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N Scale - Micro-Trains - NSC 89-16 - Reefer, 50 Foot, Mechanical - Belmont Shore Lines - 302689, 302789, 302989 The image shown is the same body type though not necessarily the same road name or road number.

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Commissioned ByBelmont Shore Model Railroad Club
Production TypeSpecial Run
Stock NumberNSC 89-16
Original Retail Price$45.00
BrandMicro-Trains
ManufacturerMicro-Trains Line
Body StyleMicro-Trains 069 Reefer Steel Mechanical 51 Foot
Prototype VehicleReefer, 50 Foot, Mechanical (Details)
Road or Company NameBelmont Shore Lines (Details)
Road or Reporting Number302689, 302789, 302989
Paint Color(s)Orange
Additional Markings/SloganPacific Desert
Coupler TypeMT Magne-Matic Knuckle
Wheel TypeInjection Molded Plastic
Wheel ProfileStandard
MultipackYes
Multipack Count3
Multipack ID NumberNSC 89-16
Release Date1989-01-01
Item CategoryRolling Stock (Freight)
Model TypeReefer
Model Subtype51 Foot
Model VarietyMechanical, Steel, Riveted Side
Prototype RegionNorth America
Prototype EraNA Era IV: 2nd Gen Diesel (1958 - 1978)
Scale1/160
Track GaugeN standard



Specific Item Information: Only 125 sets produced.
Prototype History:
The purpose of a mechanical reefer is to keep perishable items cold. Early reefers were of all wood construction and used ice for cooling. By the 1940s, new reefers were being built entirely of steel. Insulating techniques improved to the point where economical refrigeration could be accomplished using steel side plates in place of wood sheathing. Fifty foot mechanical reefers date back to at least the late 50s / early 60s.

The mechanical reefers could keep a more regular temperature, and often times colder than what the ice bunker cars were capable of. Initially mechanical reefers were used primarily in frozen food service. This would soon change as mechanical refrigeration began to replace ice-based systems. Soon after, mechanical refrigeration units replaced the “armies” of personnel required to re-ice the cars.
Brand/Importer Information: Micro-Trains is the brand name used by both Kadee Quality Products and Micro-Trains Line. For a history of the relationship between the brand and the two companies, please consult our Micro-Trains Collector's Guide.
Manufacturer Information:
Micro-Trains Line split off from Kadee Quality Products in 1990. Kadee Quality Products originally got involved in N-Scale by producing a scaled-down version of their successful HO Magne-Matic knuckle coupler system. This coupler was superior to the ubiquitous 'Rapido' style coupler due to two primary factors: superior realistic appearance and the ability to automatically uncouple when stopped over a magnet embedded in a section of track. The success of these couplers in N-Scale quickly translated to the production of trucks, wheels and in 1972 a release of ready-to-run box cars.

Micro-Trains Line Co. split off from Kadee in 1990 to form a completely independent company. For this reason, products from this company can appear with labels from both enterprises. Due to the nature of production idiosyncrasies and various random factors, the rolling stock from Micro-Trains can have all sorts of interesting variations in both their packaging as well as the products themselves. When acquiring an MTL product it is very important to understand these important production variations that can greatly enhance (or decrease) the value of your purchase.

Please consult our Micro-Trains Collector's Guide
Item created by: gdm on 2017-04-12 10:39:39. Last edited by gdm on 2020-01-15 08:04:04

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