Last month I ran across an 4-8-2 HO metal locomotive at a garage/estate sale. This engine and tender, packed in a shoe box were extremely dirty, not just dust but caked on dirt in layers in some places.
I almost passed on the item, at first I thought it was an old TYCO but then I noticed it was a brass or part brass locomotive and that the detail level was quite highly detailed. When I asked the price I was told to make an offer, I got it for $10.00. It was the only model railroad item at the sale that I could see.
I took the engine home where it sat until yesterday, I took it apart and gave it a good cleaning.
I was surprised at how easy it cleaned up with hot water and detergent. Under all the dirt I found that the engine was lettered for the Southern Pacific Railroad - Yes it was that dirty that you could not even see the lettering. I think the engine was actually at some point in time a victim of an especially poor weathering job where some type of weathering paint was used.
After the engine was cleaned up there were only a few spots where I needed to get out my engine black paint. I also found markings indicating the engine was made in Japan. A search of the web actually came across a duplicate engine. The engine is a Max Gray HO locomotive, or rather was imported by Max Gray.
When tested after cleaning, the engine surprisingly ran quite well. At first you could hear the motor huming but there was no movement. I gave it a push and it would move. This went on for a few minutes and then later the engine was running surprisingly well.
This engine is very detailed, all soldering is intact with no loose joints evident. I am very glad I lucked out and found the engine. I am sure I will never run across such a great deal again.
I had heard of Max Gray, I know they imported O gauge locos and other items. I did not know that they had ever imported HO. Were their HO items considered quality brass or were they considered unr
I have a Max Grey PRR G-5 4-6-0 and it is as good as any of my other brass engines from other manufacturers. I don’t know what the value would be if you were to sell it. Pretty sure you could get more than ten bucks for it[;)] There are books out there that would give you a good estimate of the approximate value if you do some investigating. Dan Glasure’s book comes to mind.
From a quick search, it looks like Max Gray’s imports (or at least some of them) were built by Katsumi. KTM was one of the top brass builders of the time, so you should have quite a good piece of HO scale brass. And for $10!? That would even be a steal for a Ken Kidder 0-4-0!
Wow, that is it exactly. It is the version without the skyline streamlining. Although the number on the cab is 4320
I noticed that you found it in the Balboa catalogue. I assume then that Max Gray imported the Katsumi models as well as others. The ad on the link indicates it has a Katsumi quite drive. This engine runs suprisingly quite, which was a pleasant surprise.
In comparison I have a Sierra 2-6-6-2 that sounds sort of similar to a coffee grinder, acutally decent running engine just loud due to the all metal drive train components. I had been in touch with NWSL who advised me that by year’s end they hope to have a full gear conversion for the Sierra 2-6-6-2’s
We might have the same locomotive, LOL! I picked up a used Max Gray SP 4-8-2 at the Roseville train show about 5 years ago. It’s an SP MT-3 w/o the skyline casing and is one HUNKER of a locomotive–must weight in the vicinity of 5 pounds or so. Nice runner, hauls like a team of oxen.
It’s not the only Max Gray I have–I’ve picked up several over the years, an SP AC-8 cab-forward and an SP AC-9 ‘cab-backward’ 2-8-8-4. All are fine runners, and extremely well detailed for their ages (I’d put them in the 1960’s). I know that Max Gray imported through Balboa, and I believe Akane for a time. It’s classic Japanese brass with big open-frame KTM motors and simple, but excellently machined drives. Quiet is right. If I were going to go DCC, I’d probably change out the motors for new canon types, but the open-frames are surprisingly low on amp draw and run just fine for what I need.
This is the only photo I have of the MT-3, and she’s kinda/sorta hidden behind a tailings trestle, but as I said, she’s a dang good lokie!
I am so lucky that when the previous owners tried to weather the loco they used water soluble paints. The engine cleaned up so well that you can not tell it is anything but factory painted. Yes, the engine is surprisingly heavy, it can pull a 10 Walthers passenger cars up a 2 1/2 % incline without pausing.
Like I said, I am sure I will never run into a deal like that again.
Interesting enough while I have 12 or 13 brass steamers none are Max Grays, have a opportunity to purchase a Max Gray DRGW L105 4-6-6-4.
while I’m familiar with the name it’s being one of the early and more respected importers,because of its age (erected 1962) and being in a bit rough shape, needing some minor parts and some touching up of the paint. Suppose to be a good runner so was wondering about the value of this engine.he’s asking $495’
From what I been able to glean while looking around it’s probably a fair
Price. Brown book listing states $395 and we know those are 1980 prices. So figured after finding this older post i’d run this up the flag pole again to see if I could get some updated opinions!
Be sure to see it run first if at all possible. The L-105 probably was a great engine when new, and if it hasn’t been abused it probably still is. I once owned a Max Gray HO Erie K-5A Pacific, and it was a heavy brute, built like a battleship. That price is probably a good deal in today’s market. I certainly know dealers who would demand more. Considering the fact it needs some detail work, the question “is it worth it?” is up to you. I say if you can afford the asking price, it’s probably worth it.
I would open it up to the motor and gearing and clean and lube there and lube out the running gear, I always throw oil on the siderods, pistons, valve gear. Give it some run time to squeak out issues, breakin.
This could possibly be the L-105 that was later imported by Westside models, and if so, they are excellent runners and VERY strong pullers. Usually when one finds them on the market, they’re going for $395-495 and considering the workmanship and running qualities, are bargains at those prices. I’ve got two of the Westsides on my own layout, both with their original motors, and because of the reduction gearing mechanism, are very smooth running locos. And HEAVY! In fact, my local hobby shop has a used one in their brass case going for $495, which is the same price I paid for my two used ones some 10 years ago.
Pulled the trigger on the DRGW L105’ pretty sure I’ll be happy with it,what it needs is 3 tender steps that have gone missing plus the front coupler and the number board on the engineers side have been bent slighty.
that and I’ll need to repaint the cab and possible the tender.purchased from Dan Glasures Brass Trains.com so am quite confident.
in the comments it stated that it runs well and handles 36" curves with ease.
would post its ad but couldn’t figure that one out lol
I have one spot where my minimum radius is 34" and the L-105 slides around it with absolutely no problem. IIRC, they’re built to handle down to 26", but of course with a fearsome overhang, lol! You can probably get the replacement tender steps from either Cal-Scale or PSC. I think you’ll like it, it will more than likely haul everything you’ve got and then some. Here’s mine on a 36" curve.
Absolutely gorgeous, G.N.! I love the Sunburst (I tried putting one on mine, but kept screwing it up, hence the horizontal stripes, lol!). And I’m sure it will run just as good as it looks. I think that the Rio Grande L-105’s are simply the most beautiful Challengers ever built–with the NP Z series running a very close second. Enjoy!!
