This is a set of 3D parts and decals necessary to convert an AccuRail 8500 Series reefer into a 114330 to 114679 series flour cars.
This parts package includes the correct 3D printed replacement roof, doors and ends, drill jigs, and decals which are made by Mask Island especially for all of these rebuilt cars. An additional sheet is included for the dimensional data which is different for the PC&F built cars. Instructions for assembly are available here - Instructions. Modelers will have to furnish an Accurail reefer kit, a few plastic Evergreen strips and couplers to complete these models.
The cars that this model represents were PC&F ice reefers that were rebuilt into boxcars by the St. Louis ART shops in 1968-1971 These unique cars were seen moving not only flour, but also cement, and detergent. A few cars were converted to MoW service, after being retired from revenue service, with one car being repainted as HERB-1 to promote safety on the railroad.
Decal Set
History of the Missouri Pacific 120000, 130000 and 140000 boxcars
Missouri Pacific’s 120000, 130000 and 140000 series boxcars were all former 40’ ice bunker reefers that were rebuilt by a number of shops from 1968 through 1975.
The prototype for this kit, was part of a rebuilding program for a group of reefers bought from Fruit Growers Express (FHIX 41241-41460). These were built by Pacific Car and Foundry in 1956 and rebuilt by St. Louis Refrigerator Car Company in 1974-1975 in the MP 114330-114679 group. The last group (Pacific Car and Foundry in 1957) were purchased second hand in 1972 from Packers Car Line (PCL 4000-4399) and converted by Midwest Freight Car, Clinton, Illinois into boxcars MP 114000-114329 in 1972 and 1973. Initially the cars were assigned to flour, cement, and detergent loading. These cars did NOT have the horizontal rivet seam common to the 120000 and 130000 series cars.
Former American Refrigerator Transit (ART) 29000 and 39000 reefers originally built by Mount Vernon Car Company in 1952 were rebuilt by the ART shops in St. Louis from 1971-1972 to series MP 112600-113084. Externally the ice hatches and running board were removed and a 8’ wide and 8’ 4” high opening was made for new Youngstown freight doors. The 112000-112599 were originally ART 91300-91699and 39300 through 39699 (former TRAX 12000-12599) built by Pacific Car & Foundry in 1954. A group of N&W boxcars were also modified from this series being numbered N&W 49170-49219. Pacific Car & Foundry built another group in 1957 ART 37000-37249 and these were converted to boxcars by St. Louis Refrigerator Car Company (MP 113085-113159) and the ART shops in St. Louis (MP 113160-113334). These cars all had the signature horizonal rivet seam running the length of the .10” side sheets.
Background on the Model
To ease assembly, this model contains new, 3D printed sides, ends and roof. An Accurail plug-door reefer is required as a ‘donor’ in order to obtain the interior walls, ends and underframe details. The model was initially conceived by Charlie Duckworth along with MPHS member Mike Huddleston. Mike designed and printed the replacement parts for this project. Charlie also contacted Hubert Mask and Mask Island decals were made specifically for this kit which allow for prototype stenciling as shown. Hubert also added multiple re-weigh locations on the MoPac and other variables seen on these cars.
Being only 13’ 7” from the top of the rail to the top of the roof make these models considerably shorter than other 40’ boxcars built in the late 1930’s through the 1950’s and add a nice variation to a train consist, class yard or an industry track.
Prototype photos
Model Photos
Model by Mike Huddleston
