Toy Railroad Refrigerator Car, 1950

01

Artifact Overview

Lionel Corporation produced this model of a railroad refrigerator car. The toy car reflects the change in real car construction materials from wood to steel. But, as evidenced by the ice hatches on the roof, the model represents an ice-cooled car. It was during the 1950s that railcar operators began to phase out ice in favor of mechanical refrigeration.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Toy (Recreational artifact)

Date Made

1950

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

86.36.4

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Albert Linsenmeyer.

Material

Steel (Alloy)
Plastic

Dimensions

Height: 3 in
Width: 9.25 in
Length: 2 in

Inscriptions

on sides: Refrigeration 6472 / L / Lionel