The complete listing of Chinese prototype models is below. For model reviews, please scroll below the table or click here
The complete listing of Chinese prototype models is below. For model reviews, please scroll below the table or click here
The complete listing of Chinese prototype models is below. For model reviews, please scroll below the table or click here
The complete listing of Chinese prototype models is below. For model reviews, please scroll below the table or click here
Iron Wing Model
65t Slag car
1:87 Scale
Rating
9/10
ZT-65-2 Slag Car
Prototype Information
Slag cars are used to transport molten metal 'slag', a waste byproduct of steel during the refining process. These cars give off immense heat often requiring a flat car between the slag cars and the locomotive to provide a safe distance from the extreme heat emitted from them. These models are based on the ZT-65-2 standard 65 ton slag cars and were introduced in the 1970's. Many remain in service today amongst the various steel mills throughout the country.
General Information
These beautiful little slag cars are a very welcome addition to Chinese modelers who wish to model the vast steel industry. To date four sets have been released with two others in the works. Each set contains six cars. These are very small wagons measuring 87mm's in length (total length including couplers), which means three coupled wagons is still shorter than a JF/SY steam locomotive! Despite their compact size, they have a good weight of 59grams each (53gms chassis, 6gms bucket), thanks to their alloy frame. The buckets are plastic and simply sit inside the wagon, which gives the user the option to fix them in whatever position they desire. They have chemically darkened metal wheels.
Packaging
The packaging has a thin cardboard outer shell with a thick two piece cardboard inner box with foam inserts in which the wagons and their respective cradles sit inside. There is an instruction/history sheet included (Chinese language).
Details
The slag wagons are highly detail models, despite having few separately applied details. They feature metal steps, handrails and uncoupling rods. The bogies are highly detailed one piece plastic pieces which clip into the under frame. Bogie coupler boxes are highly detailed. The molding of the frames and buckets are beautifully cast.
The bucket has some plastic detail parts glued on separately, but are easily handled without risk of these falling off. Paint work is nicely applied. I haven't seen any of the two tone versions in person to date. The wagons are devoid of lettering or road numbers, however decal sheets are included for the user to apply.
Performance
The cars are weighted very well and roll freely with virtually no resistance from the axle boxes.
Couplers
Iron Wing gets extra brownie points for using genuine Kadee metal scale head knuckle couplers. The couplers can be replaced by removing the bottom of the coupler box (single screw).
