About Us
About Folsom Locomotive Works
Folsom Locomotive Works was founded in 2016 by Jordan Whitecar as a custom
painting and modeling service. For several years, F.L.W. primarily
existed as an Instagram page that occasionally showcased new content,
not fully recognized within the hobby community. However, in 2025,
Jordan decided to elevate his kitbashing skills and taught himself CAD
and 3D printing.
Jordan's background in model making spans over 20 years, starting with
Warhammer kits in the early 2000s. His passion for trains runs even
deeper, with his first words reportedly mimicking the sound of a grade
crossing. At just six months old, he was captivated by an express
CalTrain speeding by just feet away during his first outing in a
forward-facing car seat. He was doomed from the start.
His professional journey is diverse, providing him with a wealth of
personal experiences to draw from. He initially attended Le Cordon Bleu
culinary school in 2011, later drove commercial trucks across the lower
48 states for several years, and ultimately returned to education,
earning a degree in Network Security and Software Development from
Arizona State University, graduating in 2024.
Folsom Locomotive Works Policies: (and other necessary Legalese)
Overview
Folsom Locomotive Works (FLW) produces high-detail, small-batch model railroad kits and components intended for experienced hobbyists. The following policies are designed to clearly define product expectations, ordering procedures, and support boundaries.
Product Use & Intended Audience
All FLW products are intended for ages 14 and older. These are not toys.
Products may contain:
- Small parts (choking hazard)
- UV-cured resin components which may be harmful if ingested
All products are designed for hobbyists with basic modeling skills, including:
- Cutting, sanding, and fitting parts
- Adhesive use
- Painting and finishing
Assembly & Finish Expectations
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all products are unassembled kits.
Customers should expect:
- Minor surface preparation (sanding, cleaning)
- Painting and finishing for best results
- Visible layer lines inherent to resin 3D printing
While FLW makes every effort to minimize print artifacts:
- Minor layer lines are normal and not considered defects
- These are typically reduced or eliminated after priming and painting
Coupler & Compatibility Standards
FLW models are designed for body-mount couplers unless otherwise specified.
For N scale models, the standard is:
- Micro-Trains 1015 couplers
Compatible alternatives include:
- Atlas Accumate
- Micro-Trains Tru-Scale
- N-Possible Coupler
Z scale couplers may be used with a 0.020" shim (not included). Additional couplers may work, but are not guaranteed.
Customers are responsible for ensuring compatibility with their specific setup.
Decals & Third-Party Products
FLW does not guarantee the quality of third-party products, including decals.
For decal-related issues:
- Customers should first contact the original manufacturer
- If resolution cannot be reached, FLW may assist on a case-by-case basis
Improper application (tearing, silvering, misalignment) is not considered a defect.
Order Accuracy & Responsibility
Customers are responsible for:
- Selecting correct scale, variant, and product options
- Providing accurate shipping information
Orders are processed as submitted. Errors made during ordering are not guaranteed to be correctable after submission.
Order Cancellation Policy
Orders may be cancelled within 3 hours of purchase.
After this window:
- Customers should still contact FLW immediately
- Cancellation may still be possible if the order has not entered production or shipped
Production & Lead Times
FLW operates on a hybrid stock + made-to-order model.
Typical lead times:
- Same-day shipping (in-stock items)
- Typical: ~3 business days
- Maximum: up to 10 business days
Lead times may increase during:
- Holidays
- Sales events
- High order volume periods
Shipping Policy & Risk
FLW follows a moderate shipping risk model:
- Responsibility transfers to the carrier once shipped
- FLW will assist with claims for lost or damaged shipments
- Resolution is not guaranteed and depends on carrier outcome
Items damaged in transit may qualify for replacement under the defect policy.
International Orders
FLW does not process international orders through this website.
International customers must order through:
- FLW’s official Etsy storefront https://folsomlocoworks.etsy.com
This ensures proper handling of:
- Customs
- Duties and taxes
- International compliance
Defects, Replacements & Refunds
Replacement Window
- Defects must be reported within 30 days of shipment
- Photo evidence is required
Refund Window
- Refund requests must be submitted within 5 business days of order delivery
Defect Criteria
Covered:
- Missing parts
- Significant print failures
- Damage incurred during shipping
Not covered:
- Minor layer lines
- Surface imperfections inherent to resin printing
- Damage caused during assembly or modification
Resolution
FLW will determine the appropriate resolution:
- Replacement parts (preferred when feasible)
- Full product replacement (if necessary)
FLW may require return of the defective item depending on severity.
Intellectual Property
All FLW products are proprietary designs.
Permitted:
- Resale of physical products
Strictly prohibited:
- Reproduction, recasting, or duplication of any kind
- Distribution of design files or reverse-engineered equivalents
Violations will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.
Preorders
FLW may offer preorder items from time to time.
- All timelines are estimates, not guarantees
- Delays may occur due to production constraints
- Orders containing preorder items may ship together unless otherwise specified
Communication & Support
Customers may contact FLW through:
- Facebook Messenger (preferred for quick communication)
- Website contact form
- Email: jordan@folsomlocoworks.store
Typical response time:
- 1–2 business days
Policy Updates
FLW reserves the right to update these policies at any time without prior notice. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of current policies.