N ATH 57' FGE Mechanical Reefer with Sound (ATH-1485)

A 57-foot mechanical reefer from Fruit Growers Express, this detailed HO-scale model recreates a mid‑century refrigerated freight car with purpose-built realism. Scaled from prototype drawings and field measurements, it features authentic underframe details such as Keystone cushioning, air brake reservoir, control valve, brake cylinder, and fuel tank. Two era-appropriate exhaust stack styles—straight pipe with a flapper or a T-shaped smokejack—mirror the prototype, while body-mounted McHenry operating knuckle couplers and 100-ton roller-bearing trucks with 36-inch machined wheels ensure smooth operation on Code 55 and 80 rail. Fully assembled, accurately painted and printed, and weighted for reliable handling, this car is ready to roll on layouts with a 9¾" minimum radius (11" recommended for the best performance).

Onboard SoundTraxx sound versions capture audio recorded from an actual reefer unit, with sound cycling on and off and drawing minimal track power; volume is adjustable on the sound board. A grime-ready variant is also available, offering the look and feel of “In Service” equipment with faded base colors matched to the prototype—an ideal starting point for weathering, rust, and grime. The mechanical reefer reflects a pivotal postwar advancement in refrigeration technology, enabling longer-distance transport of perishables, and reflects the FGE fleet’s prominence on eastern rails with careful detailing that enhances layout realism.