To commemorate the 2008 NASG National Convention being held in Lowell, Massachusetts, the Bristol S Gauge Railroaders are offering this limited edition, exclusive S-Helper Service wood-sided reefer decorated with the MOXIE logo of the Moxie Nerve Food Company, originally located in Lowell.

Only 350 cars will be produced, in two different car numbers: “1876”, and “2008”. All cars will be delivered in highrail versions, with scale wheels included in the box for easy conversion. The car has orange sides with oxide red roof and ends. Lettering and decoration is black, blue, and white. AF-compatible knuckle couplers are included with the diecast sprung trucks.

MOXIE, a carbonated beverage considered to be the USA’s first mass-produced soft drink, was created by Dr.  Augustin Thompson.  After his graduation, Thompson set up practice in Lowell, Massachusetts, and was soon developing and offering patent medicines to supplement his medical practice income. Patent medicines were extremely popular at the time, and had made millionaires of several entrepreneurs (and at that time a million dollars really meant something). In fact, Lowell, MA was already home to three very popular patent medicines, and in 1876 Lowell became home to a fourth – MOXIE, first marketed under the brand name “Moxie Nerve Food”. This gentian root flavored extract was a nostrum, which meant that it was stronger than a tonic, and was dispensed a spoonful at a time. MOXIE was said to cure ailments ranging from “softening of the brain” to “loss of manhood” (long before Viagra!).   

However, a few years later Dr Thompson had noticed the immense popularity of the soft drink trade, and he decided to make a little modification to his medicine. So, in 1884, MOXIE was being sold in a carbonated form and was called "Beverage Moxie Nerve Food." This new version was a HUGE success, and its popularity continues to this day!  In the early phase of its life as a recreational soft drink, MOXIE is said to have been kept handy by bartenders to give to customers who were too drunk to be given any more alcohol. MOXIE became unique in that it was the name of a commercially produced soft drink, but was also included in dictionaries. President Calvin Coolidge was known to have favored the drink, and Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams endorsed MOXIE. MOXIE was also one of the few products ever advertised in the classic MAD magazine!

Car cost is $49 per car. Massachusetts residents must add $2.45 per car for sales tax. Shipping is $6 for the first car, and $2 for each additional car.  If you are attending the convention, your car(s) may be picked up there, avoiding the shipping charge, but regardless of your residency, requires paying sales tax.