Lionel O Gauge Pacific Fruit Express Wood-Sided Reefer – #6-9872 (NOS / Boxed)
Bring a splash of classic Western railroading to your O gauge consist with this Lionel Pacific Fruit Express (PFE) refrigerator car, catalog 6-9872. The car inside still sits in its factory plastic and looks unused; the original red window box shows typical shelf/edge wear from storage (see photos).
What you’re getting
Manufacturer: Lionel (MPC era)
Catalog #: 6-9872 • Car side lettering shows “BLT 1-77 LIONEL.”
Roadname: Pacific Fruit Express with Southern Pacific and Union Pacific heralds
Type: Wood-sheathed ice refrigerator car (“reefer”)
Scale/Gauge: O / O-27 compatible
Length: ~10½" (coupler to coupler)
Trucks/Couplers: AAR-style trucks with operating knuckle couplers and free-rolling fast-angle wheels
Condition: New Old Stock car in the original box; car appears factory fresh in the inner bag. Box has light handling, soft corners, and window scuffs—nothing that affects the mint car inside.
Why PFE matters (a quick history)
Formed in 1906 as a joint venture of Southern Pacific and Union Pacific, Pacific Fruit Express became one of the world’s largest refrigerator-car operators. Its fleets of orange reefers rushed lettuce, citrus, and other perishables from California’s Central Valley and the Pacific Northwest to markets across the nation. The classic PFE orange with SP/UP shields—just like on this model—became an icon of post-steam/early-diesel era freight operations. Wood-sheathed ice reefers like this were the backbone of PFE trains into the 1950s before steel, mechanically refrigerated cars took over. Owning this car is like grabbing a rolling slice of West Coast railroad history.
Great ways to use it on your layout
Build a reefer block: String several reefers behind an SP or UP steam or early diesel for a fast perishables extra.
Scene ideas: Spot it at an icing platform or produce shed; model a morning “iced and ready” departure.
Era flexibility: Works beautifully on 1940s–1960s themed layouts, but the timeless orange livery pops on any modern roster.
Mix & match: Compatible with Lionel, MTH, Atlas O, Williams, and most O/O-27 couplers and track systems.
You’ll love it if…
You collect MPC-era Lionel cars in box-fresh condition.
You’re building an SP or UP themed train, or you just want a vivid, conversation-starting car that stands out in a consist.
You enjoy pieces with real railroad heritage and story value.
Carefully packed and shipped fast. Questions welcome—happy to snap any extra photos you need. Add this bright PFE reefer to your train and let the perishables roll! 🚂🍊
This Lionel O Gauge Pacific Fruit Express Reefer Wood Sided #6-9872 is a new old stock item still in its box. It is a great find for collectors of model railroads and trains. It runs on a three-rail system. The freight car type is perfect for those who love the transportation theme. This item is perfect for those who collect O gauge trains and it will be a great addition to your collection.
Look closely at the pictures to see further details.
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