"rrhistorian" <rrhistorian@hotmail.com> wrote:
To broaden my original question a bit - I would also greatly
appreciate any references to works that discuss the transition from
ice to mechanical reefers in terms of both design and operation. I am
not interested in this for modeling purposes, but to better understand
the significance of preserved cars.

Tom, I can recommend:

"Pacific Fruit Express" <http://www.signaturepress.com/pfe2.html>.

"Burlington Bulletin" No. 12 <http://www.burlingtonroute.com/costore/bb.htm>.

I'm sure there are additional sources, but these will keep you in reading material that lasts a while.

Frank Greene
Memphis, TN