"Brass Era"

[Big Walnut Railroader]

Just wanted a general opinion from the group, but what are your thoughts on the "Brass Era" (as I know it as) from the 1980's to mid 1990's? It seems like an interesting time frame, worthy of a book almost, but with publishing costs that might be pushing it. But still the products that came out greatly influenced our modern engines & cars. Names such as Weaver, Williams, Right-of-Way Industries, etc. all made a name for themselves with these products. Again, just wanted to hear/read your opinions of this era.

[Joe Hohmann]

I can only speak to the Williams K4 and streamlined K4 that I bought about 1986. They were considered very detailed at the time. However, many of today's diecast have them beat, detail wise. Also, my 2 engines have no whistle (far less any other sounds), and a smoke system that was useless. These $400. engines are now going on eBay for half that price, or less.

[mersenne6]

  They were the first effort to provide something other than custom brass to the 3 rail market and I think they completely changed the 3 rail hobby.  As with any first effort they did have their problems but, in general, I think they did the job and paved the way to the unbelieveable array of scale brass and diecast trains we take for granted today.  I purchased the Williams Pennsy K4 (early), Pennsy Atlantic, Baldwin Shark, and the Right-of-Way 2-6-6-2 C&O.  They are plain and very limited with respect to detail (in the Williams case the 2 rail versions had more piping detal - this was the trade off between detail and a reversing unit and Seuthe smoke) but they run well and have given good service to my railroad. 

  I know there are a number of hobbiest who have gutted these engines and upgraded both the electronics and the motors.  There are a few who have even taken the time to add details (at one point Williams offered an after market add on of brake shoe detail for the PRR Atlantic, K4, and the Mikado - if memory serve me right they also offered this add on for other engines in their then current line up).

  Rather than try for a book why not try what Northwoods Flyer did - start a thread on the subject and provide information and pictures - Northwoods Flyer's Pre-War American Flyer thread has received a lot of attention and it has been referenced on other sites besides this one.