#441 • The Great Yellow Fleet

Part of November 2026 Railroad Book and Slide Auction (timed auction by Rail & Road Auctions)

Starting at $1.00

Status: Available

Bidding closes Nov 30, 2026 6:49 PM EST

"Tells the complete story of the railroad refrigerator car from its trucks to the roof ice bunder. Examined are the various experiments to replace the ice car with ammonia cars, Silica Gel cars, and the diesel-powered mechanical reefer with sub-zero controlled temperatures. Described are the unique and unusual cars such as narrow-guage reefers, beer and wine cars, and cars to carry poultry and dairy products. Also discussed is where refrigerator ice came from, how it was mechanically made and stored, and examined are the loading of ice cars and their reicing en route. Four of the largest refrigerator cars are explored, Mechants Despatch Transportation Co, and Fruit Growers Express, plus the Pacific Fruit Express (Southern Pacific-Union Pacfic-Western Pacific) and Santa Fe Refrigerator Despatch."--Book flap. John H. White