PFE Wooden Reefers

During the early to mid 1900’s, millions of tons of fresh produce was transported all over the US using wooden reefers to keep the food fresh during all seasons. Pacific Fruit Express (PFE) had the largest fleet of reefers cars with over 41,000 at it’s peak and while a majority of the cars operated on Western Railroads, they could often been seen all over Eastern Railroads delivering their good from coast to coast.

Design Shops has recreated these wooden cars in 1½” and 1” scale to closely match it’s full size companions using CNC wood routers and 3D modeling for accurate parts and easy to follow directions. The kits are designed with a ½” Baltic Birch skeleton with a simulated tongue and groove “skin” of ¼” MDF and multiple details pieces that are precut and ready to assemble. This allows the kits to be structurally sound and resist warping over time while still being light and easy to assembly. Please see the 1½” and 1” sections below for more information about the kits.

1½” Scale PFE Reefer Kit - OVER 80 SOLD!

IN STOCK

Multiple style options to fit steam/diesel era from 1920’s-1950’s (Wood/Steel Roofs & Grabirons/Ladders)

Quick Facts

Tier I

Basic Car Kit w/ all wood components needed to complete car.

  • Wood Roof Version: $540
  • Steel Roof Version*: $580

Tier III

Basic Car Kit with working brass door hinges and working roof hatch hinges from PSC, Grabirons, Ladder and Stirrups

  • Wood Roof Version w/ Grabirons: $825
  • Wood Roof Version w/ Ladders: $837
  • Steel Roof Version* w/ Grabirons: $865
  • Steel Roof Version* w/ Ladders: $877

*Steel roof version is not made from steel.  It is a smooth rather than grooved MDF roof that once painted, simulates a steel roof.

 

Completed Cars

Assembled cars from Tier III versions above. Cars come complete in primer with basic frame setup for trucks and couplers of your choosing.

  • Wood Roof Assembly Cost: +$350
  • Steel Roof Assembly Cost: +$380

Paint schemes can be added for PFE or other configuration. Pricing includes a 2-tone color scheme w/ painted on letting for longer durability.

  • Paint & Lettering: +$400

1” Scale PFE Reefer Kit

Currently out of stock and not available.

Multiple style options to fit steam/diesel era from 1920’s-1950’s (Wood/Steel Roofs & Grabirons/Ladders)

Quick Facts
1½" PFE Kit Instruction Manual
1" PFE Kit Instruction Manual

1½” Scale PFE Frame Kit

ONLY 2 LEFT

Tier I – $300

Our PFE Scale steel frame includes an 11 gauge main frame, 16 gauge steel I beam details, bent sheet metal details, (2) custom coupler pockets and all the rivets (plus some extra) required for assembly. ½” steel angle on the exterior of the car comes pre-drilled and clearanced for the stirrup steps (included in the PFE Reefer Tier III kit).

Frame kit w/o ½” Steel Angles: $275

Tier III – $425

Completed frame, riveted and welded together and finished in black powder coat. Frame is setup for trucks and couplers (trucks and couplers not included). If ordered with a PFE Reefer Kit, square nut hardware will be used to attach stirrup steps to the car.

 

 

1½" PFE Frame Kit Instruction Manual