N ATH 57' FGE Mechanical Reefer (ATH-1464)

This 57-foot mechanical reefer car reproduces a mid-20th-century Fruit Growers Express refrigerated freight car and arrives fully assembled and ready to run. It features authentic underframe detail—including Keystone cushioning, air brake reservoir, control valve, brake cylinder, and a fuel tank—along with two exhaust stack styles: a straight pipe with a flapper and a T-shaped “smokejack” to mirror prototype variations. Body-mounted McHenry operating knuckle couplers keep it compatible with other modern rolling stock, while 100-ton roller bearing trucks with 36-inch machined metal wheels deliver smooth operation on Code 55 and 80 rail. The model is accurately painted and printed for prototypical realism and weighted for dependable performance, with a minimum radius of 9 3/4 inches and a recommended radius of 11 inches.

Sound-equipped variants carry authentic reefer sounds recorded from actual units, with the sound cycling on and off and volume adjustable via the sound board. A “Primed for grime” option duplicates the look of in-service equipment, featuring faded base colors and providing an ideal starting point for adding grime and rust. This model commemorates a pivotal era in freight history when mechanical refrigeration expanded the reach of perishable goods, reflecting the heritage of Fruit Growers Express, including cars produced in major facilities such as Jacksonville Shops.