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Brass trains

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  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Midtown Sacramento
  • 3,340 posts
Posted by Jetrock on Friday, March 5, 2004 9:56 PM
Because some prototypes aren't available in anything but brass! If you have a source for GE or Baldwin-Westinghouse steeplecab electric freight motors in plastic, or Niles interurban cars, heck, point me to 'em and I'll buy 'em!!

Right now the only brass I own are two single-truck Birney trolley cars, which match the prototype I run. The closest thing I've seen in plastic was a plastic casting of a Bendigo Tramways birney, which cost more than I paid for either of my two Birneys ($80) and didn't even include motor, trucks or trolley poles.

And yes, brass holds its value, in fact it gains considerable value over time if kept in good condition.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 5, 2004 8:47 PM
I've said this before, brass pieces hold their value and can almost be thought of as an investment. They are railroad specific. They are super detailed and generally of higher quality than other items available. If you have the money brass is a better buy than any other model available.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 5, 2004 8:40 PM
My number 1 reason?
Accurate modeling.[^] I model the Western Maryland, and while many diesels are available, most even painted for the WM, Only 1 accurate plastic steamer is available. The Bachman I-1 decapod is oh-so-close, but if you want the biger I-2, you gotta go brass. Bachman does a 2-8-0 in WM paint, but it's too lightweight and small for a WM model. IHC does several engines lettered for WM, but every last one of them is dead wrong for the WM. Much more accurate models are avaiable in brass. My personal favorite, the WM 4-8-4 Potomac, is only available in brass.
True, brass is more expensive, but they should not be viewed as the fragile, poor running pieces of art some folks may have you believe. They are usually fairly easy to remotor with can motors and flywheels if needed. They usually have lots of space for additional weight and decoders too! Frankly, after converting lots of brass H-7s, H-8s, H-9s, I-1s, I-2s, and J-1s to DCC,(most for a friend who also models the WM) I'm more comfortable converting brass to DCC than most plastic steamers now!
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 5, 2004 8:35 PM
I buy brass passenger cars only. Yes, they are expensive, however, the advantage is that the cars I buy are railroad specific. The advantage is that while the detail of passenger cars has gotten better, it is expensive to produce cars specific to each railroad in plastic.
Ch
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Brass trains
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 5, 2004 7:59 PM
What is the reason of buying brass?
They are expensive and you have to paint them. Brass companies like Overland models makes alot of train that you cannot get from other companies.

Can someone tell me why you bye brass, if you buy them, and what are the advantages of brass?

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