Nostalgia & History > Reefer ice hatches

Would the old ice hatch reefers ever run with their hatches propped open? If so, why? Thanks!

Yes, I would imagine to air the car out(?)

There are plenty of photos of that out there.

Victor Baird



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/25/23 15:55 by wabash2800.

They would be open if the customer requested ventilator service. Some produce didn't need to be super cold, especially during the spring and fall.

Usually open when the car was empty?

PHall Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> They would be open if the customer requested
> ventilator service. Some produce didn't need to be
> super cold, especially during the spring and fall.

Someone gave a somewhat detailed explanation.  I think the example was cars coming south from twin cities from PNW, potatoes as mentioned, ventilator service,
introducing fresh cool air.
Not sure if the anolgy is appropriate but like opening your car window on a hot day.???

Bob



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/24/23 17:45 by robj.

Onions too. Actually there was quite a few fruits and vegetables that rquired little icing during certain seasons.

If you looked down into the hatch, about half-way down you would notice a platform hinged up against the wall of the car.
If the shipper requested "HALF STAGE ICING. the platform would ne lowered into a flat position and the ice could only
drop half way into the hatch.

BUT NOW IF YOU LIKED To hop freight trains, the reefers could allow you a cheap Vista Dome experience!!  You simply
lowered the platform and you could stand there as the train is moving along. The top of the hatch came to about  the mid-point
of your chest. A great way to see the country! And you could still duck down to avoid the "Bulls" looking for you!

robj Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> PHall Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > They would be open if the customer requested
> > ventilator service. Some produce didn't need to
> be
> > super cold, especially during the spring and
> fall.
>
> Someone gave a somewhat detailed explanation.  I
> think the example was cars coming south from twin
> cities from PNW, potatoes as mentioned, ventilator
> service,
> introducing fresh cool air.
> Not sure if the anolgy is appropriate but like
> opening your car window on a hot day.???
>
> Bob

Same reason reefer truck trailers have vents.  Some produce needs ventilation vs refrigeration.

The last reefer I saw hatches up in ventilation service was probably fall of 1976.  It was a NP ice reefer with what looked to be wood sides going over the hump at Southern's Inman Yard in Atlanta.  The waybill showed it to be apples.