Tonkin Replicas Focus on Propane!

Propane scale model replicas sometimes fly under the radar for die-cast collecting as, although there are some very large propane fleets, the propane delivery market remains somewhat fragmented and regionalized.

Propane only make up about 4% of America’s energy needs but it has been growing in importance due to its clean burning nature- when propane is burned with oxygen it yields a mix consisting primarily of carbon dioxide and water.

Because of this, several municipalities power their bus systems using propane- or more specifically liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is generally the term used for propane when it is used as a vehicle fuel.

As far as scale model collecting goes, there are two major types of die-cast trucks being made: one is the traditional bobtail truck, most of which are used for local delivery. The second being truck and propane trailer trucks often referred to as “cargo-liners.”

In the bobtail category, Tonkin Replicas produces a wide range of bobtails ranging from the 1947 Chevy done to the Kenworth T300, International 4300, Sterling Acterra. The 1947 propane truck, originally done for FerrellGas, is highlighted by the fact it uses two small 800 gallon tanks (more common at that time) versus the larger 3,000 gallon primarily seen today. Tonkin Replicas has produce propane trucks for most of the industry leading propane companies.

In the cargo-liner category is a trailer made by Winross, highlighted by models made for on-highway companies such as LP Transport, Transgas, and other large fleets that have used this style of trailer.

Sources:
     http://www.npga.org/files/public/Facts_About_Propane.pdf
     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propane