Tank and Vat Cars

Lionel offered several tank car shapes and styles during the postwar era. Availability ranged from single, to double and finally triple dome versions as well as different styles within each version. With the exception of a few brightly colored offerings, the tank car is the most prototypical freight car produced by Lionel. On the other hand, the vat car is based on a seldom used freight car designed to transport pickles. Lionel produced only two versions -- each with the same number, 6475.

Click on any of the entries in the chart listed below. You'll be presented with detailed information on the specific item. Every listing contains specific product data with a brief history of the item and at least one photo. Whether doing some serious reseach on model trains or simply taking a stroll down memory lane, take your time as you absorb the pages that follow. Some of you will view the exact trains you had while growing up, some will recognize the trains your parents had, others will discover startling facts about the glory years of a company that has become a piece of Americana.