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. Around 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
