Overland Models - OMI-2801/N Scale - American Hoist - Undecorated

Specific Item Information: The ditcher was a maintenance of way piece of equipment that was powered by steam and used to dig and maintain the drainage ditches adjoining track. There were built my several companies, but the most numerous were produced by American Hoist and Derrick. "Railroad ditching machines, with special reference to the American railroad ditcher" by Clem Austin was published by the University of Illinois in 1913 as a dissertation thesis.

Model Information: M.S. Models of Korea produced brass N Scale models for importers such as Overland.

Road Name History: Although they may be molded in color, unpainted and unlettered, undecorated products are marketed to modelers who seek to custom decorate their models for private roads and/or road and/or company names that were not commercially produced by any of the major manufacturers.

Undecorated models are frequently also unassembled or only partially assembled and required modelers to be comfortable with glue, paint and sometimes solder in order to prepare their models for display. Materials for these models can vary but often include plastic, pewter and resin. Models may or may not come with decals or other decorations such as plastic signage, railings and ladders to enhance the appearance of the final product.

Brand/Importer Information: Since 1976, Overland Models has been a premier importer of fine brass scale models. The company’s new ownership, having passed from father to son, is steeped in the family’s passion for and knowledge of model railroads. We are dedicated to OMI’s tradition of quality, service and attention to detail, and are taking bold steps to introduce new models and features to delight the most discerning collector and hobbyist.

Our devotion to accuracy of detail is a hallmark of our products. We not only have a historical in-house library for reference, our project team also goes on-site to take measurements, photos and talk with railroad and other employees. We also maintain excellent relationships with manufacturers who know that we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest integrity in representing their product. And our relationships extend to our customers, many of whom offer railroad experience and knowledge from which our models are designed and refined.

Our products are handcrafted by some of the world’s foremost manufacturers of detailed brass models using our exact specifications. The models are beautifully factory finished for the most authentic representation possible. Our models now feature NMRA-compliant DCC plugs so that customers can install the decoder of their choice.

These combined resources and our commitment to quality make Overland Models the most realistic, highly collectible models you can own.