I’m not sure if the company is called Key Brass or Brass Key. I’ve seen listings used both ways. The red box they come in just say KEY Model Trains
Does that company make quality brass locomotives as far as the motors running smoothly? I can’t find any information or reviews on the internet. I am hoping a few of you may be familiar with this company.
I’m thinking of buying one but I know nothing about them. I don’t know if it would be a wise purchase or not.
It all depends on the actual builder many of the importers got locomotives from many builders and some were good and some were bad and some in the middle, also the first models from some builders were abysmal so if you could give us a hint of what model that Key imported you are looking at it would be a great help to determine its quality.
I just noticed your picture that is not like any Key box I have ever seen do you have a picture of the end label.
Several of my HO locomotives were imported by Key, made by Samhongsa. Excellent models and good running (converted to DCC) but it wouldn’t be fair to compare them to any of their N scale models, apples and oranges and all that.
Still, Key was a reputable importer and had a good reputation.
Key Imports is one of the highly regarded importers of brass models. I like to stick to their later stuff say 1990 onwards but that’s my preference and I’d alter that if the right model came along.
In my experience if you like a tinker you should be fine but let’s face it normally on the brass scene you’re buying something that’s 30ish years old so be prepared to do some work yourself.
On the plus side they are lovely and simple to work on so if it serms like a good deal plunge in…
Old West? The ‘oldest’ version is from 1909… and needed to be fairly extensively rebuilt in the early Twenties. The Lima version (according to steamlocomotive.com; I hadn’t realized Lima was building full-size engines extensively until 1916) was just prior to WWI.
It’s going to be interesting to see exactly which of the three versions this locomotive represents. But it’s likely going to be hauling full-length cars with at least steel underframes… [;)]
Cool in that paint, and I think well worth the price you paid for it. Now it’s time to be thinking about a consist for it…
Oh well Overmod, it looks old west enough for me. At least it has Great Northern on it and the rusty red and green colors. For some reason I really like those ones. I’ll find some of the 1800’s ones eventually.
That’s why I’ve mentioned before, I’m (starting) to like history more as I’m getting older. Back when I was in school I could care a less and that’s why I got D’s in History[(-D] I got A’s in math and geometry though. I liked those subjects.
I scored a really cool Bachmann Spectrum Great Northern today too. At least I don’t have to worry about that one as it’s brand new.
Oh but the detail on the one you just Illustrated. Nice!
This one is similar but no cigar in comparison to the one you linked to. I’ve hated that red roof on mine since I got it. It’s going to have to be toned down with a more rusty red has been the plan since I bought it. I just haven’t got to it yet.
I love the looks of that Great Northern just as much or maybe even more than the DMIR, the first of the three in my last post. The DMIR used to be my favorite but I think she’s just been beat!
Thanks Kevin. Are you using invisible ink?[(-D] I don’t know how I keep missing your posts.
I’m just keeping my fingers crossed. I made a pact to myself that I would not buy used locomotives anymore because of problems I’ve had in the past. I’ve never owned a brass model before and really like the cosmetics of this steamer so I made an exception. So I’m hoping those apples are just as good as the oranges.
It’s my thought if this company cared about the quality of the HO models to keep a good reputation, they would provide the same quality to their N scale customers, …I hope.
Either that or I have an expensive, really good looking desk paper weight[(-D]
