Athearn ATH50027 HO 50' Ice Bunker Reefer, ATSF #188530

PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION A “reefer” is a refrigerated boxcar, designed to carry perishable freight such as dairy, meat, and vegetables at specific temperatures. The use of ice to refrigerate and preserve food dates back to prehistoric times. For most of the 19th century, natural ice (harvested from ponds and lakes) was used to supply refrigerator cars. Refrigerator cars required effective insulation to protect their contents from temperature extremes. The last ice bunker reefers were built in 1957, with the last ice-cooled reefers retired in 1971. MODEL FEATURES: Separately applied end tack boards and door latch bars Includes molded and wire form grab irons, stirrup steps and recessed ladders Positionable Santa Fe-style reversed ice hatches with etched hatch stops Fully assembled and ready-to-run Weighted for optimum performance Photo-etched brake platform McHenry® operating scale knuckle couplers Precision machined metal wheels with RP25 contours Highly-detailed, inje