Athearn to Re-release Updated MDC Roundhouse PC&F 57 foot Mechanical Reefer

Athearn "Lamb Weston" updated MDC PC&F 57’ Mechanical Reefer
with body-mounted couplers

Athearn plans to continue to release more former MDC Roundhouse models. In late September 2018, the Illinois-based company announced that it will produce a second run of the MDC tooling for the PC&F 57’ Mechanical Reefer ($24.98). Athearn first re-released this MDC model with Talgo style truck-mounted couplers in 2005. The 2018 model will be updated and feature body-mounted couplers. This item has an estimated delivery of September 2019.

"The prototype car has an interesting history," says Christopher Palomarez, Brand Manager, Athearn Trains. “Introduced in the mid 1960s, it was the most modern design of the day. Internal cooling was provided by a diesel generator mounted to one end of the car (behind the grilles). This car was in service on dozens of pre-merger railroads and some can be found in service today," says Palomarez.

Athearn has two 57’ very different mechanical reefers in its N-scale line. This one, the PC&F (Pacific Car & Foundry) is distinctive for its ribbed sides and curved roof. The other, FGE (Fruit Growers Express) is distinctive with its smooth sides and peak roof.

Road names will include Southern Pacific, Pacific Fruit Express, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Milwaukee Road, Lamb Weston, Maine Central and REMX.

For more information about this release, here is a link to the Athearn website.

Here is a link to previous releases of the PC&F 57’ Mechanical Reefer on TroveStar.