Prototypes for the Rapido Trains N Scale Santa Fe RR-56 Mechanical Reefer were introduced in 1955. Based on the previous RR-54 class of refrigerated boxcars, the RR-56 class incorporated lessons learned from the older series of cars to build and operate its first large fleet of mechanical refrigerator cars. The RR-56 were classed as "All Purpose" MTC (Mechanical Temperature Control) cars by the Santa Fe Railroad.

The fleet numbered 200 cars numbers 2000 - 2188, 2500 - 2510 in the series. Delivered with SFRD reporting marks, these were changed in 1963 to SFRP but retained their original car numbers. In 1958, Santa Fe built the RR-60 & RR-61 class of reefers, built to the same external standards as the RR-56 class.

Internally they carried different insulation and so were identified as Super Insulated "All Purpose" Mechanical Temperature Controlled cars. Detail features include separate door posts, door latches and coupler cut levers; fully-detailed underframe including piping and equipment including detailed cushion draft gear; two roof hatches for either open or closed operation, see-through side grills and a trane diesel generator. Santa Fe RR-56/60/61 Mechanical Reefers come decorated in authentic schemes with multiple roadnumbers and are perfect for adding variety to your 1950s to 1980s freight trains.