Alexander Scale Models of Michigan

[Run Eight]

A interesting manufacturing of prototype building kits and parts..These kits had exceelent instructions and were really easy to assemble...

A perfect 1st building kit to assemble, for anyone advancing in skills in the hobby.

[Run Eight]

Again a boo boo in my spelling.

Should read: Manufacturer (not manufacturing) and Excellent (not exceelent, what's that?).

[oldline1]

You are right! This very old line of kits and details offers some really nice buildings. They were "basic" kits back when released but are probably what is now commonly called "craftsman" kits. They weren't/aren't difficult to build and only needed the most basic hand tools and skills. Their nice Michigan Central coaling tower was copied by Life Like and is a regular item on many layouts.

The original kits and details are very frequently found on feebay and usually at good prices.

The line has been absorbed by Tomar Industries in Washington state and they intend to start releasing the kits again soon. Hopefully the details too.

oldline1

[tstage]

Run Eight,

I built the ASM Michigan Central freight station (located in Caledonia, MI) a little over 10 years ago.  I'd hardly consider it "easy", as you have to accurately cut some of the individual pieces from the dimensional wood strips supplied in the kit.  The roof bracing - in particular - was challenging to get the right length and angle of cut.  (See 3rd photo below)

I spent close to 100 hours assemblying, painting, and detailing my freight station.  I also added interior & exterior lighting and sliding freight doors: 

I really enjoyed assemblying this ASM kit but it's not for the faint of heart.  Also, the ASM kits have been procured by Tomar so some of them are available again, which is great for those of us who enjoy kit building.

Run Eight

Again a boo boo in my spelling.

Should read: Manufacturer (not manufacturing) and Excellent (not exceelent, what's that?).

FYI: You should be able to edit any of your posts at any time, if desired.  There should be an edit button at the bottom of your post.  Click that, edit it, then click the "Submit Your Reply" button.  Easier than a ASM kit.

Tom

[BigDaddy]

Run Eight

Again a boo boo in my spelling.

You can edit your posts, especially if no one has responded to it.  You can also edit the titles of your posts.  Putting a  & in the title does bad things.

 

[dknelson]

oldline1

The line has been absorbed by Tomar Industries in Washington state and they intend to start releasing the kits again soon. Hopefully the details too. oldline1

Pardon me for reviving this (not so) old thread but I hear from a reliable source that 1) yes the line is being revived and first up will be the school house and 2) it has been redesigned and improved; reworked to be laser cut.  Thus the instruction sheets are also being revised (the old ones were clearly written but not always so clearly reproduced).

Duane Henry is the new proprietor of Alexander as well as Tomar.

Next up once the school house is out will be the famous Haunted House (which of course could be built to be not haunted) and the wooden coal chutes.  I assume they too are being reworked to be laser cut.  No word about details but my source is not an insider at the firm but had been asked by Duane to build the schoolhouse kit as a "proof of concept."

It is nice to hear some good news about kits for a change.   

Dave Nelson

[oldline1]

dknelson

Next up once the school house is out will be the famous Haunted House (which of course could be built to be not haunted) and the wooden coal chutes.  I assume they too are being reworked to be laser cut.

 

Dave,

That really sounds good. I had most of the Alexander kits as a kid and they were fun to build. All have all been lost over the years. I want the Haunted House (without the ghosts) again and watch feebay for them. So far the kits all have been incomplete or of questionable condition for the prices asked. If and when they show up again I will be standing in the sale line for another.

oldline1

[steemtrayn]

tstage

Run Eight,

I built the ASM Michigan Central freight station (located in Caledonia, MI) a little over 10 years ago.  I'd hardly consider it "easy", as you have to accurately cut some of the individual pieces from the dimensional wood strips supplied in the kit.  The roof bracing - in particular - was challenging to get the right length and angle of cut.  (See 3rd photo below)

I spent close to 100 hours assemblying, painting, and detailing my freight station.  I also added interior & exterior lighting and sliding freight doors: 

I really enjoyed assemblying this ASM kit but it's not for the faint of heart.  Also, the ASM kits have been procured by Tomar so some of them are available again, which is great for those of us who enjoy kit building.

 

 

Run Eight

Again a boo boo in my spelling.

Should read: Manufacturer (not manufacturing) and Excellent (not exceelent, what's that?).

 

 

 

FYI: You should be able to edit any of your posts at any time, if desired.  There should be an edit button at the bottom of your post.  Click that, edit it, then click the "Submit Your Reply" button.  Easier than a ASM kit.

Tom

 

 

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