Athearn Genesis ATHG1112 GEN 57′ FGE Mechanical Reefer,FGMR 12829
57’ MECHANICAL REEFER FEATURES:Scaled from prototype manufacturer’s drawings and field measurementsRepaints often vary by road number in the size and style of the reporting marks, car numbers and patch shapesSee-through protective screens on the reefer endEnd wall corrugation visible insideInner refrigerator bulkheadSee through end platformsTwo different exhaust stack types: straight pipe with “flapper” or T-shaped “smokejack” per prototype and eraFull underframe detail including Keystone cushioning, air brake reservoir, control valve, brake cylinder, brake plumbing, and fuel tankFactory applied end ladders and door closure rodsTrainline hoses with silver endsThree different coupler cut lever styles per prototypeBody-mounted or truck-mounted brakes per prototypeMcHenry operating scale knuckle couplers100-ton roller bearing trucks with rotating bearing capsFully-assembled and ready-to-runAccurately painted and printed for prototypical realismHighly-detailed, injection-molded bodyMachined metal wheels with RP25 contoursWeighted for trouble-free operationMinimum radius: 18” — Recommended radius: 22”PRIMED FOR GRIME MODELS FEATURE:Duplicated look and feel of “In Service” equipmentFaded base colors matched to the prototypePerfect starting point for adding grime and rustPROTOTYPE AND BACKGROUND INFO:One of the greatest freight car innovations of the 20th century was the creation of the refrigerator car, commonly referred to as a “reefer.” The ability to haul perishables such as fruits, vegetables and meat products across the country was a major factor in the development of modern America. No longer did food have to be produced close enough to urban areas, so that it could be consumed before spoiling. At the same time, areas with additional capacity for agricultural production could produce more food, since it did not have to be sold locally.
For many years, reefers relied on ice bunkers to keep loads cool. After World War II, technological advances made mechanical refrigeration practical for a freight car. In addition, a mechanical reefer could be larger than an ice reefer because of the greater cooling capabilities.
Fruit Growers Express owned the largest fleet of reefers in the East. FGE was owned by a group of ten railroads, with Atlantic Coast Line and Southern being two of the largest original owners. Many of FGE cars were built at its Jacksonville Shops, including these 57’ smooth-side mechanical reefers.
