Denise says...

The directions are not made for beginners. So it doesn't make sense if you don't know what a grabiron or the stirrups are. It is a very nice car.

Hervey Howe says...

Simple kit for quick assembly. If you take the time to colour the deck to resemble wood then mask prior to painting then it takes a bit longer. Replaced the grabs with wire ones. Lots of room underneath to add lead shot if you want bring the weight up to NMRA standards.

The Doc says...

This is an excellent beginner's kit since the demise of the Athearn Blue Box. First, it is simple. Second, it goes together fast. Third, it will help you learn how to paint and decal since it is an undecorated kit. Fourth, it is inexpensive enough that you can make several of these and not break the bank. Fifth though it lacks a 'brake' system, you normally would not be able to see it. Finally, the other detail that does show is great, including the wood grain on the deck and the pockets where load attachments would go.

Dennis says...

Absolutely a 5 star kit. Good grief.....go to Google and ask what grabirons and stirrups are. It's not that big a showstopper.

Jim de Bree says...

Excellent model. Was easy to build. Would like to see more detail on underside, but as others have said, you probably cannot see it anyway. Also, you need to add weight to this car to meet NMRA standards. I am probably going to build some additional models of this flat car.