American Models General Notes

Product IDs

American Models used to produce kit versions of some of their freight cars. These were the three-digit product numbers. The current ready-to-run models have four digits. Some of the numbering systems are compatible, in that a leading digit was added to the three-digit older number to form the product number of the RTR version, but that is not guaranteed to be unilaterally applied. Additionally, new road names may have been added in the RTR versions, and some kits were never released as RTR versions.

Material

American Models uses ABS plastic for all of their models.

Paint Removal

Kim Hartshorn reported that he successfully used grocery-store baking soda for the blast media and a media blaster to remove the paint.

Removing a Diesel Locomotive Shell

Rich Gajnak provided this tip on how to remove the shell of an American Models diesel locomotive. There is a pin on both sides between the frame and air tank. If you can get your fingernails or a small screwdriver under the air tanks and pull apart, the shell will pop off. Corbin Bates, who works at American Models, cautions to not pry at the air tanks, themselves. He says to stick a small flat-bladed screwdriver between the shell and frame, then twist it a little bit to get over the pin on the side of the frame. Repeat this process on the other side, and the shell should lift off.

Couplers

Scale Coupler Installation Guide

Trucks

Mike Fyten reports that he finds the NorthWest ShortLine medium spring drivers, part #1402-4 to be a good replacement spring for the American Models trucks.

Wheels

American Models' "scale" wheels are code 125, whereas S-Helper Service's wheels are code 110. In other words, AM's wheel thread is slightly wider than some other companies' wheels.

Motor Drive

Ben Trousdale recommends putting a brass or aluminum compression ring around the shaft-mounted cup to prevent it from cracking over the years. He buys his from R/C hobby stores.