I just got a PRR K-4 from a relative and got the outside cleaned from all of the dust and crud that is on from storage and sitting on a layout. The engine was made by a company Called Untied Models I think in the 1960’s… the train it self had a PFM Sound System II speaker installed in the tender by the previous owner (not my relative)… I was wondering, does anybody know if this company still exists or I can find some documentation on the model, specifically an illustrated parts breakdown? I could not find it on the web…
United was an importer of Japanese made brass locomotives back in the 1960’s and '70’s. IIRC, their full name was United Tenshodo, which is long gone. I doubt that you’d even be able to find parts to fit one of those engines.
This sounds like an old brass model built by United and imported by PFM. They are long out of business(I think…). PFM(Pacific Fast Mail) was an early importer of brass models and was based in the Seattle area. They imported a lot of brass through the years that was made by United, Tenshodo, and Fuji.
Jim Bernier
Thanks for the info… how was the quality of the engines from these companies in the 60’s era? The engine still runs nicely, and the apperance is nicely detailed.
I have one of the United PRR K4’s and they were state of the Art in 1968 or so, but fall way short of detail today by Brass and even most plastic models. They are still nice and if it runs well, enjoy the model. They have an open frame motor and a rubber tube between the motor and gearbox shaft, which is probably very poor condition after many years, but that is an easy replacement and will allow the model to run even better if it is replaced.
All in all, they are worth keeping and using for DC layouts. The problem with most brass models is they were designed to pick up power on the left side of the tender and the right side of the engine, which is not desirable with DCC or sound. The new models pick up power on most all of the wheels both side to eliminate drop outs and problems. The motor has to be isolated also if you want to use DCC or sound in it.
As to the quality of the drive train, you probably could not wear it out in our lifetime on a club or small layout. They normally used brass gears and worms and only need some lubrication.
Pacific Fast Mail was generally thought of as the premiere source for brass in the 1960s and 70s. Their “Crown” series was particularly prized. The engine may have some value as a collector’s item quite part from its potential use on your layout, although the original box usually helps there. There is or used to be a publication called the Brown Book that gave values for older brass. Someone with the PFM sound system may desire your locomotive on that basis alone.
Dave Nelson
BOWSER sells replacement tubing that should fit. If your tube is getting hard and cracked it is time to replace. They usually just break.
I still remember United & Pacific Fast Mail advertising in Model Railroader when I was a paperboy. Upon further investigation I realized I’d need to own the newspaper to afford one for my HO layout.
This PRR K-4 sounds like a keeper!