The full-size “TRINCool” reefers are commonly seen in 55-car unit trains on Union Pacific (UP) and CSX. They are also used by the shipper Railex. The trains are loaded with fruits, vegetables, nursery stock, and wine, among other items, at Railex warehouses in Delano, Calif., and Wallula, Wash., for transport to the firm’s distribution center in Rotterdam, N.Y.
With just shy of a 7,000-cubic-foot capacity, a single reefer can handle a load equivalent to three or four semi-trailers. Each car has a global-positioning system for tracking, and its temperature is monitored (and set) via satellite from the UP’s mechanical desk in Omaha, Neb. For more information on the unit trains of TRINCool 64-foot reefers, see “A fresh approach” by Roy Blanchard in the February 2010 Trains magazine.
What stands out most on this model are details, such as the door bars, lower door tracks mounted on stand-off brackets, and the hand brake assembly. These separately applied parts are complemented by uncoupling levers, wire grab irons, and etched-metal crossover platforms.
The model has a one-piece body with a separate roof. The underbody has molded stringers with a separate one-piece casting of the center sill and crossbearers. The brake system is made up of plastic and formed wire parts, many of which are visible from the side. The detailed draft-gear boxes have separate cover plates held in place with Phillips screws.
The side ladders on the B end use straight wire grab irons for rungs, which stick out too far when compared to photos of the full-size car.
The model uses Kadee no. 58 scale magnetic knuckle couplers at the correct height. The American Steel Foundries 100-ton trucks have correctly gauged 36″ metal wheels mounted on plastic axles. The car’s reporting mark and road number are stenciled on the face of the truck, and the bearing caps are painted blue – both nice touches. At 5.9 ounces, the car is .15 ounce too heavy based on National Model Railroad Association recommended practice 20.1.
The white paint is smooth and evenly applied. For the most part the lettering is crisp, though some of the warning labels aren’t legible, even under magnification. As delivered, the reefers didn’t have yellow reflective stripes. However, the positioning of the stripes matches prototype photos of cars that had them added later.
The ExactRail TRINCool 64-foot reefer is a fine model of a contemporary car. These well-detailed cars will certainly get the attention of operators and visitors alike.
Manufacturer
ExactRail LLC
251 W. River Park Dr., Suite 300
Provo, UT 84604
www.exactrail.com
Road name: Union Pacific with ARMN reporting marks (Phase I and III, 24 road numbers per body
style)
Era: 1995 to present
