tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218524178230712938.post3980567592019577494..comments2024-03-28T17:35:45.759-07:00Comments on modeling the SP: Modeling open ice hatches on refrigerator carsTony Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11593061828601275378noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218524178230712938.post-83511416440173675742021-01-27T17:57:12.230-08:002021-01-27T17:57:12.230-08:00You are right, Trevor, that in the 1950s the old h...You are right, Trevor, that in the 1950s the old hatch platforms were being removed. PFE had started sprinkling slate granules in roof paint, and decided it gave firm enough footing, that the platforms were no longer needed. But it would take close study of surviving photos to decide how many had or didn't have platforms by, say, 1955. The answer for some car groups is likely contained in the 5 x 7-inch car cards at CSRM, once it reopens.<br />Tony ThompsonTony Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11593061828601275378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218524178230712938.post-64719832185242423282021-01-25T20:43:10.002-08:002021-01-25T20:43:10.002-08:00I've been pouring through your PFE book which ...I've been pouring through your PFE book which has been a great way to help be scrutinize my builds. I am wondering, were any PFE reefers left with wooden platforms and wooden ice hatches by 1955? I saw a picture of one with just wooden hatches, but no platform.Trevor Parkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03580382338995881763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218524178230712938.post-78829000154108243792015-10-05T10:56:30.835-07:002015-10-05T10:56:30.835-07:00Yes, it's known that both PFE and SFRD opened ...Yes, it's known that both PFE and SFRD opened hatches on empty cars when weather was hot, so heated air inside could escape. But PFE people I interviewed were quite specific that empties were otherwise to have closed hatches, and that both PFE ice deck crews, and SP railroad crews, were so instructed.<br />Tony ThompsonTony Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11593061828601275378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3218524178230712938.post-15341958160352564762015-10-05T00:26:47.408-07:002015-10-05T00:26:47.408-07:00The old idea that open hatches on a reefer indicat...The old idea that open hatches on a reefer indicated an empty has been proven wrong since loaded cars could be moved just ventilation provided by the open hatches. I would like to point out that there was a case where empty reefer did have their hatches in the open position.<br /><br />Living in Tustin-Irvine area of Southern California during the 1950s and 1960s, I had an opportunity to observe perishable handling in reefers supplied by PFE and Santa Fe. The practice was to have cleaned dry (not iced) reefer taken to the shipping areas with their hatches up. The hatches were closed when the cars were iced.<br /><br />I would one of the first to question someone remembrances since I have heard people make statements that were impossible or proven to be false. I suggest that photos of trains heading into shipping areas with reefers be viewed and see if the hatches on the car are open. In some cases, trains moving reefers from the cleaning facilities may have pre-iced cars as well as dry reefers so there could be some cars with closed hatches.<br /><br />Clifford Prather lostres33@sbcglobal.net<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com