Until recently, unless you were looking for certain detail parts, you might not have heard of Moloco Models. Launched in 1996, the Australian company entered the model railroading market with a line of detail kits for cabooses. It wasn’t until in 2011 that they produced their first ready to run freight car. Now based in Ontario, Canada, the company is steadily making a name for itself in the ready to run market, and has to-date produced a line of seven highly detailed HO scale freight car models.

The latest model in their growing range of North American rolling stock is what we’re looking at in this post: The AX 9-64 FGE 50′ RBL Plt B 7+7R 10 Box Car with Center Door, otherwise more commonly known as the FGE 50 footer.

Founded in 1920 by Henry Spencer, former vice president of the Southern Railway, Fruit Growers Express (FGE) was a railcar leasing company specializing in providing insulated boxcars for long distance produce and perishable transportation. Primarily serving eastern states with existing cars produced by other manufacturers, the company eventually grew to serve railroads across the United States, allowing fresh produce to be transported from coast to coast in six days or less. By the early 1960s, the company was producing their own rolling stock at their Alexandria, VA facility, and in 1963 the 50’ RBL was released.

As with all of their cars, Moloco has spared no detail in their HO scale rendition of this car. Available painted for railroad specific variations of both the older and later FGE paint scheme, as well as for the Boston and Maine, each model displays a vibrant, crisp paint job, with little to no bleed complimented by sharp printed lettering.

Immediately evident is the accurate scale appearance of the model. All riveting and paneling has been meticulously reproduced, and the overall appearance of the model gives a great first impression.

Looking closer, the car is loaded with details and features not seen on many other models. While first appearing to be molded to the body side (a reasonable detail concession), the ladders and roofwalk are revealed on closer inspection to be separately manufactured components. The same goes for the bars and railings on the (molded) doors.

Other features which stand out are the intricate coupling and car end components, real rubber air hoses, etched platforms, and newly tooled Ride-Control 70t Roller Bearing trucks complete with metal wheels. Turning the car over, the underside maintains the same level of realism, displaying a wealth of delicate bracing and components.

Depending on the car you choose (there are several minor design variations) details will vary to match the differences on the prototype exactly, so make sure to read the description if you’re looking for a certain variation. All in all, these cars will certainly not disappoint when it comes to detail, and are sure to look great in any consist from 1960s era to modern layouts!