PFE Express Refrigerator Cars

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Originally built in the 1920's to provide for high-speed movements of California fresh produce and similar items, this class of cars was equipped to operate at the head end of passenger trains although, in peak season, the cars operated sometimes in blocks.

The original body design included a wide fascia board extending the full width of the sides and following the roof arc over the car ends. Originally replenished with ice at passenger stations, the growing and wide-spread use of icing facilities resulted in the early placement of platforms at the roof ends for the purpose of facilitating ice loading.

The 1930's saw the beginning of an evolutionary series of modifications to this group of cars continuing into a substantial rebuilding in the 1942 to 1946 time frame, with a further extensive rebuilding in the early 1950's. Although many were shared with REA, Challenger's models will represent the long-lived PFE cars. Challenger's two versions will depict the cars after their 1930's/1940's refurbishments in one version, while our other version will depict the cars in their early 1950's extensively rebuilt appearance.

Both versions are appropriate in a single consist, providing unique opportunities for modelers seeking both specialized head end equipment for their passenger trains as well as having blocks of cars for high-speed refrigerated cargo movements.
 

2529.1 PFE Express Refrigerator Car. Earlier version after basic modifications including roof icing platforms and conversion to freight type ladders and grabs. Wide fascia boards with "Pacific Fruit Express" on the fascias. Available in a variety of road numbers. Painted in the UP/SP color designated dark olive with gold lettering.

2530.1 PFE Express Refrigerator Car. Depicting PFE after the early 1950's rebuild and refurbishment. Narrow fascia boards. Fan symbol on car sides. Available in a variety of road numbers. "Pacific Fruit Express" on car sides. Dark olive sides and ends with Dulux gold lettering.