I’m looking at a (PSC Iron Horse HO “Amtrak” GG1) Precision Scale Brass GG1 on Ebay and wondered if anyone on this forum has any experience with this brand and or model. Any help on average selling price would also help. Owner says condition mint. I don’t plan on operating just want to add to my shelf collection of HO GG-1’s mostly BLI and a couple of Trix. Thanks Bill
I believe the PSC engine is a high quallty brass import. Personally I defy anyone to tell a plastic G from a brass one. For a static display I would recommend a plastic G.
Sadly, its all to easy to separate plastic from good brass. GG1s such as those from IHC, AHM, and others are TERRIBLE. they are misshapen, and sit high on their trucks, mostly to clear the larger motors in the “noses”. They don’t look good on the track next to more prototypical models.
I will give you that the BLI GG1, with all its bells and whistles, is pretty much superior to the brass ones for the price, but any other plastic GG1 does not do the model justice.
In particular, i can guess why he is looking for this particular GG1- High intake vents. Many GG1s were rebuilt with high-intakes because of snow problems (fine snow shorted out motors). No one makes this in plastic. PSC sold whole GG1s with the high intakes, as well as the spare parts to convert existing units, though i have been unable to find either.
Bill:
Can’t help you much with the GG-1, but I CAN chime in as to the quality of PSC locomotives. I have an HO brass Rio Grande F-81 2-10-2 from PSC and the workmanship and detail are of museum quality. Add to that the locomotive being smooth, powerful and quiet (it hauls like a team of oxen, LOL!) and you’ve got yourself a winner. PSC is pricey, but IMO it’s worth every penny.
I’m sure that the GG-1 is a jewel, just from their reputation. And I’m sure that if you ever decide to operate it ‘off the shelf’, it will prove to be a superior locomotive.
And if you ever have problems with it, the people at PSC (In Montana) are there ready to help. VERY nice people!
Tom [:D]
I just looked at the auction. I was kind of surprised to see that it comes as a full kit, so you’ll have some work to do if you buy it. The builder, Nakamura, was one of the best of their time. Once assembled, I’m sure that GG-1 would make a fine model. And you could even get some money back if you turn around and sell those steam engines that are included in that auction, and may end up having the GG-1 for less than a BLI or Trix model.[:D]