Con-Cor - 1052G - Boxcar, 40 Foot, Steel Plug Door - IGA Food Stores - 5331

Model Information: This model was originally produced by Kato for Con-Cor. Since Con-Cor owned the tooling, they were later able to move the tooling to Chicago for later runs. It has been marketed as a "40' Steel Box Car[sic]" as well as "40' Steel Reefer". We believe current runs are being made in China. Pictures of this model were available as of May 2017 on the Con-Cor website being sold with two options for couplers: Rigid-Face and Micro-Trains.

Prototype History: Plug-Door boxcars are usually insulated and typically carry products such as canned goods that require protection from extremes of temperature but do not require refrigeration. Plug-style doors were normally used to ensure a tight seal in the insulation. Designed for transport of both perishables and large loads, plug doors allowed box cars to be sealed from outside dust and dirt. Cars like these were manufactured during the 50s and 60s.

Whether you consider this a reefer or a boxcar is a matter for angel-pinhead-counters. There seems to be a bit of a blurry line during the transition era between the idea of a steel ice reefer and an insulated boxcar. I guess an ice reefer was meant to hold ice for cooling but I doubt this is a cut-and-dry distinction. Modern "mechanical" reefers are a different breed as they contain a refrigeration unit which quite distinctly sets them apart from "boxcars".

Road Name History: The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) was founded in 1926, bringing together independent grocers across the United States to ensure that the trusted, family-owned local grocery store remained strong in the face of growing chain competition.

Today, that entrepreneurial family business spirit is alive and well, and communities across the U.S. are being served by second, third and even fourth generation independent IGA retailers. And IGA is expanding across the globe, as well; IGA's Hometown Proud stores can now be found all around the world.

In a time of cookie-cutter chains, IGA stores stand out as distinctively unique, just like the communities they serve. Stop in your local IGA and experience shopping the IGA way—with a promise of neighborly service from people you know and trust.

Brand/Importer Information: Con-Cor has been in business since 1962. Many things have changed over time as originally they were a complete manufacturing operation in the USA and at one time had upwards of 45 employees. They not only designed the models,but they also built their own molds, did injection molding, painting, printing and packaging on their models.

Currently, most of their manufacturing has been moved overseas and now they import 90% of their products as totally finished goods, or in finished components. They only do some incidental manufacturing today within the USA.

Important Note: The Con-Cor product numbering can be very confusing. Please see here in the article how to properly enter Con-Cor stock numbers in the TroveStar database.