does anyone have any tips for someone looking to purchase a used brass locomotive? i’ve always wanted to have a brass steam locomotive, and i have recently found a very nice looking ho scale V&T mogul, that is realitivly inexpensive. thanks for the help fellas.
Honestly, one should do background research on the model’s accuracy, operating characteristics and limitations, wheel wear, typical selling price and availability, if you desire to more than just look at the model in a display case. Starting without any of this background info often leads to buying a pig in a poke.
Not knowning for sure the vintage and manufacturer of the V&T mogul you are interested in, I’ll point out that the earlier (often less expensive) brass models, particularly those of small wheel arrangement, generally are poor runners, had poor electrical pick-up and were weak pullers. Likewise, earlier models were both less detailed and often less accurate. The MEW examples listed in the Brown Book (the only V&T moguls listed therein up to 1994) are of 1970 vintage and, although inexpensive, are not something I’d choose to operate on my layout unless I was familiar with rebuilding and re-motoring.
CNJ831
Try reputable dealers on the internet, Yes, there are a few, they have a great selection and are usually guaranteed if you are not satisfied, you will pay a lot for a popular locomotive or super detailed rare models, but there are lots of great reliable brass models out there, trying to find a bargain on e-bay is not like it was, people bid on anything, brass tenders for $450.00 Yikes. also a previous forum noted brass prices seem to be coming down and no one seemed to know why.
Google up: HO SCALE BRASS LOCOMOTIVES, and you’ll get quite a listing for brass dealers. Frankly, I’d avoid E-Bay like the plague–some of the prices there are beyond ridiculous. My recommendation would to to check out CABOOSE HOBBIES in Denver, and PEACH CREEK SHOPS in Maryland for starters–they’re reputable and their prices are fair. There are also a number of other dealers on the list.
I could be mistaken, but the V&T Mogul might be a Pacific Fast Mail import from the 1960’s or '70’s, since PFM imported several V&T prototypes. Their locomotives were, for the most part, very reliable and well made.
Tom
[:D]
Here’s a helpful hint. Be prepared to spend a bit of money.
If you can check it out in person and see it running do it!! Photos can hide an amazing amount of defects or problems. I have dealt with the following brass dealers and can recommend them for selection and service, they also have extensive websites with photos, descriptions and prices: Don Black Brass trains at www.donblack.com,Mitchell’s at www.mitchells.com, Piermont Division(Dan’s Train Depot) at ww.brasstrains.com. Buy the most complete model you can find/afford, trying to find small parts or hard to find pieces (such as tenders) can be very time consuming and more expensive than paying for a better specimen in the first place. Depending how much of a rush you are in watch ebay for prices (can vary wildly) and availabilty to give yourself an idea on the price range and how “rare” or not that particular model really is.