01-02-2009, 06:21 PM
This car is produced by Full Circle Models (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.fullcmodels.com/">http://www.fullcmodels.com/</a><!-- m -->). I like old-style freight cars but probably wouldn't have found out about this kit except that my sister in law happened to marry the son of the owner. This was the first wedding where I was able talk trains when time allowed!
The owner's inspiration came from the modelers of yore, specifically from a 1955 MR article by John Allen. He wanted to pay tribute to their efforts and construction methods, hence the company name.
![[Image: p744780184-4.jpg]](http://goodman312.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p744780184-4.jpg)
The kit is composed of cardstock and resin parts for the major parts (carbody and underframe) and commercial detail kits from Grandt Line and Tichy.
The packaged kit:
![[Image: p582499442-3.jpg]](http://goodman312.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p582499442-3.jpg)
The underframe is cast resin, bolsters pre-tapped - very little cleanup needed. Queenposts and Grandt Line K-brakes are separately applied (by you!)
![[Image: p808920143-3.jpg]](http://goodman312.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p808920143-3.jpg)
The carbody structure starts with a bunch of puzzle pieces - very nifty:
![[Image: p549896746-3.jpg]](http://goodman312.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p549896746-3.jpg)
The carbody takes shape. The cubes that make up the car ends are very rigid. Full Circle provides very big bolts for weighting the car (this is what the holes are for). I opted for lead on the floor to keep the CG lower. You have to be careful with the structure at this point - the heavy ends can cause the roof to buckle if you pick it up clumsily.
![[Image: p1026335732-3.jpg]](http://goodman312.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p1026335732-3.jpg)
The underframe is held in mechanically via tabs in the resin casting that insert into slots in the carbody sides. The underframe is actually cast by a firm outside of full circle. Considering the two manufacturers and dissimilar materials, I was very impressed with the engineering of the model at this point - everything fit as snug as a bug in a rug.
![[Image: p752490256-3.jpg]](http://goodman312.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p752490256-3.jpg)
Sides and ends are pre-printed and weathered thin cardstock. Attachment is via white glue.
![[Image: p878384914-3.jpg]](http://goodman312.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p878384914-3.jpg)
Add a bunch of details (everything is provided - trucks, kadee couplers, grabs, poling pockets, ladders, etc.), and you're done.
![[Image: p807862346-4.jpg]](http://goodman312.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p807862346-4.jpg)
Instructions were very good - not the best I've seen, but good for a first product. Full Circle has revised these at least once since I received my kit - it's nice to see a manufacturer actively improving the product.
![[Image: p716060502-3.jpg]](http://goodman312.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p716060502-3.jpg)
Last, every kit comes with a certificate with your name, kit number and text which I think shows the owner's interest in the hobby. Yes, I'm kind of sort of related to the owner, but given this is only the 19th kit ever produced, I'm impressed. And yes, it took me almost a year to get it done (counting "to be constructed" dwell time! I had a caboose to finish!).
![[Image: p593097136-4.jpg]](http://goodman312.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p593097136-4.jpg)
Matt
The owner's inspiration came from the modelers of yore, specifically from a 1955 MR article by John Allen. He wanted to pay tribute to their efforts and construction methods, hence the company name.
The kit is composed of cardstock and resin parts for the major parts (carbody and underframe) and commercial detail kits from Grandt Line and Tichy.
The packaged kit:
The underframe is cast resin, bolsters pre-tapped - very little cleanup needed. Queenposts and Grandt Line K-brakes are separately applied (by you!)
The carbody structure starts with a bunch of puzzle pieces - very nifty:
The carbody takes shape. The cubes that make up the car ends are very rigid. Full Circle provides very big bolts for weighting the car (this is what the holes are for). I opted for lead on the floor to keep the CG lower. You have to be careful with the structure at this point - the heavy ends can cause the roof to buckle if you pick it up clumsily.
The underframe is held in mechanically via tabs in the resin casting that insert into slots in the carbody sides. The underframe is actually cast by a firm outside of full circle. Considering the two manufacturers and dissimilar materials, I was very impressed with the engineering of the model at this point - everything fit as snug as a bug in a rug.
Sides and ends are pre-printed and weathered thin cardstock. Attachment is via white glue.
Add a bunch of details (everything is provided - trucks, kadee couplers, grabs, poling pockets, ladders, etc.), and you're done.
Instructions were very good - not the best I've seen, but good for a first product. Full Circle has revised these at least once since I received my kit - it's nice to see a manufacturer actively improving the product.
Last, every kit comes with a certificate with your name, kit number and text which I think shows the owner's interest in the hobby. Yes, I'm kind of sort of related to the owner, but given this is only the 19th kit ever produced, I'm impressed. And yes, it took me almost a year to get it done (counting "to be constructed" dwell time! I had a caboose to finish!).
Matt
