This tender was fitted with a coupler in place of the draw bar. A hand brake and regular air brake equipment were applied so it could be used as a regular car. The coal bunker could be emptied unless the tender was to be used with a coal-fired crane or pile driver. It could also be used as a Spare Water Tender for a locomotive in work train or way-freight service. It has insulated double walls with ice compartments at either end.
Ice is loaded through roof hatches at the car ends.
The interior has roof hanging rods for meat carcasses. The body is wood sheathed and it has a steel underframe. Here's a picture of what the car will look like once restored. In 1857, Gustavus Swift took the initiative in utilizing refrigerator cars to transport meat products beyond local markets. In the same era, Prof. Linde of Germany was the latest in a long line of pioneers who finally developed a mechanical system of refrigeration and ice-making which revolutionized the meat and produce industry worldwide.