LAST month Union Pacific began an 18-month performance test of 50 refrigerated wagons, carrying fresh and frozen produce between the western United States and major markets. Designed and built in conjunction with Trinity Industries and Hardcore DuPont Composites, UP’s first new reefer since 1971 features a 40% increase in payload capacity and nearly double the cubic capacity of existing steel designs.
Combining superior insulation and corrosion resistance with a lighter, tougher structure, the wagon body has been constructed from a sandwich of composite fibreglass fabric and 127mm urethane foam. The wagons have been fitted with Thermo King Smart Reefer refrigeration units, with internal temperature monitored remotely through ARINC transmitters-receivers and the ORBCOMM satellite network.
Trinity Industries, USA
Reader Enquiry Number 139
