Photo: SFRD Reefer 16439 (Rr-23)

A Peter Arnold photo courtesy of Don DeLay.

This Class Rr-23 ice bunker reefer was one of 1,500 cars (Series 31656-33155) rebuilt in 1937 from Class Rr-W reefers built new in 1920. Notice the “fish belly” underframe.

In 1956 a total of 672 Rr-23 cars were renumbered into the 16000-17499 series and 513 cars were renumbered into the 31656-32655 series.

By 1971 this class was down to 308 cars with the last two surviving into 1977.

As seen on this car, the “SHIP AND TRAVEL Santa Fe all the way” slogan started replacing the map scheme in 1947. Rr-23 16990 (not pictured) was the first Santa Fe reefer to receive the eight-foot “big circle” Santa Fe logo in 1959. SFRD 16439 seen here has the older cross/circle/square herald. The other side of this car has “THE Grand Canyon Line” slogan.

Also notice the unique Santa Fe reverse-opening hatch covers originally installed on this class have been replaced by the more conventional inboard opening hatch covers.

Bob Chaparro

Moderator

Railroad Citrus Industry Modeling Group

https://groups.io/g/RailroadCitrusIndustryModelingGroup