American Model Builders Mega Model Designs

Hi folks, Doc here. During American Model Builder's brief run in the early part of the 20th century, their larger set manuals featured a wide variety of large and elaborate model designs. As with other systems, thes designs covered a wide range of subject matter, including buildings and bridges, ships and airplanes, plus all types of industrial machines. Some of these models I have featured elsewhere on this site, including on the Airships page here. This time, in this new feature I want to show you a selection of the other AMB "mega" models. The beauty of all of the designs shown below is that because AMB was effectively a Meccano clone, all of these models can be easily recreated using Ami-Lac, Erector, Marklin, or Meccano, and other systems as well. Some of the models, like the first one shown below - the Vertical Cross Compound Engine - are particularly impressive. The finished model, standing four feet tall, is modeled on real compound steam engines, including the famous Corliss Centennial Engine (shown at right) that was built to power exhibits at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.

For each model shown below, a detailed instruction sheet in PDF format is available, including a parts list and building tips. Simply click on the link below an image to download the sheet, or visit my Downloads page here. No matter what your favorite model type, each of you builders will find something of interest. Enjoy!