Anyone here (very familiar with brass) have any first hand experience with any of the new BLI brass models?
If so please share your opinion of the models. I'm curious being that I model NYC (B&A) and they are coming out with an L4 Mohawk type.
One thig I found very odd is that when I contacted BLI they would not disclose who their builder is over in Korea. It's strange because certain builders are more desirable because of reputation than others. If you want to sell to brass buyers it really helps to disclose this information.
Certain manufacturers have a greater "pedigree" of quality than others.
Thanks!
Martin
How many builders are left in Korea?
The Sam Tech stuff has been really nice so far, but it seems they are doing more passenger than anything else.
Hudson wrote: Anyone here (very familiar with brass) have any first hand experience with any of the new BLI brass models? If so please share your opinion of the models. I'm curious being that I model NYC (B&A) and they are coming out with an L4 Mohawk type.One thig I found very odd is that when I contacted BLI they would not disclose who their builder is over in Korea. It's strange because certain builders are more desirable because of reputation than others. If you want to sell to brass buyers it really helps to disclose this information. Certain manufacturers have a greater "pedigree" of quality than others.Thanks!Martin
We can only speculate on what their brass quality will be in the future. I looked at the only one out on the market, the PCM 4002 Big Boy at Caboose Hobbies last month. I have two Key models that are very close overall to the new PCM Brass model. If we look at the quality issues with the plastic and die cast line, you can calculate the overall quality of the new offerings.
If you want any of their brass, wait until it is in the stores and take a close look at the detail and running qualities before you buy. It is my thought all of the brass and hybrids will be a hard sell and maybe all will be TBD before they are imported. They are still taking reservations for the #1 Scale Cab Forward and it has been TBD for some time now.
A good friend recently bought one of the new CNR J-7 locos from Division Point North. It was built by Boo-Rim, in Korea, and is the most nicely-done and best running brass loco that I've ever seen. Certainly not cheap, though!!
Wayne
Hudson wrote:One thig I found very odd is that when I contacted BLI they would not disclose who their builder is over in Korea.
One thig I found very odd is that when I contacted BLI they would not disclose who their builder is over in Korea.
Not only that. They even do not say the number of models they would import. This in my eyes would be even more important to know than the builder. But of course there is some kind of ranking concerning quality of builders.
I would suggest to order a KEY IMPORTS Mohawk. They announced them, too, and most if not all of their models are now produced by BooRim. This is one of the very finest. With KEY IMPORTS models you always know what you get.
Um, I don't think any manufacturer will tell you the number of models to be produced. That's top secret stuff. I have never seen proof of any size production run for model railroading. Sure, some people will guess, but I have never seen anyone give out production numbers. Overland is about the only one that will put "1 of 55" on the bottom of a model, but 55 of what? That number? That type? That day? Who knows?
Paul A. Cutler III************Weather Or No Go New Haven************
Paul3 wrote: Um, I don't think any manufacturer will tell you the number of models to be produced. That's top secret stuff. I have never seen proof of any size production run for model railroading. Sure, some people will guess, but I have never seen anyone give out production numbers. Overland is about the only one that will put "1 of 55" on the bottom of a model, but 55 of what? That number? That type? That day? Who knows?Paul A. Cutler III************Weather Or No Go New Haven************
Check the link that I provided in the post above. While production numbers aren't given for all models, they're very specific for the CNR J-class Pacifics.
I do have some very nice Key models. I actually have an L-2A and L-3B both imported during the 80's, very nice models.
It's my understanding though that the latest run of Key Mohawks has been held up indefinitely.
VAPEURCHAPELON wrote: Hudson wrote: One thig I found very odd is that when I contacted BLI they would not disclose who their builder is over in Korea. Not only that. They even do not say the number of models they would import. This in my eyes would be even more important to know than the builder. But of course there is some kind of ranking concerning quality of builders.I would suggest to order a KEY IMPORTS Mohawk. They announced them, too, and most if not all of their models are now produced by BooRim. This is one of the very finest. With KEY IMPORTS models you always know what you get.
Hudson wrote: One thig I found very odd is that when I contacted BLI they would not disclose who their builder is over in Korea.
My latest model from Key late 2006 ( UP 9029 4-12-2) was by the Samtech group. Key is using them on many projects also. My last DVP model was by BooRim is is very nice also. Both of these builders do a fantastic job, but they are expensive to purchase.
The latest Global Outlet 5011 series SF 2-10-4 is by Sammodel Tech Co also. There are other builders such as Ajin, which still builds models for Overland.
Cheers
Thanks Folks!
So far the pertinent responses agree with my gut!
The "Brown Book" is pretty authoritative for numbers of brass models imported, by type and by year, up through publication (I think it was '94).
It's not unusual for a brass import to be delayed for substantial periods of time - indeed, watching the brass market, it's sort of unusual for them to arrive on the advertised (although I should note that I have only been watching PSC of late). The arrival time isn't any indication of quality, but I will tell you that I would be reluctant to pay the prices BLI asks without knowing who the manufacturer is, and I definitely wouldn't buy a brass model from a manufacturer whose identity the importer conceals without seeing it run on a test track.
http://mprailway.blogspot.com
"The first transition era - wood to steel!"
MidlandPacific wrote: The "Brown Book" is pretty authoritative for numbers of brass models imported, by type and by year, up through publication (I think it was '94). It's not unusual for a brass import to be delayed for substantial periods of time - indeed, watching the brass market, it's sort of unusual for them to arrive on the advertised (although I should note that I have only been watching PSC of late). The arrival time isn't any indication of quality, but I will tell you that I would be reluctant to pay the prices BLI asks without knowing who the manufacturer is, and I definitely wouldn't buy a brass model from a manufacturer whose identity the importer conceals without seeing it run on a test track.
The third edition of the Brown Book has a copyright of 1994. I have all three books since Ray Brown was a friend and fellow member of the old Lockheed club. I still use my copies to research older brass and catalog my models.
You are right about the schedules for brass importers, and I would not reserve any models ahead of time without seeing the model any longer. In the past, I have reserved models and was not happy with them after I got them. We are so used to seeing the schedules that current model importers are publishing that we actually believe them. Brass has become such a small nich of the model train market since the die cast metal and plastic models have stepped up to the plate and delivered some great looking models. The latest die cast metal and plastic offering have continued to run better than ever before. Brass at its best does not run like the latest PCM Die Cast Metal Big Boy's. I have the Key models with and without coasting drive, and the PCM runs better. I will only run the PCM Big Boys models now since they can go around normal curves and pull much longer trains than any of the brass I own.
I have
Yeah, John Glaab wrote it - great guy, runs my LHS.
The diecast models are first rate - I actually took my old Gem Ma&Pa 4-6-0 and compared it to a Bachmann - untweaked (as the Gem then was) there was no contest. The Gem pulled a bit better but it would've taken a LOT of work to get it to perfection, and I could sell it and replace it with a pair of 4-6-0s. So I did.
I'm not yet convinced the diecast engines are built for the ages like a lot of brass is - let me run the plating off the wheels, as Twhite has on some of his Akanes, and I'll believe it (althought that's going to take me about forty years).
The thing I miss is the middle of the road brass - the moderately-sized runs of affordable locos that were the bread and butter of PFM, Sunset and WSM. On the other hand, secondhand brass is very affordable these days, and it's easy to improve and upgrade.
I'm not convinced the small-run, expensive stuff is always mechanically good. I buy my brass to run, and I suspect a lot of the modern high-end brass is really built for display - you can put it on the track and get it to run, but it's really meant to be looked at. That's why I would exercise caution, particularly if the builder's unknown.
MidlandPacific wrote: I'm not convinced the small-run, expensive stuff is always mechanically good. I buy my brass to run, and I suspect a lot of the modern high-end brass is really built for display - you can put it on the track and get it to run, but it's really meant to be looked at. That's why I would exercise caution, particularly if the builder's unknown.
As I noted earlier, the CNR J-class Pacific, by Boo-Rim, looks great and is a superb runner. Right out of the box, it started smoothly and ran easily at all speeds on DC. It makes almost no sound whatsoever, tracks well, and is also a respectable puller. It would be a shame if most of these machines are bought by collectors who have no interest in enjoying their fine running qualities.
On the subject of older brass, and those mid-range offerings, too: many of them can be easily upgrade with can motors, and, if necessary, new gearing. I have done many of these for others (also redid my only brass loco, too ) and the owners were willing to spend money on the upgrades because the locos were already proven to be solid, dependable runners. I see no reason why you shouldn't upgrade these locos cosmetically, either, if you wish. Of course, my view of locomotives is somewhat similar to that of the prototype: I expect them to run and to run well because I bought them to pull trains. If they look good doing it, so much the better.