These models were originally manufactured in New Jersey (starting in about 1971). Production was eventually relocated to China. These models are currently sold under the Atlas "Trainman" line. Earlier versions came with metal wheels and Rapido-style couplers -
I'm not sure what specific prototype these models might be based on (if any), but going by the build dates Atlas is putting on them, most of them first entered service in the late 1960s. Shorty tank cars such as these are used to haul high density liquids (since a longer car loaded with said materials would only be half filled before exceeding its weight capacity).
Trainman features -
- Ladder detail
- Dome detail
- Colorful painting and printing
- Ready-to-run
- AccuMate couplers