Skytop Models REA Express Refrigerator Casting

[skytop35]

Now Arriving via Skytop Models
REA express refrigerator car from ex-troop sleeper.


Body casting comes with roofwalk and brakewheel.


MicroScale #60-1010 decals will do several lettering styles.


Check out my web site at SkytopModels.com

Thanks for looking!

[skytop35]

Forgot to mention, this project was inspired by an article in Model Railroader by Bill Pearce. Thanks Bill. Email me your address and I'll drop one in the mail for you. !

[arbomambo]

yes-yes-yes-yes-yes-yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~Bruce

[arbomambo]

yes-yes-yes-yes-yes-yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
now I can do a couple of these cars...


~Bruce

[bbussey]

That's cool.

[jmlaboda - RIP]

Although at first I was unsure of the door's placement (thinking that it was too high) but looking at several photos of the prototype this looks to be a great match!!!  Thanks for making this unique car possible!!!

[Pennsy]

The web site mentions 149 of these cars leased from 1945. Does anyone know how long these lasted? And did REA have any non-reefer troop sleepers cars?

Any web sites with additional info would be appreciated.

Who knows I may have a job in time to order some of these.

Jim

[wcfn100]

One modeling note, don't forget the bar on the panel next to the hatches.  I assume it's there to support the hatches when open, but it could also be something to help the workers.

Normal reefers will have this panel be flat (no reinforcements stamped in).

Jason

[arbomambo]

The web site mentions 149 of these cars leased from 1945. Does anyone know how long these lasted? And did REA have any non-reefer troop sleepers cars?

REX converted troop sleeper reefers (in all configurations) were off the roster by 1970...

here's a pic of an REA express box converted from a troop sleeper



~Bruce

[71jeep]

Would these have been seen on the PRR ??

This is is a beautiful model I really would like to get one .

Thanks

[Cajonpassfan]

Bill, another great prototype (and model thereof)!
Do you (or anyone) have photos of this car in the pre-diamond logo era, i.e. before cca 1953? I believe they were dark green with dulux lettering. Also, did any of these ever get painted in the short-lived silver and green stripe scheme like the newly built 52' REA express reefers?
Again, thanks!
Otto K.

[skytop35]

Yes on the PRR and I would imagine pretty much any railroad.

Would these have been seen on the PRR ??

This is is a beautiful model I really would like to get one .

Thanks

[skytop35]

This link was posted on Trainboard for those that didn't see it. http://coastdaylight.com/reareefer.jpg

Otto, I have not seen a photo of them in the silver and green stripe scheme.

Bill, another great prototype (and model thereof)!
Do you (or anyone) have photos of this car in the pre-diamond logo era, i.e. before cca 1953? I believe they were dark green with dulux lettering. Also, did any of these ever get painted in the short-lived silver and green stripe scheme like the newly built 52' REA express reefers?
Again, thanks!
Otto K.

[jmlaboda - RIP]

"here's a pic of an REA express box converted from a troop sleeper



This car was one of the many New York Central cars that were rebuilt with an outside door.  As shown, these cars were owned by CDRX, Chicago Freight Car Leasing Co. and were rebuilt to inner door, leaving part of the exterior door track.  CDRX owned both common types of converted troop sleeper, the 50' express car as shown above and in the second link below as well as the reefer rebuilds... the one shown in the first link below carries KCS, REX and CDRX lettering... talk about an identity crisis or split personality...

http://rr-fallenflags.org/kcs/kcs-er1010am.jpg
http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2758929

These cars came in two basic colors... Pullman green and REX green.  Even the fancy new 50' express reefers didn't stay in their streamliner silver and green for very long, though the Atlantic Coast Line's Royal Purple and silver cars lasted a bit longer... and properly done to match the cab units that pulled them, unlike the heavyweights that were fortunate enough to receive the Royal Purple.  Hmm... maybe that's why I like the MBTA/MBCR paint schemes so much... B )

[Cajonpassfan]

http://rr-fallenflags.org/kcs/kcs-er1010am.jpg

Thanks for the info and links Jerry!
I didn't know the KCS refrigerated passengers 
Otto K.