Bachmann TTA Tank Wagon
The 'Monobloc' tank wagon appeared on the railways in Britain in 1958. As its spelling
suggests, it was based on a French design. By lowering the tank between the solebars the
centre of gravity was also lowered, thus allowing the accommodation of a larger tank. Wing
plates welded to the solebars hold the tank in place. 'A' class tank wagons have internal
stays to strengthen them. Another difference is that 'A' tanks usually have ladders on the
end of the tank but 'B' class tanks usually have them on the side. As the 'B' type carries
heavy oils, it has internal heating to facilitate unloading. The 'Monoblocs' have a 15
foot wheelbase and can carry 45 tons
We have three examples recently released by Bachmann. These are 37-576A in pale grey livery with Esso branding and numbered 5961, 37-575A in BP green livery and numbered BPO37086 and 37-582A in black, branded Shell-BP and numbered 3452.
