{"product_id":"atlas-50005974-n-scale-gunderson-cryogenic-reefer-jr-simplot-6000","title":"Atlas, 50005974, N Scale, Gunderson Cryogenic Reefer, JR Simplot, #6000","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAtlas’ upgraded models will feature:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e•Body mounted couplers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e•Improved brake wheel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e•Improved stirrups\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e•Improved crossover platform\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eMetal Wheelsets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Prototype:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e🧊 Overview of the Gunderson Cryogenic Reefer (CRYO‑TRANS)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe modern cryogenic reefer concept traces back to the early 1980s, when inventor \u003cstrong\u003eRalph Hill\u003c\/strong\u003e began developing CO₂‑based cryogenic refrigeration systems for rail transport. His work eventually led to the founding of \u003cstrong\u003eCryo‑Trans (CRYX)\u003c\/strong\u003e, which partnered with \u003cstrong\u003eGunderson\u003c\/strong\u003e (later part of Greenbrier) to build the distinctive high‑cube cryogenic refrigerator cars. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"relative pb-6 w-full after:border-b after:border-stroke-300 after:w-full after:absolute after:mt-3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e🛠️ When They First Came Out\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first production Cryo‑Trans cryogenic reefers were built by \u003cstrong\u003eGunderson in 1986\u003c\/strong\u003e, beginning with cars such as \u003cstrong\u003eCRYX 1000–1002\u003c\/strong\u003e. Additional batches followed through the late 1980s and early 1990s, with multiple series produced between \u003cstrong\u003e1986 and 1991\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese early cars used \u003cstrong\u003eliquid CO₂\u003c\/strong\u003e as the cooling medium, stored in tanks at the B‑end of the car. They were designed to haul frozen foods—especially potatoes and processed products for companies like Simplot and Lamb Weston.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e📦 How Many Were Built?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExact totals are difficult to determine because Cryo‑Trans’ fleet evolved through new construction, rebuilds, and acquisitions. However:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 331 true cryogenic (CO₂‑based) cars existed by 1995\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"ps-2\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eoverall\u003c\/em\u003e Cryo‑Trans fleet—including later mechanical reefers—reached \u003cstrong\u003earound 2,200 cars\u003c\/strong\u003e, most of them built by Gunderson\/Greenbrier. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis means the cryogenic cars were a relatively small but important subset of the total fleet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e🚂 Are They Still in Service?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe original CO₂ cryogenic reefers from the 1980s–1990s are \u003cstrong\u003elargely retired\u003c\/strong\u003e. Many were withdrawn by the early 2000s as mechanical refrigeration became more efficient and flexible. Numerous cars from the cryogenic fleet were later \u003cstrong\u003econverted into mechanical reefers\u003c\/strong\u003e, and these rebuilt cars \u003cstrong\u003eremain in service today\u003c\/strong\u003e under Cryo‑Trans and Lineage Logistics. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRailfans still occasionally spot former cryogenic cars—now mechanically cooled—running in dedicated food service trains.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e📝 Summary\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst built:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1986 (Gunderson for Cryo‑Trans)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCryogenic cars built:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~331 CO₂‑based cars by mid‑1990s\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Cryo‑Trans fleet:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~2,200 cars (including mechanical reefers)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurrent status:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cryogenic cars mostly retired; many later or rebuilt mechanical reefers still active\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Atlas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48143320187134,"sku":"50 005 974","price":26.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2380\/3485\/files\/72313487575860_sytb.jpg?v=1777933911","url":"https:\/\/rjstrains.com\/products\/atlas-50005974-n-scale-gunderson-cryogenic-reefer-jr-simplot-6000","provider":"RJ's Trains","version":"1.0","type":"link"}