diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/__init__.py b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/__init__.py
similarity index 89%
rename from src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/__init__.py
rename to src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/__init__.py
index 452cf6d0..f413def7 100644
--- a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/__init__.py
+++ b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/__init__.py
@@ -1,5 +1,3 @@
-from roman_datamodels.datamodels import MODEL_REGISTRY as _MODEL_REGISTRY  # Hide from public API
-
 from ._basic_meta import *  # noqa: F403
 from ._common_meta import *  # noqa: F403
 from ._datamodels import *  # noqa: F403
@@ -19,9 +17,6 @@
     "WfiMosaic": "mk_level3_mosaic",
 }
 
-# This is static at runtime, so we might as well compute it once
-NODE_REGISTRY = {mdl: node for node, mdl in _MODEL_REGISTRY.items()}
-
 
 def _camel_case_to_snake_case(value):
     """
@@ -99,4 +94,4 @@ def mk_datamodel(model_class, **kwargs):
     `roman_datamodels.datamodels.Datamodel`
     """
 
-    return model_class(mk_node(NODE_REGISTRY[model_class], **kwargs))
+    return model_class.create_default(**kwargs)
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_base.py b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_base.py
similarity index 100%
rename from src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_base.py
rename to src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_base.py
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_basic_meta.py b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_basic_meta.py
similarity index 100%
rename from src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_basic_meta.py
rename to src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_basic_meta.py
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_common_meta.py b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_common_meta.py
similarity index 100%
rename from src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_common_meta.py
rename to src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_common_meta.py
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_datamodels.py b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_datamodels.py
similarity index 99%
rename from src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_datamodels.py
rename to src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_datamodels.py
index 32ed5260..2319f030 100644
--- a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_datamodels.py
+++ b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_datamodels.py
@@ -337,7 +337,7 @@ def mk_associations(*, shape=(2, 3, 1), filepath=None, **kwargs):
 
     Returns
     -------
-    roman_datamodels.stnode.AssociationsModel
+    roman_datamodels.stnode.Associations
     """
 
     associations = stnode.Associations()
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_fps.py b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_fps.py
similarity index 100%
rename from src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_fps.py
rename to src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_fps.py
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_fps_basic_meta.py b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_fps_basic_meta.py
similarity index 100%
rename from src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_fps_basic_meta.py
rename to src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_fps_basic_meta.py
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_fps_common_meta.py b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_fps_common_meta.py
similarity index 100%
rename from src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_fps_common_meta.py
rename to src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_fps_common_meta.py
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_ref_files.py b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_ref_files.py
similarity index 99%
rename from src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_ref_files.py
rename to src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_ref_files.py
index 6811dac0..829fee57 100644
--- a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_ref_files.py
+++ b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_ref_files.py
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ def mk_epsf(*, shape=(3, 6, 9, 361, 361), filepath=None, **kwargs):
     ----------
     shape
         (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
-        If shape is greater than 1D, the first dimension is used.
+        If shape is greater than 5D, the first 5 dimensions are used.
 
     filepath
         (optional, keyword-only) File name and path to write model to.
@@ -376,7 +376,7 @@ def mk_inverselinearity(*, shape=(2, 4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
 
     Returns
     -------
-    roman_datamodels.stnode.InverseLinearityRef
+    roman_datamodels.stnode.InverselinearityRef
     """
     if len(shape) != 3:
         shape = (2, 4096, 4096)
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_tagged_nodes.py b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_tagged_nodes.py
similarity index 100%
rename from src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_tagged_nodes.py
rename to src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_tagged_nodes.py
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_tvac.py b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_tvac.py
similarity index 100%
rename from src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_tvac.py
rename to src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_tvac.py
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_tvac_basic_meta.py b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_tvac_basic_meta.py
similarity index 100%
rename from src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_tvac_basic_meta.py
rename to src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_tvac_basic_meta.py
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_tvac_common_meta.py b/src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_tvac_common_meta.py
similarity index 100%
rename from src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils/_tvac_common_meta.py
rename to src/roman_datamodels/_maker_utils/_tvac_common_meta.py
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/datamodels/_core.py b/src/roman_datamodels/datamodels/_core.py
index 9ab38c23..8cdd494e 100644
--- a/src/roman_datamodels/datamodels/_core.py
+++ b/src/roman_datamodels/datamodels/_core.py
@@ -77,11 +77,28 @@ class DataModel(abc.ABC):
 
     crds_observatory = "roman"
 
-    @abc.abstractproperty
+    @property
+    @abc.abstractmethod
     def _node_type(self):
         """Define the top-level node type for this model"""
         pass
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, *, filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a default instance of this model using the maker_utils
+        """
+        from roman_datamodels._maker_utils import mk_node
+
+        # don't use the maker util save, instead save through
+        # the datamodel itself
+        default = cls(mk_node(cls._node_type, filepath=None, **kwargs))
+
+        if filepath is not None:
+            default.save(filepath)
+
+        return default
+
     def __init_subclass__(cls, **kwargs):
         """Register each subclass in the MODEL_REGISTRY"""
         super().__init_subclass__(**kwargs)
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/datamodels/_datamodels.py b/src/roman_datamodels/datamodels/_datamodels.py
index 563f484c..9a95b132 100644
--- a/src/roman_datamodels/datamodels/_datamodels.py
+++ b/src/roman_datamodels/datamodels/_datamodels.py
@@ -51,6 +51,31 @@ def __init__(self, init=None, **kwargs):
 class MosaicModel(_RomanDataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.WfiMosaic
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(4088, 4088), n_images=2, filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a MosaicModel with all data required for writing a file filled.
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape (y, x) of data array in the model (and
+            its corresponding dq/err arrays). Default is 4088 x 4088.
+            If shape is a tuple of length 3, the first element is assumed to be
+            n_images and will override the n_images parameter.
+
+        n_images : int
+            Number of images used to create the level 3 image. Defaults to 2.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, n_images=n_images, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
     def append_individual_image_meta(self, meta):
         """
         Add the contents of meta to the appropriate keyword in individual_image_meta as an astropy QTable.
@@ -126,18 +151,113 @@ def append_individual_image_meta(self, meta):
 class ImageModel(_RomanDataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.WfiImage
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(4088, 4088), n_groups=8, filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a ImageModel with all data required for writing a file filled.
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape (y, x) of data array in the model (and
+            its corresponding dq/err arrays). This specified size does NOT include
+            the four-pixel border of reference pixels - those are trimmed at level
+            2.  This size, however, is used to construct the additional arrays that
+            contain the original border reference pixels (i.e if shape = (10, 10),
+            the border reference pixel arrays will have (y, x) dimensions (14, 4)
+            and (4, 14)). Default is 4088 x 4088.
+            If shape is a tuple of length 3, the first element is assumed to be the
+            n_groups and will override any settings there.
+
+        n_groups : int
+            (optional, keyword-only) The level 2 file is flattened, but it contains
+            arrays for the original reference pixels which remain 3D. n_groups
+            specifies what the z dimension of these arrays should be. Defaults to 8.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, n_groups=n_groups, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class ScienceRawModel(_RomanDataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.WfiScienceRaw
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(8, 4096, 4096), dq=False, filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a default instance of this model using the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) (z, y, x) Shape of data array. This includes a
+            four-pixel border representing the reference pixels. Default is
+                (8, 4096, 4096)
+            (8 integrations, 4088 x 4088 represent the science pixels, with the
+            additional being the border reference pixels).
+
+        dq : bool
+            (optional, keyword-only) Toggle to add a data quality array for
+            dropout pixels
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, dq=dq, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class MsosStackModel(_RomanDataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.MsosStack
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a MsosStackModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class RampModel(_RomanDataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.Ramp
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(8, 4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a RampModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional) Shape (z, y, x) of data array in the model (and its
+            corresponding dq/err arrays). This specified size includes the
+            four-pixel border of reference pixels. Default is 8 x 4096 x 4096.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
     @classmethod
     def from_science_raw(cls, model):
         """
@@ -165,7 +285,7 @@ def from_science_raw(cls, model):
             raise ValueError(f"Input must be one of {ALLOWED_MODELS}")
 
         # Create base ramp node with dummy values (for validation)
-        from roman_datamodels.maker_utils import mk_ramp
+        from roman_datamodels._maker_utils import mk_ramp
 
         ramp = mk_ramp(shape=model.shape)
 
@@ -201,11 +321,49 @@ def node_update(ramp, other):
 class RampFitOutputModel(_RomanDataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.RampFitOutput
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(8, 4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a RampFitOutputModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional) Shape (z, y, x) of data array in the model (and its
+            corresponding dq/err arrays). This specified size includes the
+            four-pixel border of reference pixels. Default is 8 x 4096 x 4096.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class AssociationsModel(_DataModel):
     # Need an init to allow instantiation from a JSON file
     _node_type = stnode.Associations
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(8, 4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a AssociationsModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) The shape of the member elements of products.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
     @classmethod
     def is_association(cls, asn_data):
         """
@@ -222,42 +380,216 @@ def is_association(cls, asn_data):
 class GuidewindowModel(_RomanDataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.Guidewindow
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(2, 8, 16, 32, 32), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a GuideWondowModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class FlatRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.FlatRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a FlatRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class AbvegaoffsetRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.AbvegaoffsetRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a AbvegaoffsetRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class ApcorrRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.ApcorrRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(10,), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a ApcorrRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class DarkRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.DarkRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(2, 4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a DarkRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class DistortionRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.DistortionRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a DistortionRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class EpsfRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.EpsfRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(3, 6, 9, 361, 361), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create EpsfRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class GainRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.GainRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create GainRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class IpcRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.IpcRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(3, 3), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create IpcRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class LinearityRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.LinearityRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(2, 4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create LinearityRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
     def get_primary_array_name(self):
         """
         Returns the name "primary" array for this model, which
@@ -271,6 +603,24 @@ def get_primary_array_name(self):
 class InverselinearityRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.InverselinearityRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(2, 4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create InverselinearityRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
     def get_primary_array_name(self):
         """
         Returns the name "primary" array for this model, which
@@ -284,6 +634,24 @@ def get_primary_array_name(self):
 class MaskRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.MaskRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create MaskRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
     def get_primary_array_name(self):
         """
         Returns the name "primary" array for this model, which
@@ -297,46 +665,264 @@ def get_primary_array_name(self):
 class PixelareaRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.PixelareaRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create PixelareaRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class ReadnoiseRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.ReadnoiseRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create ReadnoiseRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class SuperbiasRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.SuperbiasRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create SuperbiasRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class SaturationRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.SaturationRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create SaturationRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class WfiImgPhotomRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.WfiImgPhotomRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create WfiImgPhotomRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class RefpixRefModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.RefpixRef
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(32, 286721), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create RefpixRefModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) Shape of arrays in the model.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class FpsModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.Fps
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(8, 4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create FpsModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) (z, y, x) Shape of data array. This includes a
+            four-pixel border representing the reference pixels. Default is
+                (8, 4096, 4096)
+            (8 integrations, 4088 x 4088 represent the science pixels, with the
+            additional being the border reference pixels).
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class TvacModel(_DataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.Tvac
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(8, 4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create TvacModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) (z, y, x) Shape of data array. This includes a
+            four-pixel border representing the reference pixels. Default is
+                (8, 4096, 4096)
+            (8 integrations, 4088 x 4088 represent the science pixels, with the
+            additional being the border reference pixels).
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class MosaicSourceCatalogModel(_RomanDataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.MosaicSourceCatalog
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create MosaicSourceCatalogModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class MosaicSegmentationMapModel(_RomanDataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.MosaicSegmentationMap
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a MosaicSegmentationMapModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class SourceCatalogModel(_RomanDataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.SourceCatalog
 
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create SourceCatalogModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
+
 
 class SegmentationMapModel(_RomanDataModel):
     _node_type = stnode.SegmentationMap
+
+    @classmethod
+    def create_default(cls, shape=(4096, 4096), filepath=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create a SegmentationMapModel with all data required for writing the maker_utils
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        shape : tuple, int
+            (optional, keyword-only) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        filepath : str
+            (optional) File name and path to write model to.
+
+        kwargs : dict[str, Any]
+            (optional) Override default construction for any node
+        """
+        return super().create_default(shape=shape, filepath=filepath, **kwargs)
diff --git a/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils.py b/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b7bf6f1a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/roman_datamodels/maker_utils.py
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+import warnings
+
+from ._maker_utils import *  # noqa: F403
+
+_MSG = """
+Use of `roman_datamodels.maker_utils` is deprecated and will be removed in the
+future! Please use the `.create_default()` constructor for the datamodel that
+you wish to make a default datamodel for.
+"""
+warnings.warn(_MSG, DeprecationWarning, stacklevel=2)
diff --git a/tests/test_dqflags.py b/tests/test_dqflags.py
index 02bab7eb..58b464ff 100644
--- a/tests/test_dqflags.py
+++ b/tests/test_dqflags.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 
 from roman_datamodels import datamodels as rdm
 from roman_datamodels import dqflags
-from roman_datamodels.maker_utils import mk_datamodel
+from roman_datamodels._maker_utils import mk_datamodel
 
 
 def _is_power_of_two(x):
diff --git a/tests/test_maker_utils.py b/tests/test_maker_utils.py
index d46f9edf..6432910a 100644
--- a/tests/test_maker_utils.py
+++ b/tests/test_maker_utils.py
@@ -7,9 +7,9 @@
 from astropy import units as u
 from astropy.time import Time
 
-from roman_datamodels import datamodels, maker_utils, stnode
+from roman_datamodels import _maker_utils, datamodels, stnode
+from roman_datamodels._maker_utils import _ref_files as ref_files
 from roman_datamodels.datamodels._datamodels import _RomanDataModel
-from roman_datamodels.maker_utils import _ref_files as ref_files
 from roman_datamodels.testing import assert_node_equal
 
 
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ def test_maker_utility_implemented(node_class):
 
     (note: will be using full defaults for this one)
     """
-    instance = maker_utils.mk_node(node_class)
+    instance = _maker_utils.mk_node(node_class)
     assert isinstance(instance, node_class)
 
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ def test_instance_valid(node_class):
     is valid against its schema.
     """
     with asdf.AsdfFile() as af:
-        af["node"] = maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
+        af["node"] = _maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
         af.validate()
 
 
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ def test_instance_valid(node_class):
 @pytest.mark.filterwarnings("ignore:Input shape must be 4D")
 @pytest.mark.filterwarnings("ignore:Input shape must be 5D")
 def test_no_extra_fields(node_class, manifest):
-    instance = maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
+    instance = _maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
     instance_keys = set(instance.keys())
 
     schema_uri = next(t["schema_uri"] for t in manifest["tags"] if t["tag_uri"] == instance.tag)
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ def test_ref_files_all(name):
     """
     Meta test to confirm that the __all__ in _ref_files.py has an entry for every ref file maker.
     """
-    from roman_datamodels.maker_utils import _camel_case_to_snake_case
+    from roman_datamodels._maker_utils import _camel_case_to_snake_case
 
     method_name = f"mk_{_camel_case_to_snake_case(name)}"
     assert method_name[:-4] in ref_files.__all__
@@ -76,12 +76,12 @@ def test_make_datamodel_tests(node_class):
     """
     Meta test to confirm that correct tests exist for each datamodel maker utility.
     """
-    from roman_datamodels.maker_utils import _camel_case_to_snake_case
+    from roman_datamodels._maker_utils import _camel_case_to_snake_case
 
     from . import test_models as tests
 
     name = node_class.__name__
-    name = maker_utils.SPECIAL_MAKERS.get(name, _camel_case_to_snake_case(name))
+    name = _maker_utils.SPECIAL_MAKERS.get(name, _camel_case_to_snake_case(name))
     if name.startswith("mk_"):
         name = name[3:]
     if name.endswith("_ref"):
@@ -97,10 +97,10 @@ def test_deprecated():
     """
 
     with pytest.warns(DeprecationWarning):
-        maker_utils.mk_rampfitoutput(shape=(8, 8, 8))
+        _maker_utils.mk_rampfitoutput(shape=(8, 8, 8))
 
 
-@pytest.mark.parametrize("model_class", [mdl for mdl in maker_utils.NODE_REGISTRY])
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("model_class", [mdl for mdl in datamodels.MODEL_REGISTRY.values()])
 @pytest.mark.filterwarnings("ignore:This function assumes shape is 2D")
 @pytest.mark.filterwarnings("ignore:Input shape must be 4D")
 @pytest.mark.filterwarnings("ignore:Input shape must be 5D")
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ def test_datamodel_maker(model_class):
     Test that the datamodel maker utility creates a valid datamodel.
     """
 
-    model = maker_utils.mk_datamodel(model_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
+    model = _maker_utils.mk_datamodel(model_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
 
     assert isinstance(model, model_class)
     model.validate()
@@ -183,11 +183,11 @@ def mutate_node(node):
             return mutate_value(node)
 
     # Create a node then mutate it.
-    node = maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
+    node = _maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
     kwargs = mutate_node(node)
 
     # Create a new node using the recorded mutation data. Then check it is equal to the mutated object.
-    new_node = maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, **kwargs)
+    new_node = _maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, **kwargs)
     assert new_node is not node
     assert_node_equal(new_node, node)
 
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ def test_keyword_only(node_class):
     Ensure all the maker utils at the top level are keyword only.
     """
 
-    maker = maker_utils._get_node_maker(node_class)
+    maker = _maker_utils._get_node_maker(node_class)
     sig = inspect.signature(maker)
 
     assert "kwargs" in sig.parameters
@@ -216,6 +216,6 @@ def test_mk_level2_image_shape():
     Regression test for https://github.com/spacetelescope/roman_datamodels/issues/377
     where n_groups was incorrect when provided a 3d shape
     """
-    n = maker_utils.mk_level2_image(shape=(2, 3, 4))
+    n = _maker_utils.mk_level2_image(shape=(2, 3, 4))
     assert n.amp33.shape == (2, 4096, 128)
     assert n.data.shape == (3, 4)
diff --git a/tests/test_models.py b/tests/test_models.py
index e1ee6f84..a810e2b1 100644
--- a/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/tests/test_models.py
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@
 from astropy.table import QTable, Table
 from numpy.testing import assert_array_equal
 
+from roman_datamodels import _maker_utils as utils
 from roman_datamodels import datamodels, stnode, validate
-from roman_datamodels import maker_utils as utils
 from roman_datamodels.testing import assert_node_equal
 
 from .conftest import MANIFEST
diff --git a/tests/test_open.py b/tests/test_open.py
index 170224ed..12f29dc1 100644
--- a/tests/test_open.py
+++ b/tests/test_open.py
@@ -8,8 +8,8 @@
 from astropy.io import fits
 from numpy.testing import assert_array_equal
 
+from roman_datamodels import _maker_utils as utils
 from roman_datamodels import datamodels, stnode
-from roman_datamodels import maker_utils as utils
 from roman_datamodels.testing import assert_node_equal
 
 
diff --git a/tests/test_stnode.py b/tests/test_stnode.py
index 4f7e78cf..2bf2fd2e 100644
--- a/tests/test_stnode.py
+++ b/tests/test_stnode.py
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@
 import asdf
 import pytest
 
-from roman_datamodels import datamodels, maker_utils, stnode, validate
-from roman_datamodels import maker_utils as utils
-from roman_datamodels.maker_utils._base import NOFN, NONUM, NOSTR
+from roman_datamodels import _maker_utils, datamodels, stnode, validate
+from roman_datamodels import _maker_utils as utils
+from roman_datamodels._maker_utils._base import NOFN, NONUM, NOSTR
 from roman_datamodels.testing import assert_node_equal, assert_node_is_copy, wraps_hashable
 
 from .conftest import MANIFEST
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ def test_generated_node_classes(tag):
 @pytest.mark.filterwarnings("ignore:Input shape must be 5D")
 def test_copy(node_class):
     """Demonstrate nodes can copy themselves, but don't always deepcopy."""
-    node = maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
+    node = _maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
     node_copy = node.copy()
 
     # Assert the copy is shallow:
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ def test_copy(node_class):
 @pytest.mark.filterwarnings("ignore:Input shape must be 4D")
 @pytest.mark.filterwarnings("ignore:Input shape must be 5D")
 def test_deepcopy_model(node_class):
-    node = maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
+    node = _maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
     model = datamodels.MODEL_REGISTRY[node_class](node)
     model_copy = model.copy()
 
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ def test_wfi_mode():
 def test_serialization(node_class, tmp_path):
     file_path = tmp_path / "test.asdf"
 
-    node = maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
+    node = _maker_utils.mk_node(node_class, shape=(8, 8, 8))
     with asdf.AsdfFile() as af:
         af["node"] = node
         af.write_to(file_path)
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ def test_nuke_validation(nuke_env_var, tmp_path):
 
     # Break model without outside validation
     with nullcontext() if nuke_env_var[1] else pytest.warns(validate.ValidationWarning):
-        mdl = datamodels.WfiImgPhotomRefModel(maker_utils.mk_wfi_img_photom())
+        mdl = datamodels.WfiImgPhotomRefModel(_maker_utils.mk_wfi_img_photom())
     mdl._instance["phot_table"] = "THIS IS NOT VALID"
 
     # Broken can be written to file
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@ def test_node_representation(model):
     the representation of the object. The reported issue was with ``mdl.meta.instrument``,
     so that is directly checked here.
     """
-    mdl = maker_utils.mk_datamodel(model)
+    mdl = _maker_utils.mk_datamodel(model)
 
     if hasattr(mdl, "meta"):
         if isinstance(mdl, datamodels.MosaicModel | datamodels.MosaicSegmentationMapModel | datamodels.MosaicSourceCatalogModel):