36' Wood Reefer

Prototype Information

The 36′ wood reefer was common from the 1880s to the early 1900s. It was used to ship meat, dairy, and produce across long distances. The cars had wood bodies with ice bunkers at each end. Insulated walls helped keep goods cool. They were shorter than later 40′ reefers but served the same purpose. Many were owned by private firms like Swift and Armour. By the 1930s, most were replaced by larger and more modern reefers.