AMB was started by the late John Hitzeman in the 1980s. He began building models for a few architects on his kitchen table. So started American Model Builders. Just two years later he was building displays like Sears Tower and important design models for Monsanto and McDonnell-Douglas. Over the next several decades, John and his growing crew of talented craftsman built thousands of such models for a wide variety of commercial clients.
John was also a serious model railroader for most of his life. In 1983 he won the Gold Award at the NMRA National Convention and also the Best of Show at the National Narrow Gauge Convention with his operating stamp mill in HO.
In 1985 he began releasing a line of cast white metal kits. As that line grew, John’s exploring mind was always seeking new technologies to pursue, and in the early 90s he acquired the first of two industrial laser cutters, opening a new world of opportunities for advanced kit design. His LaserKit line of kits are world-renowned for their quality, accuracy, and ease-of-assembly.
A big thanks goes out to the previous employees and John’s family for helping us to get started in producing this fine line of model railroad products.
Richard and Donna Rands