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Model Train Guides

Bachmann 15552 N Scale Central Pacific Water Tank Car

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Bachmann 15552 N scale Central Pacific 213 water tank car with three tanks on a red flatcar

Bachmann item 15552 is an N scale model of Central Pacific water tank car 213: three gray tanks carried on a red flatcar. This guide identifies the exact release, explains what its scale and couplers mean for a layout, and gives a short check before adding it to a roster or train.

Bachmann 15552 water tank car identification diagram An explanatory, not-to-scale side-view diagram showing three tanks on one red flatcar, with Central Pacific 213 lettering.Identify the 15552 by the complete combinationC.P.R.R. 213Three tanks • one flatcar • Central Pacific road number 213
Identification sketch only; not a scale drawing or a photograph of the model.

How to identify Bachmann 15552

Match the road name and number together: the model is lettered for Central Pacific and numbered 213. The three-tank arrangement on a red flatcar helps distinguish it from a conventional single-tank freight car. Bachmann identifies the item as model 15552, UPC 022899155524, and N scale 1:160. Its product record lists one water tank car in the pack.

Related old-time water-tank-car releases use different railroad names and numbers. If you are matching a specific consist or collection entry, check the 15552 part number and Central Pacific 213 markings rather than relying on the general product name alone.

Scale and layout fit

N scale represents a nominal 1:160 proportion. Use the scale stated for the model when matching it to N scale equipment and scenery. This is unpowered rolling stock, so it does not need locomotive electrical pickup or a decoder. It can add a distinctive service-car profile to a freight consist, switching scene, or display train.

Before operating it, compare the car with the layout’s track gauge, curve clearance, tunnels, platforms, and storage. Bachmann’s product page does not give a minimum curve radius for item 15552, so do not infer one from another car in the same family. Check the model on the tightest intended curve and through close clearances at low speed.

Couplers to check before running

Bachmann lists body-mounted E-Z Mate Mark II couplers for item 15552. That identifies the coupler type fitted to this model; it does not establish universal compatibility with every N scale coupler or every car height. On a mixed fleet, compare coupler height and knuckle operation, then test a short cut of cars through curves and turnouts before running a longer train.

Quick roster checklist

  • Item: Bachmann 15552.
  • Road and number: Central Pacific 213.
  • Scale: N, 1:160.
  • Configuration: three tanks on one red flatcar.
  • Pack contents stated on the listing: one water tank car.
  • Couplers stated by Bachmann: body-mounted E-Z Mate Mark II.

The tank arrangement and lettering help identify this release. The available product record does not establish a specific service history, minimum curve radius, or compatibility with every coupler system; leave those claims out of a roster unless you verify them separately.

Questions about the Central Pacific 213 car

Is Bachmann 15552 an N scale model?

Yes. Bachmann specifies N scale 1:160 for item 15552.

How many cars are listed in the pack?

The Muncle Mikes listing states one water tank car. It does not describe a multi-car set.

Does it include a locomotive or water?

No such contents are listed. The product is identified as one water tank car; the listing does not include a locomotive or operating liquid.

For the exact listing, see Bachmann N Old-Time Water Tank Car – Central Pacific 213 (15552). Browse the related N scale model trains, model railroad freight cars, and Bachmann model trains collections.