The Polk bothers, owners of Polk's Hobby in NYC, were pioneers in the importation of model trains from both Europe and the Orient. Their Aristo-Craft Distinctive Miniatures were a most interesting product line spanning the 1960's. It had an amazing diversity, with models representing various eras from the late 19th through the early 20th century and numbering between 20 and 30 distinctly different locomotives. Being produced in Japan, they carried a small (usually foil) label marked "New One Models" on the underside of the frame.
The most recognized part of the line were engines made of zamac, their accuracy to the prototype ranging from downright primative to really quite nice. The biggest problem with the zamac locos was their tendency to develop zamac pest or rot, which caused various parts to disintergrate over time. The worst example was the CNJ ten-wheeler, which was also offered at the time by AHM. Most examples warped horribly or turned to dust long ago and it's rare to find one completely intact today.
The line also included some brass imports, at least a portion of which apparently did not originate from orders placed by the Polks. Rather, they seem to have been over-runs or left over stock from other importers of the day. These always sold in very limited numbers.
Incidentally, some years ago I wrote an detailed article on Aristo-Craft models which appeared in the pages of RMC.
CNJ999