It’s taken a while, but we’re back with a new premium instructions kit and more!
52′-6″ 70 Ton Drop-End Gondola
Our premium instructions include instructions to model a Bethlehem Steel Car version of this gondola and a Pennsylvania Railroad G31 / American Car & Foundry version. Both designs were largely the same with the main differences being the construction of the body (riveted versus welded) and the location of the brake wheel. The details may be slight, but enough to warrant a few call-outs and sub-models to allow the builder the choice.
The key feature on this car was the ability to lower the ends to allow transport of larger loads. While the ends of the real cars were hinged, ours must be posed either up or down. Instructions and extra parts required to lower the ends are included in the book.
As with any open freight car, we felt obligated to provide instructions for a unique load to use with it. We have three to offer, and all instructions are included in the book:
In researching appropriate loads, one of the cooler ones we found was a large steel I-beam. This load is modeled such that both ends of the gondola will need to be lowered, but the load does not interfere with train movement.
Cale was able to find a dimension drawing and was therefore able to fully replicate the Bethlehem Steel logo found on the side of the I-beam. We are including two of these decals in every kit, one for each side of the beam, but the builder is free to not use them.
Next, we have a load of long steel pipes. This load requires one end of the gondola to be lowered, and will require an idler flat car (pictured, not included) to work properly. This represents a prototypical railroad action, as loads which exceeded the length of the car would interfere with train movement, and thus an idler car, or spacer car, was inserted into the train. We have used our 53′ flat car to demonstrate, but the builder may use another design if they wish.
The truss load is the most simple of the three, and does not require either end of the car to be lowered. The trusses may be modeled in a color of the builder’s choice but have been shown in blue.
A fourth option for this car is a scrap load, but we felt we didn’t need to provide instructions for that. 🙂
Purchase your copy of our 52′-6″ 70 Ton Drop-End Gondola here.
Gondola Decal Options
We have six decal options for each version of the car. Click on the image to go directly to the store listing for that decal set.
Bethlehem Steel Car Decals
Pennsylvania G31/American Car & Foundry Decals
As with all premium instructions, we have included four of our signature ball-bearing wheel sets, enough for one car. We always have more available for purchase in our store which are made on demand. We are currently working on a packaging solution so we may also sell these in person at shows.
The instructions include a full history of the car, along with detailed instructions and call-outs and a complete parts list, including parts for the three loads, at the end.
If you’re interested in seeing more about the gondola, check out our review on YouTube:
New Decals
We have nine new decals available for our Pullman Standard PS-1 Boxcar. Click on the image to go directly to the store listing for that decal set.
Restocks
We have also restocked our store with another batch of each premium instructions we have produced so far. They are available in our store.
Pullman Standard PS-1 40′ Boxcar
American Car & Foundry Type 27 Tank Car
T-Shirts
Lastly, as we announced earlier this month, we have t-shirts available for purchase. They are made by our friends at Mohawk Design, and thus far we have a range of two colors with sizes from adult small to 4XL.
We apologize for the delays in producing more of our premium instructions for everyone, as we have had several questions about hen more will be available. With the holidays right around the corner, we’ll certainly be busy through the end of the year, just as we have been. It’s never intended that we go several months without a release, but sometimes life and other important opportunities get in the way. That mentioned, we’ve been working on something awesome in the last month or so, and we’re very excited to share it with you, but unfortunately the schedule isn’t up to us. We will, however, be posting all about it when the time is right. Trust us, you’ll like it.
We aim to have at least one more new premium instructions kit before the end of the year, two if we’re lucky. And before you ask, we haven’t forgotten about our locomotive either. We’re excited to have time to work on it again.
Thank you for your continued support of Brick Model Railroader. We always wish we could do more than we are, but our current capacity can only stretch so far. We hope you enjoy the new premium instructions and find good use for them.
Happy building!