 25066
– Union Pacific (UP) “Ex-MKT 1984+” shows an example of a second life for some of the Greenville MKT cars. In 1984, UP acquired seven of the MKT cars. They were promptly patched and put into service. The models feature a muted red body color, various small MKT era lettering including reweigh and COTS stenciling and fresh UP era patches and reporting marks. The doors even have double pairs of auxiliary crank arms, matching the prototypes in this era. The cars were originally part of the January 1969 order, so they feature an accurate Keystone Center-of-Car Cushioning (COCC) and full truck-mounted brake piping and details, just like the prototype. The ends of the COCC draft gear extend beyond the ends of the car and feature carefully-painted yellow coupler centering device handle detail. Accurate 100-Ton “Low Profile” Barber S-2-C trucks that show off the rotating Hyatt roller bearing caps. Yes, the industry’s best trucks include road-specific rotating cap truck details! This is a really cool example of 1980s railroading and is available in two accurate numbers. SKU 25067
– Missouri Pacific (MP) “Screaming Eagle 1985” represents a great 1980s repaint scheme. These examples were part of the large 157 car 1968 order from Greenville that were repainted at the MoPac’s Desoto, MO car shops. The “Screaming Eagle” is one of the most iconic railroad logos of the 1980s and it looks spectacular in large format on the right side of the car. All of the car stencil data is carefully reproduced in MP’s distinctive typestyle, including reporting marks, capacity data and “SHOCK CONTROL” cushioning stencils. The model features accurate Keystone Center-of-Car Cushioning (COCC) and full truck-mounted brake piping and details, just like the prototype. The ends of the COCC draft gear extend beyond the ends of the car and feature separately-applied coupler centering device handle detail. The crossover platforms are Morton replacement style. These cars roll on beautiful 100-Ton “Low Profile” Barber S-2-C trucks with accurate rotating “Timken” roller bearing caps. Yes, the industry’s best trucks include road-specific rotating cap truck details! This MP scheme features an accurate return route to GTW in Flint, MI (GM Service!) The MP fans out there have been asking for this scheme for a while, and we are happy to deliver this gorgeous model in three numbers. Do not miss this one! SKU 25068
– Undecorated Kits gives the kit builders a much-needed option. Sometimes you just want to build your own model or paint a scheme we have yet to offer. Tangent continues to proudly stock all of our undecorated kit 86’ Greenville Double Door Box Car prototypes. Each unpainted kit handles the prototype Greenville cars as specified with an appropriate body, roof, underframe, cushioning, brake details, appropriate details parts, accurate 70-Ton or 100-Ton trucks with appropriate 33” or 36” wheels and rotating “Timken” caps. You supply your own favorite couplers.
– Undecorated Version A: SKU 25000-01 – 1964 Center-of-Car Cushioning with lowered B-end appliances 1965+ Era (ATSF, C&O, DT&I, L&N, MKT, NW, NYC, PRR, WAB, WP)
– Undecorated Version B: SKU 25001-01 – 1965-66 Center-of-Car Cushioning (ATSF, EL, GBW, L&N, NW)
– Undecorated Version C: SKU 25002-01 – 1968 Center-of-Car Cushioning (CPAA, IC, MKT, MP, SOU, SP)
– Undecorated Version D: SKU 25003-01 – 1968-1969 End-of-Car Cush. (B&O, CB&Q, DT&I, D&TS, EL, GTW, L&N, PC, UP)
– Undecorated Version E: 1969-1970 SKU 25004-01 – Center-of-Car Cushioning (C&EI, CPAA, D&RGW, MP, SP)
– Undecorated Version F: 1969-1971 SKU 25005-01 – End-of-Car Cushioning (CB&Q, CPAA, DT&I, L&N, PPGX, SOU, UP)
– Undecorated Version G: SKU 25006-01 – 1977 End-of-Car Cushioning (C&O, GTW, ICG, L&N, MILW, SCL, SOU)
– Undecorated Version J: SKU 25007-01 – 1977-1978 End-of-Car Cushioning (AA, B&O, C&O, CNA, CPAA, CR, GTW, ICG, L&N, NW)
– Undecorated Version K: SKU 25008-01 – 1970 BRO Brownstown End-of-Car Cushioning (ATSF, BN, CO, DTI, EL, LN, SCL, SLSF)
– Undecorated Version L: SKU 25009-01 – 1970 BRO Brownstown Center-of-Car Cushioning (MP, SOU, SSW)
– Undecorated Version N: SKU 25003-02 – 1969 EOCC (CNW, DTI, GTW, NW, RI, SLSF)
All of these models – and prototype images – can be seen at www.tangentscalemodels.com !
Please keep in mind that these were pooled boxcars which means you might consider buying cars in a variety of road names. For example: prototype photos show a SBD car in Flat Rock, MI, a DT&I car in Dallas, TX, a MP car in Toledo, OH and an MKT car in Sharonville, OH. These cars certainly got around!
The Tangent Greenville 86’ High Cube Double Plug Door Box Car System is a state of the art, dimensionally-accurate scale replica that was tooled to Greenville Steel Car plans and verified with field measurements. Our model comes with highly accurate “true-to-life” colors and “hyper-accurate” lettering including exact stenciling, fonts, and lettering placement. Our Greenville 86’ system of models offers a multitude of detail variations and phases to replicate the many different Greenville Steel Car offerings. We make the best cars money can buy in HO scale. A quick synopsis of our era and railroad-specific detail variations include:
- Dimensional accuracy – designed from actual Greenville blueprints and verified with field measurements
- Highly correct “true to life” colors
- “Hyper-Accurate” lettering including exact fonts and lettering placement
- Body shells with or without overlapping side panels
- Roofs with running board supports remaining in place (1965+ appearance since the running boards were gone by 1966) and roofs without running board supports (1965+ Greenville production)
- EOCC (end of car cushioning) or COCC (center of car cushioning) “near scale” draft gear variations
- Genuine Kadee® scale couplers
- Separate flexible rubber air hoses
- Under car brake system variations
- “See through” etched metal end crossover platforms in three possible options: Gypsum, Apex, or Morton
- Side tack board types/sizes and locations
- Twelve (!) prototypically-accurate brake stands (Ajax, 2 Universal versions, 2 Equipco versions, 2 Miner versions, Champion-Peacock, 2 Elcon-National versions, Peacock 850, Klasing 1150)
- Two possible handbrake “brake wheel” options
- Optional 3rd door crank arm parts to be configured one of three ways
- Multiple truck options: 70-Ton Barber S-2A Roller Bearing Truck, 70-Ton Barber S-2 “Birdsboro foundry” Roller Bearing Truck or a 100-Ton “Low Profile” Barber S-2-C Roller Bearing Truck
- 33” or 36” wheels, as applicable, with front and back detail and accurate tapered axles
- Two truck brake beam part options, as applicable
- Three “rotating” roller bearing truck cap options
- Recommended age 14 years and older
With accurate roadname and era-specific details, genuine Kadee couplers, and all-metal wheels, we provide you with a high-value model that will provide you with years of enjoyment and curb-appeal. Pricing for all RTR models in this release is $56.95, with quantity discounts for direct purchases from Tangent Scale Models.
That wraps up our update for today, and thank you for supporting the family-owned businesses in our industry!
Please click on the images at right for pricing, SKUs, high resolution photos, prototype photos, car number options, and/or to order!
