Tank Car Question

[soumodeler]

When did tank cars start using the safety couplers? I think they’re called shelf couplers? I bought some Athearn RTR tank cars and they have regular Bachmann couplers on them and was wondering if I needed to change for the 60’s.

[chutton01]

1960s? You should be OK w/ regular couplers

From a Trains.com article:

The bottom-shelf Type E was adopted as the industry standard following extensive testing in the 1970’s. The Type F coupler is commonly found on hazardous-material tank cars, while the even more complex Type H “tight-lock” is standard on passenger cars.

[Shilshole]

Shelf Type Es available in 1968, adopted as AAR standard in 1975. Interlocking Type F mandated for hazmat tankers by DOT/FRA in 1970.