Atlas Model Railroad Co. Product Review

ATLAS 105-TON ACF COALVEYOR™

MODEL RAILROADING – November 2003

HO Scale Review – David G. Casdorph

One of the major revolutions in freight car history has been the advent of the rotary-dump coal gondola car. While earlier designs existed, it wasn’t until the 1970s that this design really caught on with private-owner coal companies. The ACF Coalveyor™ was introduced in 1978 and still operates with a number of companies today. Atlas has brought us a very nice model in both HO and N scales. The model can be operated as loaded (with coal load) or empty with the optional inside braces that must be attached by the modeler.

The model accurately replicates the prototype’s welded construction. Notice how the side posts alternate in both width and length just like on the real car. A close inspection will also reveal holes on the top and bottom of each of the side posts – again replicated here in HO scale. The end “V” braces actually go outside of the side sheet to meet the top rails just like the model portrays. The side ladders are accurately represented and finely detailed. The model is missing a grab that can be found underneath the top sill in diagonal corners. Notice the odd shape of the sidesill; it has a flat bottom, straight sides, beveled (angled) top with a small vertical lip. You can see all of this on the model as well as the prototype. The brake equipment on the model’s A end gives ample detail to the system including air lines. The opposite end has the brake wheel including the chain.

The model does show side air lines as a molded-on item and thus lacks some detail at the point were the air lines turn inward around the tub. The model replicates the prototype’s prefabricated tub with the ridged recession lines accurately. And of course one of my favorite details is the “pull-here” which in this case is a vertical oval shaped hole in the sidesill (see detail photos in the September 2003 Model Railroading). Lastly, the lettering on the sides and ends is accurate and sharp.

This model is a good example of what can be done when model manufacturers do the research. Overall the model is extremely close to prototype accuracy in both the body and painting.

PROS

• Good choice of prototype because of historical uniqueness and variety of operators.
• High model-to-prototype fidelity
• Fine details such as the end air lines and correct shape of side sill
• Sharp accurate lettering
• Uses the more common “Pull-Here” location

CONS

• Only a minor complaint on the detail of the side air lines