Maker record
Pasific Fast Mail
Pacific Fast Mail (PFM) was an American model-railroad importer specializing in brass locomotive models. Founded by Bill Ryan in the early 1950s, it began importing in 1955 with brass HO-scale logging steam locomotives. Most of its brass releases were HO-scale steam locomotives, with diesel models also represented. Under Don Drew’s direction from the mid-1960s, PFM added books and sound equipment for model railroad operations. Its imports helped make PFM a prominent name in brass model trains from the 1950s through the 1980s.
- Founded
- 1955
- Countries
- United States
- Locations
- United States · 1955
- Founders
- Unknown
The story of Pasific Fast Mail
Bill Ryan founded Pacific Fast Mail in the early 1950s, and its first imports appeared in 1955: brass HO-scale logging steam locomotives. The company became a major importer of brass model locomotives. Most of its releases were HO-scale steam replicas, though its range also included diesel locomotives. Its first imported diesel was a Tenshodo-built SD9 from Japan; Tenshodo continued making diesel models for PFM through the 1960s. The diesel line included EMD designs such as the FT, F7, F9, GP7, GP9, GP20, GP35, NW2, SD9 and SD24.
After Ryan’s death, his son took over the business. Don Drew became involved in the mid-1960s and directed the company’s continued work in brass models. Under Drew, PFM expanded its offerings to books and sound equipment for model railroad operations. PFM remained a prominent brass-import name from the 1950s into the 1980s.
