PFE Boxcar

[Anonymous]

Looking for boxcars to make a pacific fruit express train (1960's) for my union pacific layout. I need about 20 cars so cost per car is a little important. Found athearn cars but looking for a little more quality.

[Anonymous]

Choops,

You didn't mention which scale you were looking for. I'm presuming [;)] that you're looking for HO, in which case, I'd recommend Walthers, or InterMountain. I don't know if LifeLike has them in the Proto 2000 line, but would be easy to check. Otherwise, if you were looking for N, I'd recommend looking at Micro Trains or InterMountain.

[AggroJones]

Are you sure you mean boxcars? Don't you mean reefers?

[Anonymous]

sorry HO scale
you are right reefers.
will check walthers.

[AggroJones]

If you are not utterly hung up on it being 100% accurate, you can go with the Athearn reefers. Cut off some of the molded on parts and replace them with wire, add metal wheels and KDs, give it a good weathering job, and BAM! You have a nice bunch of reefers.

Even though the prices increased, they are still the cheapest reefers availible.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AggroJones

If you are not utterly hung up on it being 100% accurate, you can go with the Athearn reefers. Cut off some of the molded on parts and replace them with wire, add metal wheels and KDs, give it a good weathering job, and BAM! You have a nice bunch of reefers.

Even though the prices increased, they are still the cheapest reefers availible.

Hmmm maybe i will try that on my SF reefers

[tomwatkins]

Accurail has a number of PFE reefers in their line. I think the quality is better than the standard Athearn. They are a bit more expensive than the Athearns but considerably less than Intermountain or Red Caboose.
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins

[Dough]

For that many wouldn't it be feasable to scratchbuild a model and then pour your own mold from it. I forget the name of the process. I'm just asking because I would like to do something similar one day.

And you could even enber the prototype in the scratchbuild contest![;)]

[AntonioFP45]

[:)]Good info guys.

[8D]Choops, you are referring to PFE's 50 foot "mechanical reefers", as these were equpped with refrigeration units.

I'm also looking for some decent looking refrigeration cars as I'm planning a
fruit / vegetable "produce distributor" on my layout. I'm going to take TomWatkins info and check out the Accurail units. I just hope the prices aren't ridiculous.

I would like to install a "see thru" grill on the side of the car where the refrigeration unit is. Hopefully, Details West or one of its competitors makes this part. LIttle details like this do make a difference.