N Scale - BLMA - 15717 - Reefer, 64 Foot, Trinity - Tropicana - 3251

Model Information: BLMA first introduced this model in July, 2010 announcement with a 2011 release date. They followed it up with releases in 2011, 2014 and 2016. It features: Fine-Scale Detail, Accurately Painted/Printed, Prototypical Ride Height, BLMA 100-Ton Trucks, BLMA Fine-Scale 36" Metal Wheels, Body-Mounted Micro-Trains Couplers. Of particular interest is the detail of the refrigeration unit at one end as well as the accurate, high-quality printing, especially around the door. Atlas acquired this tooling along with all the other BLMA models in their 2016 acquisition of BLMA.

Prototype Description: Built by Trinity Rail starting in late 2003, the unique 64' Reefer Box Car was designed for increased capacity, shipping protection, and loading/unloading efficiency. Large enough to fit the equivalent of four 53' truck trailer contents, these excess height, plate 'F' cars have given new life to the once flourishing refrigerated movement of produce and other perishable goods.

With 1,500 of these massive cars in service, the 64' Reefers have literally taken tens of thousands of truck trailers off the highways, paving the way for lower-emissions and increased capacity handling. Furthermore, Railex Corporation has begun shipping produce in solid unit trains from their locations in Washington, California, and New York.

If you enjoyed a glass of Tropicana Orange Juice this morning, there is a good chance the product came to you by train. Serving points North and West of Florida, the iconic 'Juice Train' has been a railroad fixture for decades. Operated by CSX, the current Juice Train makes its journey from Florida to New Jersey, but other cars run in groups to locations such as Ohio and Southern California.

Road Name History: Tropicana Products, Inc. is an American multinational company which primarily makes fruit-based beverages. It was founded in 1947 by Anthony T. Rossi in Bradenton, Florida. Since 1998, it has been owned by PepsiCo. Tropicana's headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois. The company specializes in the production of orange juice.

The Tropicana story begins with Anthony T. Rossi, who arrived in the U.S. with just $25 in his pocket. He founded Tropicana in 1947 with the mission of making the goodness of the finest fruit accessible to everyone. He developed flash pasteurization and pioneered orange juice transport in 1970 via train from Florida to New York. As Tropicana continues to grow, we have Anthony Rossi to thank for creating the spirit of innovation and fresh thinking that continues at Tropicana today.

From Wikipedia

Brand/Importer Information: BLMA Models was founded in July of 2000 to bring Z, N, and HO Scale products of superior quality and originality to the model train community. At BLMA Models, we understand that quality and accuracy count in producing realistic scale models. Our passion revolves around accuracy, diversity, innovation and satisfaction to prototype model railroaders by providing exceptional products and service that goes beyond your expectations.

BLMA was acquired by Atlas Model Railroad in January of 2016.