PFE 301213 Close-Up
 
51-foot mechanical reefer, Pacific Fruit Express (PFE 301213).  I started with a Micro-Trains P.F.E. reefer and disassembled the model.  I masked off the roof and sprayed it bright silver.  The grabirons were painted Reefer Orange with a flex agent added.  The car body was weathered with pastels.  Model Die Casting roller bearing trucks with Micro-Trains low-flange wheelsets replaced the standard trucks.  Body mounted couplers were added.  A sound generator fashioned from Radio Shack components was mounted to the inside of the car to simulate an active mechanical refrigeration unit.  An on/off toggle switch was added to the floor between the center steps to control the sound unit.