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Brass Locomotives
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[quote]QUOTE: <i>Originally posted by GMTRacing</i> <br /><br />I find that some of the unique locomotives I am interested in are only available in brass. My question is how do they run compared to modern mass produced plastic locomotives, and if I do end up with DCC, are they going to be convertible. i should mention that i am interested in seeing these run, not sit on a shelf appreciating in value. Thanks in advance, J.R. <br />[/quote] <br /> <br />It is an interesting question that really cannot be answered without exceptions to the rule. I agree with many of the comments that have been made and would like to offer some more comments based on my past and present brass models. <br /> <br />Most of the older brass models do not have the quality of the newer plastic models that run much better than almost anything made up to 1980 or so. But like I stated before, exceptions are the rule and any of the older Fuji, Toby, Sakura and some of the Tenshodo Crowns are still excellent runners or can be tuned to run with the best if you are handy with tuning gearboxes, replacing the open frame motors and installing softer springs to allow movement in the drivers. PFM inported from many builders and these were some PFM imported. I find most of the older United and KTM models are good models in general and the drivers are quartered well. They can be tuned to run very well, but the motor has to be replaced to use DCC. The older open frame motors draw a high level of current and make more electrical noise than you can image. <br /> <br />There are some models out there that are not worth the money unless you model that particular engine and cannot do without it. The buyer should beware of just any older model unless you can see it run and be confident it is quality model. For example, the Samhongsa built engines were among some of the best, but the early Samhonsa built models in 1975 to about 1980 were soldered together very poorly. Some of them did not run well, but some were better runners and you must research the particular model if you are trying to find out their quality. <br /> <br />Samhongsa ceased production of any models about a year ago and dropped the business totally, but their models imported by Key in general were among the very finest from 1984 to 2003. The brass market was just to small to devote personnel to the projects. Any of the later Key models were producted by Samhongsa and really are excelent in quality and running performance. Ajin builds for Overland and they had quality problems in the beginning. Since 1990, Overland really has imported some very highly detailed good running models. I have ommited many importers and builders because I am not happy with their products, but some are OK. <br /> <br />This forum is a good place to ask about a model and one of us might own one or know of someone that can give some review for your help. <br /> <br />Good luck and ask questions..
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