Building on a rich tradition started in 1946, the Athearn brand is home to the hobby’s best-loved models. Athearn has brought the joy of model railroading to you for 75 years, starting from our classic ‘Blue-Box” kits to our most recent Genesis 2.0 line. With accurate detailing and painting, Athearn is the brand that any hobbyist is proud to own and operate. No matter your era or favorite railroad, Athearn truly is “Trains in Miniature.”

PROTOTYPE AND BACKGROUND INFO:

The use of ice to refrigerate and preserve food dates back to prehistoric times. Through the ages, the seasonal harvesting of snow and ice was a regular practice of many cultures. By the turn of the 20th century, manufactured ice became more common. The Pacific Fruit Express (PFE), for example, maintained seven natural harvesting facilities, and operated 18 artificial ice plants. At the industry’s peak, 1,200,000 tons of ice was produced for refrigerator car use annually.

A late-19th century wood-bodied reefer required re-icing every 250 miles (400 km) to 400 miles (640 km). The typical ice-bunker reefer from the 1920s were originally constructed with wood sheathing. Later, these early wood constructed cars would be replaced with steel constructed cars with plywood interiors by the 1940s. Vents in the bunker at the end of the car, along with slots in the wood floor racks, allowed cool air to circulate around the contents.

MODEL FEATURES:

• All models are representative of prototypical paint schemes

• Separately applied brake wheel

• Bettendorf 50-ton trucks

• 33” metal wheels with RP25 contours

• Body-mounted McHenry operating scale knuckle couplers

• Weighted for optimum performance

• Minimum radius: 18”

*Note RND06807/RND06811 contains 2 Harding’s and 2 Meriden Reefers

Looking for more Athearn Roundhouse HO Scale Reefers? Click here!

Looking for more Athearn Roundhouse HO Scale Products? Click here!