MTH 30-70131 - 50’ Double Door Plugged Boxcar Set "Christmas" w/ LED Lights (4-Car)

Product Description

Announced Date:

March 2024

Released Date:

Oct 2024

Individually Boxed:

Yes

Road Name: Christmas

Road Number: 252225, 252226, 252227, 252228

Product Line: RailKing

Scale: O Gauge

Each car has a different art on the opposite side. (exp: 1 car has Santa Clause other side is Express)

Features:

4-Car Set

Intricately Detailed, Durable ABS Body

Colorful, Attractive Paint Scheme

Metal Wheels and Axles

Die-Cast 4-Wheel Trucks

Fast-Angle Wheel Sets

Needle-Point Axles

(2) Operating Die-Cast Metal Couplers

Detailed Brake Wheel

Operating LED Body Lights

Near-Scale Proportions

Overview:

While usually referred to as an insulated boxcar, the prototype for this car, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), is technically a bunkerless refrigerator car, class RBL. Built by Evans Products Company at Blue Island, Illinois from 1969-1977, these cars were designed for shipments that need protection from temperature extremes but do not require refrigeration. They have hardwood floors and at least 3” of insulation in their sides, ends and roofs. Produce is a common cargo. The cars’ length and wide 16’ door openings have also made them popular with plywood and lumber shippers.

In contrast with typical sliding doors, the plug doors on these cars are pulled into the door opening when the door is latched. This produces a nearly watertight and airtight seal, protecting the load and helping to keep a more constant inside temperature. A cushioned underframe also helps protect the load from shock, hence the “DF” (for “damage free”) logo found on some of these cars.

Evans Products built nearly 4.400 of these cars, selling or leasing them to a large number of North American railroads and private owners. Although the last of these cars are nearing the end of their allowable 40-year service life, they can still be found in U.S. freight trains today.

High quality, traditionally sized RailKing Freight Cars provide detailed bodies and colorful paint schemes for the O Gauge railroader. MTH makes an enormous variety of RailKing Freight Cars, including many different car types and roadnames. No matter what era or part of the country you are modeling, RailKing is sure to have something for you.