Express reefer: Open and closed roof hatches

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I’m working on a Branchline Express reefer kit as a gift for a friend. With the roof hatches there’s the option of having them either open or closed.

Would there ever be a time when roof hatches for a reefer are open while in transport? Of, does an open roof hatch pretty much signify that the reefer is parked and being iced up at an icing platform?

Thanks for the info…

Tom

2

While not about Express Reefers may apply From http://modelingthesp.blogspot.com/2013/07/modeling-open-ice-hatches-on.html

"Many prototype photos of freight trains or freight yards reveal some refrigerator cars with ice hatches latched open. This represents what the Protective Services Tariff called “ventilation service,” and it meant that ice was not placed in the bunkers, but the cooling of outside air was considered sufficient for the perishable cargo. "

3

Great link and info, DSchmitt!

I was hoping to model a reefer in “ventilation service” - i.e. hatches open. However, the latches on the model are a bit too delicate and would probably end up breaking off so I modeled them closed.

Thanks again for the link and info. [:D]

Tom

4

Here’s a Branchline kit, built to represent a car in ventilator service…

…and a modified Accurail car…

My rolling stock cycles on and off the layout at various staging yards, and when off layout, all cars go back in their respective boxes. Handling the cars won’t likely break anything, and for cars with fragile roof details, I use a block of soft foam, loose in the box, which is just enough oversize that it can be inserted between the car’s roofwalk and the interior of the box, effectively trapping the car so the roof details can’t strike the box’s interior. This also keeps the car from sliding back and forth within the box.

Wayne

5

Thanks, Wayne. I have a couple of the Branchline reefers and the latches on this express reefer is definitely more delicate than those. I will keep the foam idea handy though for when I do ship it off to my friend. [:D]

Tom