Re: Half-stage icing -- what is it?

On Tue, 15 Aug 2006 07:23:48 -0400, Geezer posted in article
<tsKdnf80CM1eM3zZnZ2dnUVZ_tKdnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxx> ...
"OvC" <otto.von.chriek@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:MPG.1f4a575acda26c6b9897dc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

An article I was reading on reefers mentioned "half-stage" and "full-
stage" icing but didn't define those terms. It sounded like some ice
bunkers could be set up to receive only half a load vs. full load. Is
it that simple? Why the need for a special rack, if that's what it
is? Why wouldn't ice bunkers be loaded full -- shorter trip, less
cooling, or??

Refrigerator cars with "stage icing" have adjustable ice grates in the end
ice bunkers. The ice grates can be set up:
1) near the bottom of the bunker in the "full stage position" to allow a
maximum load of ice for maximum cooling of the load,
2) near the middle of the bunker in the "half stage position" to allow a
smaller load of ice for reduced cooling of the load, or
3) can be left folded up when the car is used as a ventilator car for
shipments in cool weather that don't require lower temperatures.
PFE had stage icing on several classes of reefers, and noted it with small
lettering "stage icing" near the car ends. Geezer

Many thanks for the details. It sounds like some reasonable form of
temperature control could be achieved through appropriate combinations
of mechanical air circulation fans, amount of salt, amount of ice, ice
placement, and open/closed roof hatches. I suppose with the grates
folded up, the car also could be used to haul other forms of clean
lading, not just produce and meat.

This prompted me to order Thompson's PFE book.

Thanks also to the other responders.

--
OvC
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Half-stage icing -- what is it?
    ... bunkers could be set up to receive only half a load vs. full load. ... Why wouldn't ice bunkers be loaded full -- shorter trip, ... Refrigerator cars with "stage icing" have adjustable ice grates in the end ...
    (rec.models.railroad)
  • Re: Half-stage icing -- what is it?
    ... bunkers could be set up to receive only half a load vs. full load. ... Why wouldn't ice bunkers be loaded full -- shorter trip, ... It might be the type of icing done as in a half stage being a short ...
    (rec.models.railroad)
  • Half-stage icing -- what is it?
    ... stage" icing but didn't define those terms. ... bunkers could be set up to receive only half a load vs. full load. ... Why wouldn't ice bunkers be loaded full -- shorter trip, ...
    (rec.models.railroad)
  • Re: Half-stage icing -- what is it?
    ... stage" icing but didn't define those terms. ... bunkers could be set up to receive only half a load vs. full load. ... Why wouldn't ice bunkers be loaded full -- shorter trip, ...
    (rec.models.railroad)
  • Re: Half-stage icing -- what is it?
    ... bunkers could be set up to receive only half a load vs. full load. ... Why wouldn't ice bunkers be loaded full -- shorter trip, ... http://users.erols.com/kennrice - Lego Compatible Flex Track, ...
    (rec.models.railroad)