N ATH 57' FGE Mechanical Reefer with Sound (ATH-1496)

57-foot FGE mechanical reefer with sound is a faithful, ready-to-run model of a mid-century refrigerated freight car designed to haul perishables across the layout. Based on prototype drawings and field measurements, it reproduces Fruit Growers Express’s 57-foot smooth-side reefers, and in the sound-equipped version includes onboard SoundTraxx audio to bring the scene to life.

The model features a highly detailed injection-molded body and underframe with components such as Keystone cushioning, air brake reservoir, control valve, brake cylinder, and fuel tank. It offers two exhaust stack styles to reflect the prototype era, and uses body-mounted McHenry operating knuckle couplers. Equipped with 100-ton roller-bearing trucks and 36-inch machined metal wheels, it runs on Code 55 and 80 rail, is fully assembled, weighted for smooth operation, and finished with prototypical paint and printing. The minimum turning radius is 9 3/4 inches, with 11 inches recommended for best performance. Sound-equipped variants reproduce actual reefer sounds with cycles on and off and adjustable volume on the sound board; grime-ready versions provide faded base colors to suggest in-service wear, making them ideal for aging on-layout scenes.