Good evening
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.
Here's a photo I can add.
Thanks for your replies and advice in advance.
TF
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.
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
Thanks Rick
There is no model number listed. The only information listed is Great Northern H4 steam locomotive vintage and I added a picture in my original post.
Thanks
I just went and checked, no end label listed
Here:
https://www.brasstrains.com/BrassGuide/Pdg/Detail/35229/N-Steam-Non-Articulated-Key-Model-Imports-Pacific-Great-Northern-4-6-2-H-4
Here's another one that is currently available. Says it runs OK:
https://www.brasstrains.com/Classic/Product/Detail/126579/N-Brass-Model-Key-GN-Great-Northern-H-4-4-6-2-1445-F-P-1981-Run-Made-in-Japan
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.
Cheers, Ed
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.......
Thanks for the info Ed, I'm checking that one out as well. I really admire that thing but I'm second-guessing because of how old it is.
Thanks for the info as well Flying Scotsman.
All this information will help me determine how high I might bid on this thing.
I decided to roll the dice. I was hoping to score closer to a Benjamin but there was a war
Well that's one old west locomotive down. Now I'm looking for a 4-4-0
Thanks for all your help guys as it's always appreciated.
Track fiddlerWell that's one old west locomotive down.
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...
Track fiddlerI decided to roll the dice. I was hoping to score closer to a Benjamin but there was a war
Congratulations on a nifty model.
I have one Key brass locomotive, an HO scale USRA light 4-8-2. It rus great and is beautiful, but as Ed said, that is apples to oranges.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Overmod
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 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.
Track fiddlerAt least it has Great Northern on it and the rusty red and green colors. For some reason I really like those ones.
https://www.broadway-limited.com/images/view.aspx?productId=7517
(They don't make it in N ... yet ... but infuriatingly I see what appears to be a locomotive in these colors illustrating their N scale Mikados...)
Congratulations TF!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
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.
Thanks Dave.
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!
SeeYou190 I have one Key brass locomotive, an HO scale USRA light 4-8-2. It runs great and is beautiful, but as Ed said, that is apples to oranges.
I have one Key brass locomotive, an HO scale USRA light 4-8-2. It runs great and is beautiful, but as Ed said, that is apples to oranges.
Thanks Kevin. Are you using invisible ink? 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
Track fiddlerThanks Kevin. Are you using invisible ink?
For some reason my posts were not showing up immediately over the weekend.
Maybe I was back in moderated status.
SeeYou190 Maybe I was back in moderated status.
It doesn't look like you've been misbehaving as far as I can tell. Looking at your posts of all the work you've been doing is exhausting though.
Maybe the moderators don't like that
Everything is back to normal this morning.
Probably just a glitch. All is good.