The unique "breadbox" style X-3 tank car. Photo by Col. Chet McCoid, courtesy of Bob's Photo.

Rapido Trains is excited to announce its newest ready-to-run freight car – the new run of the ubiquitous Union Tank Car X-3 tank car in three new variations. 

  
Modelers interested in accuracy know that most boxcars are painted red and most tank cars are black. That’s just the way it is – and was. When discussing tank cars from the 1920s through the 1970s, there can be no more important car than the Union Tank Car (UTLX) X-3 design. And yes, they were almost all black! 
  
The X-3 cars were built in various capacities and configurations, including 6,500 gallon, 8,000 gallon and 12,000 gallon tanks. They were also built with single, double and triple compartments. These latest versions include the numerous general service 8,000 gallon cars, including the ‘Skellysolve’ cars with silver tanks, cars modified in the 20s and 30s through the addition of insulation and jacketing, and perhaps the most unusual X-3 variants: the “breadbox” (or pick your own analogy!) cars for hauling transformer oil. The X-3s traveled EVERYWHERE! 
 
Rapido’s model has been developed with the help of noted UTLX tank car expert Steve Hile. We offer distinct versions for K-brake equipped cars, good before 1953, and AB-brake equipped cars good from the 1940s onwards. In addition to brake equipment, our models will feature correct handbrake and coupler cut bar arrangements which differed depending on he brake equipment installed. 

✅ Traveled all across North America — Could be seen just about anywhere tank cars went!
✅Two insulated versions including the unique Transformer Oil cars
✅ Versions for all service eras, from the 1920s into the 1970s

    The Rapido Trains HO Scale  Union X-3 Tank Car features:

• Designed from original blueprints
• Correct tank bolster pads
• Correct diameter domes and dome fittings
• Correct UTLX-style warning placard holders
• Andrews or “Bettendorf” cast steel trucks
• Full underbody detailing with two distinct brake systems offered
• Correct end platforms
• Correct coupler cut bars and hand brake mountings
• Semi-scale couplers and coupler boxes
• Free-rolling turned metal wheels
• Accurate paint and lettering