Express and parcel service was a major business for the US railroads following WWII. The Railway Express Agency (REA) handled much of this traffic in a variety of wooden express reefers and baggage cars added to the front of passenger trains.
In 1947 REA ordered five hundred all new express cars from ACF. These cars showcased some of ACF’s latest car building techniques utilizing welded construction and featured a new high speed truck design. The cars were ice cooled, but the ice bunkers were of a collapsible design that folded out of the way when not needed. This allowed these cars to carry both loads that needed refrigeration as well as standard parcels. These cars travelled from coast to coast on all major railroads.
When delivered REA’s cars were painted in a fancy silver and green scheme meant to blend with the streamlined passenger cars then in vogue. As colorful as these cars were the scheme proved not to be practical. After a short time in service the cars showed a tremendous amount of dirt. As a result they were quickly repainted into a variety of green paint schemes. The first of these was applied in 1949 and carried only Dulux gold lettering. In 1952 the red and white “Railway Express Agency” diamond was added. This scheme was modified in the 1960’s with a more modern design logo and white lettering. These cars lasted in service until the coming of Amtrak.
Fifty similar cars were built for the Atlantic Coast Line railroad at the same time as REA’s cars. These were delivered in a two-tone purple and silver scheme that lasted into the 1960’s. After 1960 the ACL painted its cars green with silver lettering.
This is the first time these important cars have been available in an HO plastic kit. The kit features:
• Welded Sides • 3/3 Improved Dreadnaught ends • Arched roof • Separate ladders and grabs • Fully detailed underframe • Steam/Air/Signal hoses • Cut levers • All new trucks with metal wheels • Magnetic knuckle couplers • Weights
INDIVIDUAL CARS If you want two or three of one car paint scheme put that quantity in the quantity box. Different numbers will be shipped. 2500 HO EXPRESS REEFER UNDECORATED 2500 HO EXPRESS REEFER UNDECORATED Qty: Price: $24.95
2501 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA 2501 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA DELIVERY SCHEME Qty: Price: $24.95
2502 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA 1950 ERA HERALD 2502 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA 1950 Qty: Price: $24.95
2503 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA 1960 ERA HERALD 2503 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA 1960 Qty: Price: $24.95
2504 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA AS DEL Silver With Yellow Lettering 2504 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA SILVER/YELLOW Qty: Price: $24.95
2505 HO EXPRESS REEFER ACL Green With Silver Lettering 2505 HO EXPRESS REEFER ACL GREEN/SILVER Qty: Price: $24.95
2506 HO EXPRESS REEFER ACL AS DEL PURPLE 2506 HO EXPRESS REEFER ACL PURPLE Qty: Price: $24.95
4 PACKS FOUR DIFFERENT CAR NUMBERS
2501 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA 25014 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA DELIVERY SCHEME Qty: Price: $99.95
2502 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA 1950 ERA HERALD 25024 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA 1950 Qty: Price: $99.95
2503 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA 1960 ERA HERALD 25034 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA 1960 Qty: Price: $99.95
2504 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA AS DEL Silver With Yellow Lettering 25044 HO EXPRESS REEFER REA SILVER/YELLOW Qty: Price: $99.95
2505 HO EXPRESS REEFER ACL Green With Silver Lettering 25054 HO EXPRESS REEFER ACL GREEN/SILVER Qty: Price: $99.95
2506 HO EXPRESS REEFER ACL AS DEL PURPLE 25064 HO EXPRESS REEFER ACL PURPLE Qty: Price: $99.95