HO GEN 57' FGE Mechanical Reefer (ATHG-1113)

HO scale 57-foot mechanical reefer from Fruit Growers Express (FGE) is a prototypical refrigerated freight car designed to move perishable goods across the rails. Scaled from prototype drawings and field measurements, this model captures era-specific details such as see-through end screens and end platforms, the inner bulkhead, and factory-applied ladders and door closures. It reflects the postwar shift from ice reefers to mechanical refrigeration, a development that increased capacity and reliable cooling for fruits, vegetables, and meat shipments.

Fully assembled and ready to run, the model features a highly detailed injection-molded body, machined metal wheels with RP25 contours, and a weighted chassis for smooth operation. The full underframe detail includes Keystone cushioning, an air brake reservoir, control valve, brake cylinders and plumbing, and a fuel tank; it rides on 100-ton roller bearing trucks with rotating bearing caps and uses McHenry scale knuckle couplers. Factory-applied end ladders, end platforms, trainline hoses with silver ends, and multiple prototype-style variations for coupler cut levers and brake mounting add authentic realism. Sound-equipped versions are available with onboard SoundTraxx sound (volume adjustable), and grime-ready variants provide a convincing starting point for weathering. For operation on HO scale track, a minimum radius of 18 inches is recommended (22 inches preferred).