Fine N-Scale REA Wood Express Reefer?

[CBQ Fan]

Any suggestions on the proper truck and truck mounted or body mounted coupler?  I picked up one of these this week have never seen one before today.

[GhengisKong]

905's or 1025's with the locating lip removed is what I like to use.

[bbussey]

It was designed to use MTL 1023/1025 couplers.

Regarding the trucks, probably your best option today is to pilfer a set of trucks from an MDC/Roundhouse wood express reefer kit.  I'm pretty sure that's what I did back in the day.  It shouldn't be difficult or expensive to source one second-hand, as opposed to paying a premium for an Athearn version just for the trucks.

[CBQ Fan]

Thank you both!

[Sokramiketes]

There's two styles of trucks, depending on the lot and era.  It looks to me like Bussey trimmed the ears off an MDC truck to match a later truck.  Another option available today for this style is the MTL 4-Wheel Commonwealth truck from the single window coaches. 

Otherwise, the MDC truck as is works great too. 

Here's the MTL trucks: https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Micro-Trains-N-00302250-Passenger-4-Wheel-Trucks-No-Couplers/

[CBQ Fan]

Cool, thanks.

[robert3985]

Any suggestions on the proper truck and truck mounted or body mounted coupler?  I picked up one of these this week have never seen one before today.

Y'know, Fine N-Scale used to sell cast metal trucks for these.  I know, because I bought the trucks for my Fine N-Scale PFE Express Reefer kits.

You might contact the owner and see if he's got any extras laying around that he'd sell to ya.  Worth a try, eh?

Photo (1) - Fine N-Scale PFE Express Reefer


However, after looking closely at the metal ones that Fine N-Scale made, I think there are more accurate ones available.

These from Panamint Models at Shapeways look to be the correct trucks for 50' Express Reefers and come in two widths...one to take 30" wheelsets with a .540" axle and one to take 30" wheelsets with a .553" axle.  They are also available for either mounting with a standard MTL Bolster Pin or a #0 or #00 screw.  Go here to see the screw mount, .540" axle version: https://www.shapeways.com/product/CJFTRKVJE/t52s-x2-n-pass-truck-7ft-cbq-no2-screw?optionId=161880845&li=marketplace

Photo (2) - Panamint Models 7ft CB&Q No. 2 Express Reefer Truck:


I am definitely going to get some to replace the metal Fine N-Scale ones I have because the Panamint ones are more accurate, especially with the included brake hangers and shoes on the ends.

Cheerio!!
Bob Gilmore

[CBQ Fan]

Y'know, Fine N-Scale used to sell cast metal trucks for these.  I know, because I bought the trucks for my Fine N-Scale PFE Express Reefer kits.

You might contact the owner and see if he's got any extras laying around that he'd sell to ya.  Worth a try, eh?

Photo (1) - Fine N-Scale PFE Express Reefer


However, after looking closely at the metal ones that Fine N-Scale made, I think there are more accurate ones available.

These from Panamint Models at Shapeways look to be the correct trucks for 50' Express Reefers and come in two widths...one to take 30" wheelsets with a .540" axle and one to take 30" wheelsets with a .553" axle.  They are also available for either mounting with a standard MTL Bolster Pin or a #0 or #00 screw.  Go here to see the screw mount, .540" axle version: https://www.shapeways.com/product/CJFTRKVJE/t52s-x2-n-pass-truck-7ft-cbq-no2-screw?optionId=161880845&li=marketplace

Photo (2) - Panamint Models 7ft CB&Q No. 2 Express Reefer Truck:


I am definitely going to get some to replace the metal Fine N-Scale ones I have because the Panamint ones are more accurate, especially with the included brake hangers and shoes on the ends.

Cheerio!!
Bob Gilmore

Very interesting!  I will have to check them out.