Bachmann 15556 N Scale Rock Island Water Tank Car

The Bachmann 15556 N scale Rock Island Old-Time Water Tank Car is identified by three open wooden-style tanks on a green flatcar, with the car side marked C.R.I.&P. 481. Its item number, railroad lettering, and 1:160 scale distinguish it from other members of Bachmann's N-scale water tank car family. This guide focuses on the exact model and the details to confirm before adding it to a collection or layout.

Exact item details

• Manufacturer: Bachmann
• Item number: 15556
• Store SKU: BAC15556
• UPC: 022899155562
• Scale: N, 1:160
• Railroad marking: Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific (C.R.I.&P.)
• Visible road number: 481
• Car type: Old-Time Water Tank Car
• Couplers listed by Bachmann: body-mounted E-Z Mate Mark II
• Wheels listed by Bachmann: blackened metal

Bachmann's product listing confirms the 15556 model number, UPC, N scale 1:160, body-mounted E-Z Mate Mark II couplers, and blackened metal wheels. The product image shows the Rock Island lettering and 481 marking. Use the model number and lettering together when checking a listing: similar releases share the same three-tank format but carry different railroad names and item numbers.

What makes the 15556 car distinctive

This is a water tank car with three open-sided tanks carried on a flatcar, rather than a single enclosed cylindrical tank. The tan tank bodies contrast with the green flatcar and white C.R.I.&P. lettering. Those visible details provide a useful identity check when comparing the car with another Rock Island model or when recording it in a collection roster.

Scale and running checks

Bachmann lists item 15556 as N scale, 1:160. Scale is one part of operating compatibility. Before running the model with other N-scale cars, compare coupler height and operation; Bachmann specifies body-mounted E-Z Mate Mark II couplers. Check the curves, turnouts, and clearances on your own layout. The manufacturer information reviewed here does not state a verified car length or minimum radius, so neither should be inferred from the product photographs.

The listing specifies blackened metal wheels. For a new addition, use Bachmann's current care guidance and inspect the wheelsets and couplers before operating it. This is a practical checklist, not a claim that the item has been tested on a particular layout.

Using the Rock Island version in a consist

Bachmann markets this model as an Old-Time Water Tank Car for its N-scale freight range. Its railroad lettering and open-tank profile make it easy to group with other Rock Island equipment or to feature in a period-style display. That description identifies the product family; a precise prototype date, operating route, or historically accurate consist needs separate research into Rock Island records.

For a collection record, keep Bachmann 15556, BAC15556, UPC 022899155562, and C.R.I.&P. 481 together. The combination makes this release easier to identify if you compare several short freight cars with similar shapes.

Compare other Bachmann water tank cars

The related N-scale family includes 15552 Central Pacific 213, 15553 Union Pacific 503, 15554 U.S. Military Railroad 110, and 15555 Great Northern 647. Compare the railroad marking and item number to choose the version you mean.

Frequently asked questions

What scale is Bachmann 15556?

It is listed as N scale, 1:160.

Which railroad and number are on the car?

The product is listed for Rock Island; its side marking reads C.R.I.&P. 481.

What couplers does the manufacturer list?

Bachmann specifies body-mounted E-Z Mate Mark II couplers. Check height and operation against the equipment you plan to run.

Is this a conventional enclosed tank car?

No. The model has three open water tanks on a flatcar.

See the Bachmann 15556 Rock Island water tank car product page for the current item record. Browse more N scale model trains, model railroad freight cars, and Bachmann models.