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Falling cost of brass

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  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 8:30 PM

One thing I notice is how many sellers try to "clear out" their inventory when a mass-market locomotive is announced. Presently I'm seeing it with PRR P5a electrics. Before that it was the PRR S2 Turbine, Baldwin Centipedes and a few others that escape me at the moment.

Market forces at work. Just about all the brass I've acquired were bought at what I would consider below the "market average". It all gets painted and RUN.

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 7:25 PM

I got this for $35.00. I won't chase it but will pounce when the oppourtunity presents itself.

  

I would like to get it shiny again.

 

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 6:06 PM

I have been thrilled with the bargains on brass out there lately.

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I have accumulated a full fleet of can motored USRA designs that were imported in the 1980s for less than I paid for my PowerHouse USRA Light Mikados when they were new.

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-Kevin

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Living the dream.

  • Member since
    February 2019
  • 82 posts
Posted by micktropolis on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 5:42 PM

I've been keeping a close eye out myself for certain pieces for sure. Having made the jump to DCC and wanting sound has made investing in (pre-owened and older) brass a little more difficult however. 

I haven't purchased any brass besides my BLI 4-12-2, but I see adding some more unique UP steam to the roster that isn't available in plastic. Assuming I can get the jump on them.

Moderator
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Northeast OH
  • 17,249 posts
Posted by tstage on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 5:41 PM

Over the past 3-4 years I've bought a few NYC-specific brass locomotives for my roster.  All of them were "pre-owned but they were in very good shape cosmetically - particularly a nearly mint H-10a 2-8-2 Mike I've had a hanker for, for a while:

Eventually I'll paint and detail it but I want to convert it DCC first.

A few more brass NYC locomotives on my bucket list but I can wait:

  • NYC L-2a 4-8-2 Mohawk w/exposed Elesco FWH
  • NYC H-7 2-8-2 Mike w/Elesco FWH
  • NYC NE-2 2-6-6-2 switcher
  • NYC DES-3 GE 3-power boxcab

It's fun to have some unique and unusal locomotives that - more than likely - will NEVER be offered in plastic.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
  • 17,574 posts
Posted by BRAKIE on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 5:31 PM

I jumped at the chance to buy a United Models Santa Fe 1950 Class 2-8-0 for $125.00 in great condition.

I couldn't say no to that price.

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,668 posts
Falling cost of brass
Posted by rrebell on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 4:52 PM

Well the bug hit me and I bought a Westside Models class A climax, almost mint in box. $225 out the door. I always wanted one of these. So how many of you jump on brass on occasion due to the price coming way down?

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