American Models

They put out a new catalog? Woulda thought they'd have mentioned it at S Fest last week.

 

The last and only one was I'm aware of came out in 2008-2009...

 

Rusty

You must be.I would love to get one,as I'm a big fan of their stuff...

 

Mark in Oregon

I really like American Models rolling stock and the one engine I have. I wish they would get in stock the popular road names that they are out of stock on. Since I live out West

I am into Union Pacific,Southern Pacific,and Santa Fe. Nearly all those road names in diesel engines are out of stock!

received my copy in Saturday's mail. Looks to have been printed just last month....

Good Day,

 

When time permits can you please check on these cars?

 

Any new 3-Unit Spine or 5-Unit Spine Car Sets? Any new road names on their PS-2 CD 3 Bay Hoppers?

 

Regards,

Frank

I never even received this one:

The last one I saw was from 2005.

Could you post a picture of the cover of the one you received?

Mark

I just phoned AM: there is a new catalog and it will be mailed to their subscriber list.

 

No new locos or rolling stock...but some new paint schemes.

 

Any questions, give them a call   => 248-437-6800

I received my catalogue last night. There is one "new" piece of rolling stock: the AM flat car (with real wood flooring and stakes) is also available as a trailer-on-flatcar version similar to what S Helper offered. There is also a kit to convert AM flat cars to a TOFC by adding the drop plate and rub rails.

 

Although many of the locomotives are out of stock, what impressed me was the great variety of locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories American Models has offered over the years since Ron Bashista took a chance on S gauge and almost single-handedly revived it until Don Thompson and Mike Ferraro  jumped in to help. Anyone in S gauge who is unfamiliar with American Models would be amazed at the variety, quality, and affordability of these products. The earliest locomotives such as the GP9 are pretty basic platforms for anyone who wants to customize and detail them, while the latest such as the E9s are very highly detailed, with windshield wipers and even lift rings. They are excellent running locomotives that can come the way you want them--scale or high-rail wheels; American Flyer-type couplers or the option of installing Kadee or scale couplers; AC, AC with sound, or DC (for a relatively simple way to add DCC) options for power. If a user changes his or her mind, it's easy to convert locomotives or rolling stock with parts that are readily available. Lionel has created a lot of new excitement with the introduction of newly tooled modern and steam locomotives, but AM's catalogue is a timely reminder of a valuable source of S gauge products with far more variety and options than the big boys can provide at this time. 

Well, the TOFC option isn't new, it's been available for years.  New roadnames on the flat cars are MKT(green car) and B&M.  Not shown(at least on line), is the red MKT trailer AM had at S Fest (where I picked up a 2007 Fest AM MKT(boxcar red car)/Cambell 66 Express TOFC flat.)

 

I agree AM makes some pretty nice (also pretty bullet-proof) stuff and when a new product's been announced (which is few and far between) there are improvements made over similar previous models.  They also have the most complete track selection at the moment.

 

Sure, AM's had some flubs, but what company hasn't?

 

My only real beef is AM tends to keep a low profile.  While they have ads in CTT, Trains and Classic Trains, S Gaugian, they're still relatively unknown to the outside world.  I'm afraid AM might get lost in the shuffle if and when the S competition between Lionel & MTH heats up.

 

And, I keep hoping to see a 2-8-2 drive under the Pacific's boiler oneofthesedaze...

 

Rusty 

I have several pcs of AM stuff, including their GP35s and RS3.  They are very good runners although they handle quite differently on the throttle as compared to SHS.

I need at least one pair of caboose trucks...should I call them?  Can't think of anywhere else to get them...it's for their bay window cab (undecorated) that I bought at Janesville for $10.  Great bargain.  I want to light it with flashing leds on each end, not sure what to use there either. 

John, your best bet would be to order the trucks directly from AM.  Don't forget to also get the pickup wipers at the bottom of the page if you're going to light your caboose.

 

Rusty

Thanks Rusty, just went there myself and saw that...pricing not too bad.

I think to get an S scale truck from MTH, we're gonna have to pay $12 a pair, from what I'm hearing.  Seems rather steep to me.

 

I think costs have gone up since SHS's last catalog 3 years ago.  There was some grumbling on the S Scale Yahoo board about MTH's price for replacement wheelsets ($12.95/4) with guys saying they could get them from Northwest Short Line for less.

 

NWSL's S scale wheels are 2 bucks more ($14.95) for a set of four...

 

I don't think AM's had to rerun trucks yet.

 

Rusty

I too have received the new AM catalogue.  What I did not expect was the unique feeling of holding a real booklet in my hands and looking at the printed pictures and not a computer screen.  A real flashback to the '50s and the American Flyer catalogues.  (Talk about "drooling!")  I'm hanging on to this one (as well as several S-Helper catalogues)--not as a "financial investment for the future" but for the sheer joy of looking at the pictures.

 

P.S.  Did any of you catch the misprint "hoppy" for hobby?

 

Mark

Plus, tablets, laptops and smart phones notwithstanding, it's a lot easier to read a hard copy catalog while in the "library."

 

Rusty

Nice to see American Models getting some love on   here.

They offer a quality product for a fair price.   The catalog was a pleasant surprise.

The comment on page 4 - the personal note from Ron B was interesting -   "we have some ideas so watch our web site for new products that did not make it into this catalog." 

Agreed on both points.

 

Mark in Oregon

Good Day,

 

When time permits can you please check the new catalog on these cars?

 

Any new 3-Unit Spine or 5-Unit Spine Car Sets? Any new road names on their PS-2 CD 3 Bay Hoppers?

 

Regards,

Frank

Frank, please send me your address and I'll mail my catalog to you.  I've been thru it twice.
johnalbee(numerals)03at yahoo

Good Evening John,

 

Thank you very much for the offer. I will email this evening.

 

Thanks,

Frank 

Mine arrived today.

 

Looks terrific; can't wait to go through it.

 

I'm loving all this buzz about AM right now; most of what I've acquired so far is their stuff, and I think it's a quality line.

 

Mark in oregon

I received one also even though I haven't done any S railroading in about 20 years.  I used to set up S scale around my Christmas tree with Snow Village houses.

 

Rick

I received my American Models catalog yesterday and I am really impressed with it.

The pictures in the catalog are superior to those on the web site and much more detailed.  I will be making many purchases now and in the future from them.

Great Job and can't wait for your new releases.

Thanks

Those of you who have the FP-7 diesels:  How do you like them?  How particular are they with respect to curve radius?  (I have one curve on the layout that may be just a tad tighter than the AF standard radius.)

 

I've never ordered from American Models, but am interested in F units.

I've got a pair of scale wheeled AM FP7's that are well over 25 years old that still run fine.

 

I've also got a "slightly" newer AC Hirail set (about 12 years old) that runs fine on 20" radius with no problems.  I found the sound in the B-unit a little annoying after a while, so I wired in a switch to turn it off. 

 

Depending on how much tighter "a tad" is, the FP7's should be able to handle it.

 

Rusty

No photo of the cover yet?

 

Perspiring minds need to know!

Thanks Rusty!

Looks pretty much like the 2008-2009 cover, except the Texas Special is in the background with a Wabash Train Master and MKT Baldwin S12 in the foreground.

 

Rusty

There is one listed on eBay right now;you can see the cover (as well as some other pages) there...

 

Mark in Oregon

American Models has quietly put together a product lineup that arguably rivals A.C. Gilbert's (if not in accessories and inexpensive steamers, certainly AM surpasses ACG in diesel offerings and overall prototypical accuracy).  They have the most realistic and fully-developed track system in S gauge, and an expansive lineup of freight equipment.  Their engines run flawlessly (to my knowledge, AM hasn't produced any "stinkers" like the Gilbert Baldwin or the Flyonel Erie PA's).  All this built by one guy running his business from a light industrial space.  Pretty amazing.

Sounds like I should call and order a catalog then. I would like to see what is new.

Google "American Models" and visit the AM web site.  Lots of pictures there and an online ordering capability.  Enjoy....Ed L.

It took me a while to get a half way decent photo, but I'll try to post it  here:

Hope it came through.

I too am amazed at how much is offered by this company.  Since I live in Southeastern Michigan, about a half hour from South Lyon, I visit Ron and his company when I purchase items from AM.  It's like being a kid again in the proverbial candy store when you walk in.

Jerry
Wayne, MI