A1G 2340 Series: Jumbo Tank Cars
Here's another example of "series sharing": The 2340s are also used for the Depressed Center Flat Cars. These begin with 2346 so there's no individual number conflict.
This is an unusual prototype and well executed for the time period by Roco for the Atlas 1st Generation series. These three cars are painted for reasonable prototype operators of the cars, unlike the nearly identical Trix/ Aurora "Postage Stamp" examples, which are not. These were therefore the only game in town for a long time if you wanted something plausible to run, until Atlas itself released a completely redone version of this car, more properly renamed a "33,000 Gallon Tank Car," which is made in China and part of what I call the "Third Generation." Just for fun and to illustrate the advance in N Scale modelling, I also have a scan of this current version of the "Shippers Car Line" available. It's linked just below the table of the three A1G releases.
In August 2004 I came across-- and purchased, of course-- an "error" version of the 2347 Suburban Propane with the red logo missing on one side. (The other side looks fine.) I couldn't say, nor will I speculate on how much this car might be worth; like most of the A1G variations, it's more of a curiosity than anything else. Occassionally the painters missed a step-- it still happens!
These three cars are certainly in the "gettable" range and should not be considered very costly. Occassionally one will go for "too much" in the aftermarket but generally they're just a little more pricey than most of the rest of the A1G series.
Key spotting features for this car are:
- bottom of tank stamped "Atlas Austria"
- large "frameless tank" with small platforms under the ends and trucks
- small black plastic "dome" that fits into to the top of the car
- black platform with railing running the entire length of the car, across the
top and around the small dome; this is actually two pieces, one to the left and
one to the right of the dome
- end platforms and ladders, one with attached brake wheel
- original non-extended trucks with wheels pressed on separate axles and Rapido couplers,
attached with "foldover" metal strips (note that regular length trucks do reach to the
end of the car, so despite its length, the car does not need extended trucks)
Note: The following information on conditions and "Approximate Value" prices are intended to be a guideline only and is presented with no warranties, express or implied. Caution: Definitions and prices can and do vary with collectors, buyers and sellers, and, of course, whether a person is buying or selling an item. That's the way a "free market" works...
A 2340 series tank car in "as manufactured" or "AM" condition has:
- end details intact and not bent
- platform in place with all railings, without breaks or bends
- brake wheel present
- no weathering
- no abrasions, scratches or other damage to the paint
- the original trucks with the original metal wheels which were fitted to the axles
- "Rapido" type couplers, truck mounted (this is a case where changing to Micro-Trains®
trucks and/or couplers is not a plus!).
Note that minor paint flaws on these cars were common and should not be considered
especially "collectible"; in fact, I'd rather have a "perfect" paint job.
A 2340 series car in "mint in box" or "MIB," meets all "As Manufactured" criteria plus:
- no dust, dirt or wear on the car itself
- no wear on wheels (although discolored wheels are common)
- kept in the original large Atlas box
- box itself is intact with no cracks, breakage or crazing, with original Atlas label
(usually white with black printing), plastic liner (usually blue), and cover. Both inserts
and labels vary as the A1G series was sold for years. Store price stickers may or may not
detract depending on the placement, size and wear.
"Runner" 2340 series tank cars are worth approximately 30-40% of the "As Manufactured" value but should be complete. Watch especially for broken or missing brake wheel and/or end platforms.
Table of Releases: Where available, click on "Image" to popup an image of the actual car.
Approximate Values Updated July, 2024.
| Catalog # | Popup Image |
Reporting Marks |
Description | AV AM |
AV MIB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2346 | Image | SHPX 30000 | White/Black Lettering, Large "Shippers' ACF Rail King 30" across | 8-12 | 10-15 |
| 2347 | Image | CNTX 1309 | Dark Yellow/Black Lettering, Large Suburban Propane Logo L | 8-12 | 10-15 |
| 2347z | Image | CNTX 1309 | Same as 2347 with Suburban Propane Logo missing (one or both sides) | ??? | ??? |
| 2348 | Image | WRNX 30000 | White/Black Lettering, Large "WARREN" across | 7-10 | 12-15 |