These fuel tanks are used on many of today's refrigerated truck trailers. A simple aluminum design allows for manufacturers to produce a variety of capacities simply by changing its length. This high-capacity tank measures just over 6 feet long and carries 120 US gallons of fuel. It features four support brackets, a fuel fill nozzle, a gauge on one end, and a drain on the bottom.
My inspiration for this project was the Bowser Roadrailer. Their BNSF and Alliance Reefer-Railers are equipped with a small 40 gallon tank when they should have this high capacity model. These would make a great addition to any HO scale reefer project or could be retrofitted to a ready-to-run model for some fleet variety.
The BNSF Ice Cold Express Roadrailers use
this variant of tank.
Model Assembly:
- Remove parts from sprue
- Airbrush the tank an aluminum or silver color. Some tanks have the retaining straps painted black.
- Glue to underside of trailer behind the landing gear legs.