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by Brian Schindler

In the very early days around 1910, most automobiles could only be afforded by the rich and well to do. The average person’s main mode of transportation was strictly by horse with either a rider or pulling a wagon.

But one man had a vision to make the American automobile affordable for most families and soon his dream became a reality in the creation of one of the largest automobile manufacture’s in the world. That man was Henry Ford.

Although many cars were produced by Henry Ford starting in 1903, it was in 1908 when Ford created the car "hat put America on wheels". That car was the Ford Model T.

Originally priced at roughly $850, the Model T was produced from 1908 through 1927 and from it spun many variations that set the pace for this country. In the early days of production, only 11 cars could be built in a month’s time but innovation soon persisted and Ford moved to a new plant and created the first assembly line for mass production in the Auto Industry. Before long, a new Model T was being cranked out every 93 minutes and by 1920, the price dropped from $850 making a new Model T a whopping $300!

Many variations were spun from the Model T and one such variant is a model that is brought to us by The Franklin Mint, the 1912 Ford Model T Lumber Truck. To help celebrate Ford’s huge impact on the American public, FM brings this Model T to us in a big way in a large 1/16th scale.

FM did a great job in replicating one of the trucks that helped build America. The 176.5 cubic inch engine produced a whopping 20 bhp at 1,600 rpm’s and by today’s standards; many lawn tractors can replicate that figure with ease. But in 1913, this was state of the art and very high tech!

FM’s attention to detail shines through combined with excellent paint and graphics over the wood panels. There aren’t any doors on this one so you won't have to worry about correct styled hinges but the hood is hinged and performs correctly to reveal a modest engine. In order to start the Model T, a crank handle was needed and you will find it up front and operable under the well appointed radiator.

The wood grain on the sides and bed are beautifully replicated and even the grain of the wood panels is done to scale. To make it even more realistic, FM even went so far as to provide a very convincing load of fresh cut trees to stack in the bed. Wheels and tires are another item on this antique era gem that are beautifully accomplished. The spokes are not wood but even still, it is a faithful replication that makes even the distant fan of Early American automotive history stand up and take notice.

At roughly 1/6th the cost of the original vehicle, this Franklin Mint 1913 Model T Lumber Truck will hit you at $135. If you are a fan of the Model T and all of the spin-offs of that model, this is going to be a must have for your collection.