This HO scale refrigerator car from Athearn Trains models a Fruit Growers Express (FGE) prototype. The model also includes a SoundTraxx decoder that reproduces the sounds of the refrigeration unit. Follow along as associate editor Cody Grivno shows how the car’s placement in a train affects the clarity of the sound. Cody also reviewed the reefer in the November 2013 Model Railroader.
Video: Athearn Trains HO scale sound-equipped reefer
By Angela Cotey | October 1, 2013
| Last updated on January 29, 2021
We placed this sound-equipped HO scale freight car at different points in an HO scale freight train
A truly interesting concept. I noticed that the decoder is in a "new" model. Would this work in an earlier (1st generation?) 40 or 50' mechanical reefer. As for placement in a train, I don't think it matters a whole as in real life the noise of a passing train tends to drown out such sounds. It would have been interesting to hear the unit while it is parked for loading.
nice video Cody and your right never place sound cars near engines or other sound cars it will drown our the effects.
Nice Model,for some reason on my PC your videos are jerky and the Audio is slightly out of sync with the video,I get better results downloading to my LG Android Smart Phone from MR Video Plus,as the videos are not encoded for my phone I have to use Flash Video Downloader in order to view videos.
I think that option three is the best for being able to hear the sound of the Refer in a consist,as Cody said its further away from the Locomotive so it is not drowned out by the Locomotives sound system.
Too bad that the character made out of Flex Track didn't appear in this video,(maybe that this not a Cody's Office Video is why?)
Wow…an amazing product.. Yet you can't hear these on a real train because of the the wheel noise.
NICE WILL THIS OPERATE ON STRAIGHT DC?
iiimmm Back!!!.. Once Again" Im Trippled Floored..I've Fallen And now I don't Know If for sure ill be able to get back up to Congratulate You for Your Outstanding Videos Thanks A whole Bunch MR…..
i dont know if i could take a yard full of them , but a couple for conversation pieces wouldnt be bad
Nice. I would assume if the separately applied roof part were firmly cemented in place the volume could be raised without vibration. Should be a simple tweak.
Great looking layout, scenery and backdrops.
Re: James E Valle's comments, yes, sound decoders can be hidden in rolling stock immediately behind locomotives. The trick is wheel pick-up of track power in these cars. It's usually a good idea to tether pick-up wires (with a mini connector that can be taken apart when needed) between the loco and the trailing car so the sound decoder is relying on the loco's wheels for power feed, not the car's.
As pointed out by others, the article was informative. However, the cost of the model is a little too much for my pocketbook, and I am not certain it would be worth the cost to have fleet of them for your layout.
Cody…how 'bout hearing what it sounds like sitting on a siding without an engine at all. I assume the refrigeration units run even when the car isn't in a consist but has been dropped off at an industry.
great article and product idea but still seems hard to hear.
i have two of them and they work and sound great
Interesting, what is the large lodge building in the background?
How hard would it be to put locomotive sounds in one of those reefers? That way you could quickly and easily "convert" an older silent engine into a sound unit. Thinking further along, a steam era boxcar with steam sounds coupled behind a classic brass engine would add lots of appeal to its operation. A sound equipped baggage car could do the same for a loco hauling a passenger consist. Perhaps you could even include the capacity to choose either steam or diesel sounds with the flip of a switch.
I just got my car this week and I love it. I did not have the issue with the roof rattle but still turned down the volume to be more realistic.