Well the bug hit me and I bought a Westside Models class A climax, almost mint in box. $225 out the door. I always wanted one of these. So how many of you jump on brass on occasion due to the price coming way down?
I jumped at the chance to buy a United Models Santa Fe 1950 Class 2-8-0 for $125.00 in great condition.
I couldn’t say no to that price.
Over the past 3-4 years I’ve bought a few NYC-specific brass locomotives for my roster. All of them were "pre-owned but they were in very good shape cosmetically - particularly a nearly mint H-10a 2-8-2 Mike I’ve had a hanker for, for a while:
Eventually I’ll paint and detail it but I want to convert it DCC first.
A few more brass NYC locomotives on my bucket list but I can wait:
- NYC L-2a 4-8-2 Mohawk w/exposed Elesco FWH
- NYC H-7 2-8-2 Mike w/Elesco FWH
- NYC NE-2 2-6-6-2 switcher
- NYC DES-3 GE 3-power boxcab
It’s fun to have some unique and unusal locomotives that - more than likely - will NEVER be offered in plastic.
Tom
I’ve been keeping a close eye out myself for certain pieces for sure. Having made the jump to DCC and wanting sound has made investing in (pre-owened and older) brass a little more difficult however.
I haven’t purchased any brass besides my BLI 4-12-2, but I see adding some more unique UP steam to the roster that isn’t available in plastic. Assuming I can get the jump on them.
I have been thrilled with the bargains on brass out there lately.
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I have accumulated a full fleet of can motored USRA designs that were imported in the 1980s for less than I paid for my PowerHouse USRA Light Mikados when they were new.
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-Kevin
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I got this for $35.00. I won’t chase it but will pounce when the oppourtunity presents itself.
I would like to get it shiny again.
One thing I notice is how many sellers try to “clear out” their inventory when a mass-market locomotive is announced. Presently I’m seeing it with PRR P5a electrics. Before that it was the PRR S2 Turbine, Baldwin Centipedes and a few others that escape me at the moment.
Market forces at work. Just about all the brass I’ve acquired were bought at what I would consider below the “market average”. It all gets painted and RUN.
Cheers, Ed
Depends on your poison. Maybe some steam engines of apparent lessor demand but brass D&RGW cabooses and passenger cars seem to stay expensive from what I’ve seen so no such luck in my genre of interest. It seems brass isn’t falling for all of us.
I have been buying brass since it wasnt such a good bargain. I remember what my PFM/United Shays cost me back in the late 1990’s, along with a few of the Overland diesels I got from a local mail order dealer that let locals pick up models at thier office(Broad Ripple Station). These days, the high detail, yet fragile, plastic models have driven the prices of many brass trains way down. Add to that the glut of models from estates hitting the open market, its a buyers market to say the least. I have become a bit more selective in what I buy as I have many more hobbies that take up my spending $$ these days. But all of my motive power for my layout I am building are brass, all from Overland Models. Mike the Aspie
Does it run?
Yup, brass prices have dropped during the last half decade. Main reasons are…number one is the basic law of economics…currently supply exceeds demand as many older guys who purchased brass during the heyday of the late 20th are either passing away or retiring and moving to smaller quarters…henceforth many collections are now on the market. Second reason would be the huge preponderance of RTR plastic everythngs complete with DCC, lights, sound, and excellent finishes. Another reason is that most brass is of steam prototypes (or the really collectible), and each year we grow further from steam modeling. Then there is the ignorance factor as many newbies to the hobby just do not know about brass models. Example: During the 90’s the Timonium show had at least 35 brass vendors attend most shows. Today, there are just two dealers, but still brass does show up at some tables, but not like in days of yore.
Current new brass models are approaching costs where most modelers, even though they can afford it, just say no. Many builders may cease production, and importers may go the way of the phone booth. Then within a few years the supply may dwindle coupled to brass no longer being produced and the economic law may again go into effect, but only in reverse…demand could exceed supply.
Now would be a good time to enter the brass world…tomorrow???
HZ
Still, haven’t tried it. The wheels look like they have not touched a rail, not a mark on them. It is on the project shelf. GN came into Vancouver, so it will be just fine on the layout…some day.
Its a PFM/United model, it WILL run! Might need the motor turned a little bit by hand first as many times there is oxidation under the brushes and the motor needs a quarter to half turn to take off and run. Fresh grease in the gearbox and oil the motor, axle and side rods and she is good to go! PFM/United have to be one of the best built models for operation. A replacement Canon motor would be a good upgrade to her. Mike the Aspie
That’s what I like to hear Mike.[:D] Now, how do I make it shiny?
Yeh. Went to San Francisco recently and ran accross a working phone stand, we took pictures with that in it, times have changed.
Club has a narrow gage railroad. This being Pennsylvania, it should be the EBT. For whatever reason, at this late stage of my life I thought it might be nice to have an EBT 2-8-2. Looked around a little and saw that BrassTrains had one that sold for $495. I suppose a bargin compared to the one I found on EBAY that sold this past March for $1025.
“Tomorrow”? Sorry gents. I don’t care how nice you try to convince me brass is. At those prices I’m not buying one. Not now, not tomorrow, never.
That loco is pretty rare. They always fetch high prices. Unlikely to see an EBT loco in plastic anytime soon. It just depends what you are looking for.
I have noticed a general downward trend in brass prices of roads that I follow over the past few years. There are always the exceptions.
At O scale West last year there were lots of tables piled high with brass locos for sale - mostly estates…
Guy
Mike,That is one sweet looking 2-8-0…Is that a C&O G9 2-8-0?
Badger sandblaster with some soda… does wonders.
Simon
It was a C&O G9, early run by Rok Am for Overland Models. That is the closest to the ex BC&G 2-8-0 that the Logansport & Eel River RR owned back then. She has an odd driver spacing when compared to others. BLI did the Ohio Central(current owner of the engine) but the driver spacing is incorrect. Only detail I did not try to model is the open space where the second cross compound air compressor used to be on the real loco. While Rok Am wasn’t the best Korean builder by far, most of them in those early days struggled with quality control as they learned the craft. Thankfully mine runs really smooth and quiet. I pulled the gear box, cleaned all the old hard grease out and regreased. She is Sagami powered, as is the GP35. Here is a pic of the GP35’s drive chassis. I gave $100 for this engine, the 2-8-0 was $450ish if I remember right. Its a bit harder to come by, so I was ok paying the piper for it.
Here is a few more of my brass engines
Lindsey cast brass NW2 from the late 1940’s USA made brass!
Tenshodo DM&IR woodside caboose
