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American Limited Models

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Overview

American Limited Models produces plastic model railroad accessories and kits in HO and N scales, focusing on items that enhance realism, operation, and animation in layouts. The brand offers products such as covered hoppers, tank cars, detail parts, working diaphragms, fuel cranes, sand towers, and extendable container chassis kits. It occupies a niche in the scale modeling market, particularly for model trains, with distribution through hobby retailers.123

History

American Limited Models was founded in 1992 by Robert Fingerle in Arvada, Colorado. By 2022, it operated as a division of San Juan Model Company, Inc., under ownership and direction of Robert Stears and Doug Junda. The company has maintained production of plastic kits and accessories for HO and N scale model railroads.1

Product Lines

Product LinePositioningPrice Range
Trinity Rail 3281 Cu.Ft. 2 Bay Covered HoppersHO scale freight cars$30 - $60
GATC Tank CarsHO scale tank cars$40 - $70
Working Passenger Car DiaphragmsHO and N scale operating diaphragms$15 - $30
Extendable Container Chassis KitsHO scale plastic kits for 40'-48' chassis$50 - $80
Fuel CranesHO scale detail accessories$20 - $50
Sand TowersHO scale structure kits$40 - $70
Santa Fe Tank CarsHO scale prototype tank cars$35 - $65

Manufacturing

Products are mainly plastic kits and parts manufactured by American Limited Models, a division of San Juan Model Company, Inc., in Arvada, Colorado. Production appears in-house based on company location and focus on plastic molding for model railroad components.12

Notable Products

  • HO Scale Trinity Rail 3281 Cu.Ft. 2 Bay Covered Hoppers - Plastic freight cars for realistic layout operations.
  • Working Diaphragm Kits for Passenger Cars - Operating diaphragms compatible with Stewart, Athearn Genesis in HO scale.
  • GATC Tank Cars - HO scale tank cars for chemical transport modeling.
  • Extendable Container Chassis Kits - Plastic kits fitting 40', 45', 48' containers in HO scale.
  • Fuel Cranes - HO scale accessories for locomotive servicing scenes.
  • Sand Towers - HO scale structures for railroad maintenance depiction.

Reputation

Enthusiasts value American Limited Models for detailed plastic kits that improve layout realism and functionality, such as working diaphragms and chassis. Products receive praise for compatibility with major brands like Stewart and Athearn. Some descriptions note high quality in niche accessories, though specific criticisms are not detailed in available sources.126

Sources (6)
  1. https://www.walthers.com/american_limited_models
  2. https://1-87vehicles.org/directory/american_limited_models.php
  3. https://www.americanlimitedmodels.com
  4. https://modeltrainstuff.com/collections/american-limited
  5. https://factorydirecthobbies.com/collections/american-limited-models
  6. https://ironplanethobbies.com/product-category/shop-by-manufacturer/american-limited-models/