The Max Gray Erie K5 was on a par with recent imports from Key and PSC, only constructed a bit better. Gray's imports were top notch in both O and HO.
Thank you! I just called the current owner and pulled the trigger!
Don't hesitate. When I was a kid, come to think of it right around 1964, there was a special case for Max Gray models as the 'crown jewels' of the old Red Caboose store... I still remember looking at them in awe. And they were not as splendidly painted as the one you pictured...
I have the opportunity to buy a locomotive I've wanted for decades, an Erie Class K-5A modernized heavy Pacific, built by KTM and imported by Max Gray way back in 1964. It's in great shape, no damage or loose parts and a perfect paint job. Before I pull the trigger, I'd like to get opinions as to Max Gray locos. I realize such an ancient item isn't going to run like a modern model and is going to need tweaking and tune up, which was expected for brass back then. I will first try supermagnets in the motor and depending on how that works out, maybe a can motor. Not sure if there is room for DCC, that may go in the tender. Anyway, thanks in advance for any help you can offer.