I am looking for advice on where to find a value for a brass locomotive that belonged to my father. The locomotive is in a green box labeled United Scale Models C&O "J-3a" 4-8-4. I guessing it dates back to the 1960's but I am not sure. There is an envelope in the box labeled Pacific Fast Mail. The locomotive is tarnished but otherwise appears to be in very good condition. It looks like maybe the coupler on the tender was replaced because it is black plastic. I do not know if it runs. Any suggestions for where to start would be appreciated. Thanks.
What is the approximate gauge of the locomotive? 1 1/4 inches would be O, 7/8 inch would be S, 5/8 inch would be HO. If it is HO (my guess), you will have better luck on the Model-Railroader-Magazine forum.
Bob Nelson
It's HO. I'll post on the other forum. Thanks.
Hello Greg, it sounds like you are describing a box like these. PFM -United made a lot of HO brass in the 60's and 70's. I did see SOME O gauge brass advertised in old Model Railroader magazines. The value nowadays is all over the spectrum.
So, first determine the scale of the model. What is the length, width, and height of the loco by itself ? This would be a starting point for identifying what you have.
Paul