40' Wood Reefer

Prototype Information

The 40′ wood reefer was first used in the late 19th century. It was designed to carry perishable goods like meat and produce. The car had insulated wood walls and was packed with ice to keep cargo cool. Early models had ice bunkers at each end. Railroads and private firms operated large fleets. These reefers were common through the 1930s and 1940s. Steel reefers began replacing them in the 1950s. Most wooden reefers were retired by the 1960s.