Discover the 8 best tank cars for new train layouts, each with a realistic paint job and the perfect fit for your HO Scale model. All aboard!

Updated 08-04-2025

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8 Best Tank Cars For New Train Layouts: HO Scale Collection

Are you ready to play with some model trains? You just need to buy some new tank cars to add the freight train set. Something that gives the train that impressive look. We have you covered. Soon you will see 8 of the best tank cars on the market today.

What makes up a great tank car? First, you have a realistic paint job, Second you need some tank cars that don't look fake. Something you can be proud to see running on your layout. Third you need a tank car that will fit my train set by the right couplers. Lastly, the railroad company name on the side tank car gives the layout a uniform and professional look.

The tank cars we will be looking at today will include an impressive look and a realistic paint job. The tank cars will all be HO Scale of 1:87.

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All Aboard, Next Stop Tank Cars.

(1.) Walthers Trainline Ready to Run Burlington Northern Tank Car

Tank Car Product Description:

This HO Scale Tank Car has a green & black paint job, knuckle couplers, and says "Burlington Northern" on the car. This tank car is considered a fuel tender. This tank car would look outstanding on a Burlington Northern Freight Train Set. For more details and pictures of this product click on the link below or the name above to view on the Amazon Website.

Link-https://amzn.to/41qtbSn

(2.) Walthers Trainline HO Scale Model Norfolk Southern Tank Car

Tank Car Product Description:

This HO Scale Tank Car has a black & white paint job, magnetic knuckle couplers, and says

"NS 999731 MW" with a big "NS" on the top side. An outstanding pick Norfolk Southern Freight Train Set. For more details and pictures of this product click on the link below or the name above to view on the Amazon Website.

Link-https://amzn.to/4laFVn2

(3.) Walthers Trainline HO Scale Model Santa Fe Tank Car, Black/Orange/White

Tank Car Product Description:

This HO Scale Tank Car has a black, orange, and white paint job, magnetic knuckle couplers, and says "Santa Fe", and "ATSF 98016". An awesome pick for Santa Fe lovers.

For more details and pictures of this product click on the link below or the name above to view on the Amazon Website.

Link-https://amzn.to/41tRRt9

(4.) Walthers Trainline HO Scale Model British Columbia Railway Tank Car, Green/Yellow/White

Tank Car Product Description:

This HO Scale Tank Car has a green, yellow, and white paint job, knuckle couplers, and says "British Columbia Railway", "BCOL 1914", and "DIESEL FUEL". Perfect for a European Freight Train Set.

For more details and pictures of this product click on the link below or the name above to view on the Amazon Website.

link-https://amzn.to/4mvKiuj

(5.) Walthers Trainline HO Scale Model Tank Car Montana Rail Link #100016, M5093

Tank Car Product Description:

This HO Scale Tank Car has a blue and white paint job, knuckle couplers, and says "Montana Rail Link" and "MRL 100016 MWD". An outstanding pick for freight trains that are mid-american-based.

For more details and pictures of this product click on the link below or the name above to view on the Amazon Website.

link-https://amzn.to/4oDfY2P

(6.) Bachmann Trains - 40' Three-Dome Tank Car - TEXACO #7518 - HO Scale

Tank Car Product Description:

This HO Scale Tank Car has a silver and black paint job, knuckle couplers, and says "TEXACO" and "TCX 7518". This model is very clean-looking. Perfect for a black and silver freight train set.

For more details and pictures of this product click on the link below or the name above to view on the Amazon Website.

link-https://amzn.to/40NAVxI

(7.) Bachmann Trains - 40' Single Dome Tank Car - Clark #9485 - HO Scale

Tank Car Product Description:

This HO Scale Tank Car has a white, and red paint job, knuckle couplers, and says "CLARK", "DIESEL FUEL" and "CLARK OIL REFINERY". An awesome pick for a white freight train set.

For more details and pictures of this product click on the link below or the name above to view on the Amazon Website.

link-https://amzn.to/3UfkO8j

(8.) Bachmann Trains - 40' Single-Dome Tank Car - Staley MFG Company #604 - HO Scale

Tank Car Product Description:

This HO Scale Tank Car has a yellow paint job, knuckle couplers, and says "Staley" "A.E.S.X. 604" and "DECATUR ILLINOIS". Perfect for train lovers of the great State of Illinois

For more details and pictures of this product click on the link below or the name above to view on the Amazon Website.

link-https://amzn.to/4lfRsBz

Here are basic terms if you are new to the hobby. 

Engine/Locomotive - Pulls the cars and caboose. Has a mechanical engine that creates a force to move the train. Sometimes engines come with a tender add-on.

Cars- The filler between the engine and the caboose. For example box cars, flat cars, tanker cars, passenger cars, and specialty cars depending on the train. Part of the fun is adding different cars while playing with your trains.

Caboose-The last car on the train.

Snap Track - E-Z track that snaps together for a fast experience.

Power Pack - Used to send power to the model train engine.

Speed Controller - Controls the speed of the train.

DCC - Digital Command Control - Speed Controller (Enhances the Train Experience with sound, and speed, but only works on DCC Train Sets) Engines must be DCC Equipped.

Scale/Gauge- The size of the train that runs on the track.

Couplers- The part that connects one train car to another train car. The two most common styles of couplers are Knuckle and Horn Hook couplers

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