Maker record
I.M.P.
I.M.P. (International Model Products) was an American model railway brand associated with International Models Inc. It imported brass O- and HO-gauge locomotives and other railway models made in Japan, including models produced by Katsumi and Tenshodo. The range included Japanese prototypes as well as North American subjects. I.M.P. was part of the early generation of importers that introduced Japanese-made brass railway models to the American market.
- Locations
- Unknown
- Founders
- Unknown
The story of I.M.P.
International Models Inc. marketed its railway models under the International Model Products name, abbreviated I.M.P. The company began importing O- and HO-gauge brass models from Japan in the postwar period, working through Zenjiro Minari of Atlas Trading. Early models were criticized for their finish, and later products were improved. O-gauge offerings included Japanese prototypes such as the ED16; Katsumi made O-gauge models, while Tenshodo produced the HO FT units. The company also handled brass models from Takara and track from Shinohara and, later, Peco. I.M.P. advertisements appeared in Model Railroader from 1950 to 1958, after which the firm advertised in other hobby publications. Following Louis Barnett’s death, his two sons continued the business for several years. The reference places its eventual closure around 1965, though the date is approximate.