Williams Electric Trains Small Freight Cars

Williams used Kusan K-Series tooling to make their small freight cars. They are often confused with Kusan production. Williams cars are distinguished by having metal wheels and axles versus Kusan plastic wheels and axles. Williams utilized Phillips head screws to secure trucks to the chassis frame, while Kusan used slotted head screws. With the exception of the black DOW tank car and Northern Pacific boxcar, photos are courtesy of the B. DeBrooke collection.

Ready-to-run small freight cars were cataloged as: 101 DOW Chemical tank car; 201 Reading covered hopper car; 301 Union Pacific gondola car; 401 Northern Pacific boxcar; 701 Pennsylvania caboose; 801 short flatcar; 901 Pennsylvania depressed-center flatcar. All cars used Kusan-style trucks with non-operating couplers.

Williams catalog number 101. The Dow Chemical Company, Texas Division 10200 black tank car. Kusan previously produced similar tank cars with the same tooling.

Williams catalog number 101. The Dow Chemical Company, Texas Division 10200 black and yellow tank car. Handrails have not been installed on this car.

Williams catalog number 101. The Dow Chemical Company, Texas Division 10200 yellow tank car. Handrails have not been installed on this car.

Williams Northern Pacific 102310 tank car as custom decorated by a previous owner. This tank car was probably sold as an undecorated kit without trucks. Note the Lionel trucks and couplers.

Williams originally sold undecorated small freight car kits without trucks.

Williams catalog number 201. Reading Lines 09300 black covered hopper car.
Kusan previously produced similar hopper cars with the same tooling.

Williams catalog number 201. Reading Lines 09300 black and yellow covered hopper car.

Williams catalog number 301. Union Pacific blue gondola car.
Kusan previously produced similar gondola cars with the same tooling.

Williams catalog number 301. Union Pacific yellow gondola car.

Williams catalog number 401. Northern Pacific 705 boxcar. Like Kusan, the boxcar door was manufactured permanently closed on this side and permanently open on the opposite side.

Williams catalog number 701. Pennsylvania Eastern Division 477618 red caboose.
Kusan previously produced similar cabooses with the same tooling.

Williams catalog number 701. Pennsylvania Eastern Division 477618 tuscan caboose.

1969 Lakes and Pines 1984 15th Anniversary caboose. This was a limited edition.

Red Caboose Motel in Strasburg, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania caboose. This was a limited edition.

Williams catalog number 801. Union Pacific 59011 short flatcar.
Kusan previously produced similar flatcars with the same tooling.

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