The original model (pictured above) was discontinued circa 2016 and replaced with the retooled version pictured below. New features include blackened metal wheels, body mounted E-Z Mate couplers and non-magnetic axles.
Refrigerator cars as a whole gained acceptance in the mid to late 1800s (1880 +/-). All of these early cars were made of wood. Metal frames became common with wood bodies in the early 1900s and this general practice would remain until the 1930s when the first major production of all steel cars began. Many wooden cars were updated with steel ends and roofs starting in the 1930s until the cars were being retired in the 50s and 60s. This wood reefer depicts a car that has been upgraded with a steel roof and ends.