Originally Posted by palallin:
Don't count out small tank cars--they have come in just about every size. An 8,000 gallon tankcar is very small in 1/48 scale.
Don't discount Lionel's offerings. The pre war and post war tin cars are scale size if lacking in ultimate detail. They would make a good starting point.
Intermountain 8000 gal car:
Williams semi scale car:
Lionel Post War Car:
Pete