ionel began production of these tanks cars in 1946 with the introduction of the Sunoco two dome No. 2465. These two dome cars are the most commonly found cars of this type and Lionel offered a number of alterations to this car during its long production period.

From the economical single dome cars, to the finely crafted chemical and three dome cars, there was a wide variety of these cars available for purchase during the Post War period.

Lionel printed their production numbers on the side of these cars and we’ve listed these cars by this number in order in the Numerical Index below. In the case of the No. 6465 two dome cars, because many of these had the same production number, we have listed these cars in alphabetical order by the inscription (brand logo) that is imprinted on the sides. These cars are listed in the following sub-types:

The Single Dome Tank Cars after 1948 would be used in Lionel’s economically priced sets. The hand rails would be molded into the body of the car and the frame would be (in most instances) blackened metal. The early "Scout" cars would have couplers that were unique to this series. Later cars would have bar-end trucks with tabbed couplers. See the Numerical Index for additional details about the individual cars in this class.

The Chemical Tank Cars were first available in 1956. The first release was with the BURNT ORANGE Gulf Oil car. These cars were very detailed with a newly designed chassis, metal handrails, and a platform around the dome. These cars would be available, off and on, up until the last year of post war production in 1969. See the Numerical Index for additional details about the individual cars in this class.

The 2-Dome Series Tank Cars would be one of the most common of the post war cars. It was a rare layout that didn’t have at least one of these cars. As with the other tank cars, the Sunoco logo disappeared after 1956. The early versions of these cars would have coil couplers, then they followed the usual progression of magnetic to disc couplers. In 1958 Lionel redesigned this car by eliminating the wire railing. This was replaced by a "railing" that was molded into the body. This was done to reduce the cost of production. The tank was mounted to the frame by two tabs on the newly designed Type 9 frame. See the Numerical Index for additional details about the individual cars in this class.

Produced fron 1946 until 1948. Rubber stamped 2465 or 6465 in SILVER on bottom side. Same as box car Frame 1A.

Produced in 1948. Rubber stamped 6465 in SILVER on bottom side. Found as part of set 1429WS. Same as box car Frame 3.

Produced in 1949. Rubber stamped 6465 in SILVER on bottom side. Same as box car Frame 4.

Produced in 1950. Rubber stamped 6465 in SILVER on bottom side. The steps have been eliminated beginning with this type. Same as box car Frame 5A.

Produced in 1950. Rubber stamped 6465 in SILVER on bottom side. Same as box car Frame 5B.

Produced in 1950. Rubber stamped 6465 in SILVER on bottom side. Same as box car Frame 6.

Produced in 1953-54. Rubber stamped 6465 in SILVER on bottom side. Same as box car Frame 7.

Produced in 1955-56. Rubber stamped either 6465 or 6455 in SILVER on bottom side. This frame was not used for box cars.

Extensive redesign resulted in this frame that was used after 1956. It came with early AAR trucks equipped with magnetic disc couplers. Rivets held these trucks to the frame instead of the horse shoe clamps.

The 3-Dome Series Tank Cars began production in 1953, and Lionel would have these cars available, off and on, up until the last year of the post-war period in 1969. By 1956 these cars would cease to have the "Sunoco" brand applied to them. This was replaced by the "Gulf" logo. See the Numerical Index for additional details about the individual cars in this class.