Antonito car shop lumber storage

Two steel-bodied ice reefers are permanently on timbers to the North of the Antonito carshop, with paved access.

In the late Fourties, I watched these cars being built by Pacific Car & Foundry, North of Renton, Washington. This is now their second highway tractor plant, primarily large quantity models. Smaller quantities are built at their plant West of Boeing Field, Seattle.

Several years ago, I was asked to lubricate the door wheels and tracks on the Antonito cars; had taken many men and boys to budge them. Three days later, I could move them with my own ancient body. Grease, motor oil, wire brushes, paper towels, etc.

As a last gasp before diesel refrigerators, a company by the name of PRECO made car-wheel-driven fans, to circulate the air between the icebunkers and the cars' contents. Their company name shows on the casting where electric motors could be attached while the cars were being loaded.

Were photos taken before the cars were painted? Some history there.