Overland Models
Overland Models Built to Inspire

FAQ


What is Overland Models, Inc.?
We are importers of fine brass scale models. Overland Models imports scale model trains in (N, HO, and O scale) from Korea and China. While we specialize in model railroad steam locomotives, diesels, cabooses, rolling stock and railroad related structures; we have produced a tugboat, bulldozers, and now a Nelson multi-axle trailer.

Overland Models begun operations in 1976 and in June of 2005 it announced its newest division, Tower 55 Products (link to Tower 55 website), a plastic division dedicated to highly detailed plastic models with sound and DCC.

Back to Top

Why is Overland Models, Inc. licensed with prototype manufacturers?
Both Overland Models, Inc and its plastic division, Tower 55 Products, greatly value our relationships with the prototype manufacturers that create the designs and also the railroads that both purchase and decorate the equipment. We firmly believe that the design and paint scheme add value to our product. Imagine how lifeless our model railroads would be with generic designs and lifeless paint schemes.

Overland Models Licensing/Tower 55 Modeling Agreement Partners:

Back to Top

I see ‘stand-by’ noted on some model descriptions…what is stand by?
We do projects based on customer interest. When a project is announced we list the railroads, paint schemes and road numbers offered on our Future section of our price list. The success or failure of a project is based on the number of reservations we receive from customers so that we can set the appropriate production numbers. Once the production numbers are established, we may have more orders for the model than we will have models. The reservations received above and beyond the planned production quantity are listed as ‘Stand By’.

Overland continues to take reservations once a production has exceeded our expectation so that if someone has to cancel, the next customer in line will automatically be moved into a firm position.

Back to Top

What do the dates mean on the Future Items section?
These dates indicate when we expect the models to be delivered to our warehouse. When we list TBA (To Be Announced) these are models that we cannot yet estimate a price or delivery time frame for the model. Every effort is made to update our website on a weekly basis in order to provide you with the timeliest information possible. As our builders provide the timeline for delivery, we will update our website. We understand that many customers are trying to budget for their models, but when TBA is listed, we really don’t have any more information to provide, and will not be able to help you if you opt to call and inquire further.

Back to Top

Can I buy your models direct?
We strongly urge you to support those that support our product. A complete list of our authorized Overland Models dealers is listed in the "Where To Buy" section of this website. Shops are listed with their address, phone number, fax, e-mail, and web information that are provided by the dealer.

However, if you do not have a dealer that is nearby or that you feel comfortable we will be happy to handle your request. Direct sales are handled at the full MSRP with an additional charge for shipping. Discounts are not provided.

Back to Top

Do you do 3- Rail?
Yes, our first 3-Rail model will be the Pullman Ferdinand Magellan car specially dedicated for use of the President of the United States of America.

Back to Top

How are models that just arrived already sold-out?
Our production quantities are set well in advance of the model delivery. Due to the limited nature of our productions it is our goal, as with most businesses, to be sold-out upon delivery. Therefore, the best way to own the model you want is to keep up to date with our latest project announcements, and promptly place a reservation with an Overland Models dealer.

Back to Top

What is the best way for me to reserve a future model?
Please contact one of our many dealers throughout the world. The dealer is our main sales network. They will in turn contact Overland and place their name on a reservation list. Upon receipt of the reservation they will receive a notice indicating if they have a firm or stand-by reservation. When the models are due to arrive in the US we will send out a ‘Pick-up Notice’ requesting payment in full. At this time many dealers will also request payment from you…the customer.

Back to Top

Seems when I see a model in a magazine, it is already on stand-by, or sold-out. How do I keep up to date on all the projects and models that you are doing?
Due to the limited nature of our products it is conceivable that an advertised model could be listed as ‘stand-by’ or ‘sold out’ prior to arrival. We create our ads 1 to 3 months before the magazine’s publication date. Sometimes a model can be so popular that it sells out before the advertisement is published. This is often out of our control since our quantity and prices have been fixed well in advance. It is always a good practice to still place a reservation. From time to time customers may cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.

To keep up-to-date we strongly suggest that you check our website regularly. Another great way to keep informed is to purchase our printed catalog that is issued quarterly. Please check the Subscriptions (link to The Overland Mail page) page for more details.

Back to Top

Where are your models advertised?
We regularly place advertisements in the following magazines:

Back to Top

Do you have a shop I can visit?
Overland Models is not a hobby shop and does not have a showroom that is open to the public. Please refer to our "Where To Buy" section to find a dealer near you. We strongly urge you to support your favorite Overland Models dealer.

Back to Top

How can I get pictures of these models?
Currently we do not sell any pictures of our models. We are working towards offering the customer pictures of prototype and model photos that a member of our company has taken. However, we cannot offer for sale any picture that has been taken by a person not associated with Overland Models, Inc. Further, review our copyright policy for the rules and regulations regarding use of our photos.

Back to Top

How can I get information on all the models that Overland Models, Inc has done?
At this time we do not have a complete historical list that is available to the public. We do keep a master list on file and hope to some day print an updated list with retail price and delivery date information.

Back to Top

Do you repair models?
We do offer a limited repair service at our office. First, we ask that you contact the shop that sold the model to you. They may be able to assist you before contacting us. If they cannot help, please contact Overland Models by e-mail, fax or phone requesting authorization for a return. We will first attempt to rectify your problem over the phone. If we cannot correct the problem over the phone we will authorize the return of your model.

Please understand we have been importing models for nearly 30 years. We continually try to improve details and overall operation of our models with each and every production run. Replacement parts belonging to older models are more than likely very limited or no longer in existence. Because of this, servicing older models can prove to be a very difficult task.

Back to Top

What are the features of your Digital Command Control board?
Our DCC capable models will feature an exclusive Digitrax Series 3 decoder with patented technology for seamless DC/DCC operation mode switching. This means that the DCC equipped model will function on either a DCC layout or a DC layout without extra configuration. The first project that will come out with this feature will be the HO Scale MLW M630 project.

Here are some features of our DCC board:

Back to Top

What if I have problems related to the DCC/ DC board?
Digitrax is providing all of our DCC/ DC support. If you have evaluated the problem and have ruled out all other options you will need to contact the Digitrax Customer Service Dept. Contact information will be provided online after our first products are released later this year.

Back to Top

Can my old (non-DCC equipped) OMI model be retrofitted with an OMI DCC decoder board?
These models cannot be equipped with this device as we are only installing it on new factory equipped models. If you wish to install DCC in an older OMI product we suggest that you have an authorized DCC installer complete this for you. Your DCC provider should be able to provide a list of Authorized installers.

Back to Top

I don't have a DCC controlled layout. Will my OMI DCC equipped model run on my track?
Yes. Due to the exclusive DC/DCC operations mode switching technology that Digitrax has developed for Overland Models inc., there is a seamless transition between DC and DCC operation modes when used on both DCC controlled and DC controlled layouts. No extra configuration is necessary.

Back to Top

Is Tower 55 Products related to Overland Models?
Yes, Tower 55 Products is the plastic division of Overland Models, Inc. Both companies are operated by the same employees and housed in our Muncie, Indiana location. For more information on Overland Models, Inc, please check out our About Us page.

Back to Top