Info on USA Trains American Series Woodsided Billboard Refrigerator Cars (reefers)

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Hi,

I’m an avid collector of USA Trains American Series Woodsided Billboard Refrigerator Cars (reefers) and I’m wondering if anyone would have any information on this series of cars specifically on model numbers R1602, R1606, R1620, R1622, R1627, R1638, R16008, R16223 and R16276.

Thanks

2

You might try a post on Garden Railways, another mag featuring “G” scale like USA.
Check the top of this page for the link.

3

I’ve just posted to the GRR forum. I though I’d give this forum a go since it’s about collecting but I’m not sure if USA Trains qualify as ‘classic’. It does in my heart.[8D]

4

Not to worry, some of the guys on this forum also model G. They have a vast knowledge and plenty of stock, so they may be able to help you.
Dennis

5

What kind of information are you looking for?

I have an Alaska Brewery car from USA Trains due to arrive early this week (a birthday gift for my brother-in-law who collects the USA Trains beer cars). Don’t know the various model numbers myself, but I do know that the graphics on the beer cars in the series are superb–as good as you’ll find anywhere. I order my USA Trains stuff directly from Charlie Ro, since they are the manufacturer.

6

Yes I know which one you are talking about. it’s model R16309 Alaskan Brewing Co. ( ARR 16309 ) It’s a beaut. From R1600 ( Swift ) to R16327 ( Hanover Cranberries ) there are 427 different model numbers in this series going back to the late 1980’s. At my last count there were 459 different reefers. Some model numbers like R16151 Tropicana come in series a, b, c, and d. I’ve got most of the information I need except for the 9 I originally listed on this post. For these I don’t have have any description, nor any photos and no references from the Charles Ro and/or USA Trains catalog I have on hand. Charles Ro list price for these reefers is usually $62.95, If you are a member of LSOL (Large Scale On Line) they have them for $52.98 and NAGFJG also as most of them on eBay as a BUY NOW for $54.99.

7

I’m afraid I can’t be much help with earlier cars in this extensive series since I don’t have any of them myself and generally only buy them for gifts (the Alaska car for my brother-in-law arrived today).

Your best bet might be to post your inquiry on www.mylargescale.com, which is my personal favorite of the Large Scale forums, and the most active of all forums devoted to that scale. Registration is free, and perhaps someone there will be able to assist you in locating what you’re looking for.

8

Thanks for the tip I’ll try that