I just bought a USAT reefer and it is missing 2 ice hatch doors. I could probably fashion something that would look okay from 10’ away but if I could 3D print them maybe they would look okay at 5’ ?
The thing is I can’t seem to find them anywhere. I did find one for a smaller scale but didn’t want to pay up to experiment on scaling it up.
Has anyone seen a file out there for a USAT reefer ice hatch door?
Todd, it’s been several years since I called USAT to ask about window frames and glazing for their crane tender car. But they patched to the gentleman in charge of parts, and I listened as he walked around the various parts bins and retrieved what I needed. They charged me very little, plus shipping.
From that experience, in case you’ve not already, I’d suggest calling them first.
What the heck is his name? The couple times i spoke with him i always thought i was dealing with the mob arranging a hit on Rooster.
It came to me…. “Butch”.
If all else fails, you can buy parts direct on line from Charles Ro. I have done it several times.
I think I have met the guy at that you speak of at train shows. He looks and talks like a gangster. I thought his name was Mike but Butch fits him better.
I checked out Charlie Ro and the hatch is $8.95 and I need 2. The thing is I paid $20 plus shipping for the car and it would really bug me to pay that much for 2 hatches. If I can’t find them to 3D print or maybe rob them from a car I have that is collecting dust I will fashion something out of scraps.
Thanks for the responses guys.
Todd,
Have you checked if @manimal hasnt already drawn these up in CAD? His Thingiverse account has details like this for some cars. I may be able to help, if he doesnt have them. I can take a closer look after work today.
I decided to rob not only the hatches but the entire roof off a car I don’t use. I think the black looks much better than the red roof that came with it.
Looks good. I have been know to swap roofs on occasion as well. 
Todd;
Your car made me smile. It reminded me of a carving an English greengrocer had carved on his tombstone: “Life isn’t worth a fig. I have good raisins for saying so!”
Best, David Meashey 
Dave I suspect this is not first hand information and that you heard it on the grape vine?
Bill;
I think I may have read it from a little book titled Famous Last Words, but it was a long time ago, so I’m not positive. (Nothing to do with Hardee’s raisin biscuits.)
Regards, David Meashey
I look around the interwebs and was surprised there’s no STL’s out there for that little part. Dan might be your go to.
I agree with our resident, and completely AI, bot member of LSC.
Nice swap now what I would do and this is only me. Since it’s a car that you don’t use why not just save that car for parts. Or if you want to bring that car back into service just rob the hatches and some other factory parts and save them. Then make 4 new ice hatches/vents/fill holes whatever you want to call them. Now you have another car on the roster with spare parts.
Only a thought, I whipped up this set of vents for my Amtrash.
Those vents look good Rooster.
I was thinking the same. If I can’t get/find/print hatch covers it would be better to remove the 2 factory ones and make 4 new ones. It would be easier to build 4 new Vs trying to match the factory ones.
I’d be happy to print you a set, but it would take the time sending a sample to me, and me shipping the parts to you. If you’re not in a hurry let me know.
The black roof really makes that car stand out. Good call!
