Japanese Imported Brass from the Late 50's early 60's?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Im hoping someone on here can assist me with this situation I am in.

I just came into a small batch of model items that I believe to be of Japanese make, from the late 50’s, early 60’s. I assumed that I would be able to find some info on these items online, which I was incorrect about.

There is an engine and 4 cars, I have HD photos of everything, as detailed as I can get them. I was looking to post them on ebay and try to sell them however I hesitate to do that until I am sure what I am dealing with, as I dont want to hypothesize that I have something I dont, as well as not wishing to let go of something for peanuts that is worth much more.

The Locomotive - Green in color, its a 2 axle electric with a panagraph. Marked New York Central #940. The cab is off center. It has a worm gear motor with a spring drive to the other axle.

Gondola Car with wood load, painted black, 2 axle. #1314

Tanker car, 2 axle. Painted black, with the letters IT & 2324 car number.

A brown box car, 2 axle. black roof. car #91002

A combine car (appears to be) 2 axle, marked 17181. Green with a black roof.

The Couplers all look to be either European or Japanese.

All brass construction. All in VERY good condition. Paint is good, structurally sound.

I have a bunch of photos, so either respond on here and I can email them to you or email me directly @ OandR4sale@gmail.com and I can send them to you.

Thanks a lot folks!

Al

2

What you are referring to,is called a ‘‘Steeplecab’’ developed in North America,1900, they were used a lot in industrial switching,there were,pantograph’s 4 wheel and two truck,with trolley poles at each end. I do not know what it would be worth though…you will have to go that alone…

Cheers,

Frank

3

al1hdagent,

You may find this helpful,In any event,at least,some more answers…www.trainboard.com

They have brass,Steeplecabs, in HO,collectors and sellers,

Good Luck,

Cheers,

Frank

4

These do not sound like North American prototypes. There were of course Japanese made brass and other models that were for the Japanese market. From time to time firms such a Ken Kidder would import a few examples of such models and they were usually priced quite cheaply. He also imported Japanese electric locomotives of the boxcab sort that were considered good standins for American boxcab electrics of the WWI era.

I do recall a two axle steeplecab electric wiith a pantograph but cannot recall if it was a Ken Kidder import.

By the way back in the 1950s, perhaps continuing into the 1960s and beyond, American servicemen stationed in Japan would often bring back Japanese model trains that were never otherwise imported to the US. When I was a boy the parish priest of my folks’ church was a model railroader whose HO layout was a mix of American and Japanese models, and a very nice Japanese signaling system that enthralled me as a kid.

What I am saying is that there may be Japanese trains from that era that would be difficult for us to trace on this side of the Pacific using HO Seeker or other resources.

Dave Nelson

5

DAVE,

I believe, if my memory serves me correctly,that the particular ‘‘steeple cab’’,I was referring to,they said was developed,in North America,1900, I do know about, Ken Kidder,Imports,you are correct…

Cheers,

P.S. What actually got my attention,was the unit number,and it being a NYC, I saw a steeple cab, doing switching work,on the side streets,in an industrial area,on the streets of New York,with,one 40ft box car,it was the trolley,pole version… I can’t recall where I SAW THE PICS,or the info…I BELIEVE, IT was in the 1920’s…

Frank