It's been a generation since those models were produced. Sam Model Tech was organized from the remnants of Samhongsa. Now all we need is a replacement for Bobbye Hall and Hallmark.
And they are still running strong! Key Imports was going to release more steam especially ATSF Texas Types and 4-8-4. They took deposits and then shut it all down in N Scale. They resurfaced briefly but I think then they shut down for good. Deposits were never refunded. So if any new player gets into the brass locomotive game, it will be difficult for me to do business with them after what happened with Key Imports. Unfortunately, the market has changed so much that there are no more Bobbye Hall's left. And none of the new internet companies that replaced the brick and Mortar shops is either willing, or has good enough margins and profits for the investment to get into the game. The cost of the tooling alone for something like a 4-8-4 or a 2-10-4 is probably more money than they clear in a year.
That's why I'm so surprised to see this new announcement from GHB. They've only done a couple of N scale brass models, and those were way back in the 80's. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out. Cheers, -Mark
I admire your skill and willingness to add a decoder to a brass model. How many of us have the skill and desire to tackle that kind of job? I bet not to many. I really lost interest in modeling in N Scale. I do my running in N Scale and my modeling in On30. Very rewarding.
After the Key situation and the even more widespread CMT (Canadian Model Trains) customer rip off, it will be hard for companies to require an advanced deposit. When it's ready to ship, ask for money, may not work for many manufacturers. They will have to self finance the projects. How many manufacturers are willing to tie up the kind of cash it will take to finance a brass loco? Figure from start of project to ship is at least a year if all goes well. I just don't see many companies being able to follow this business model. I'm going to start a new thread asking the question, "If a company offered a high quality brass locomotive, would you give a deposit up front?
Brass runs are less than a 100 produce per model and plastic runs are over 300 or more. If there was a manufacture, not an importer, in the states and runs over 300 it might be different. The exchange rate drives the prices up. As for myself it's put on hold for N scale. I have modern Diesel collection and will post some pictures this weekend with some other thoughts on the subject.
I probably can't afford the repair, so shouldn't ask this, but I have an N Scale brass steam locomotive made by Oriental Limited that has suffered a solder failure that has allowed a detail part in the valve gear to bind and it appears some other moving parts might be misaligned. Frankly, I can't recall exactly what's up with it all. The locomotive was a gift and I feel badly that I can't run it. Is there a shop somewhere which has someone competent in brass locomotive repairwork? I'm beginning to think that work on brass is a lost art, supplanted by 3D printing. Thank you.
Thanks for that. Ron and I traded some locomotives some time ago, each gaining something they wanted. I'll look him up.
Hey, Don't give up on your steam Locomotive. I do know there are two items needed for a correct repair. One is a quartering gig, which I don't have and a resistance soldering system. The only one I can think of which might be able to help is Brian Marsh at Overland hobbies. He did import brass a few years ago.You should give him a call, he might be able to recommend someone. Talk at you later Dave
If only there was some kind of special glue that once cured locked parts together...oh wait, it's called epoxy! You can always try using a small amount of that to reattach the faulty part...
I was thinking along those lines too Jeff. I can solder wires, but soldering on a brass locomotive invites other tiny parts to fall away if the heat migrates and a small problem could be made far worse. In the words of Inspector Harry Callahan, "A man's got to know his limitations" and I know mine.
Brass may e nie buti for one can't affordit. Seemslike it's a wealthy man's hobby. I remember when LL started making nice running locos for around $20.00, i was a happy camper. I have a bunch and love them. I do have a brass Key 2-6-6-2 that i got frm a friend leaving the hobby, but he gave me a good deal. Price is why a lot of us can't suppot those who produce the nice brass equipment.
Yes, the problem with soldering is that brass is an excellent conductor of heat and by the time everything gets hot enough to melt solder, other already soldered parts are starting to fall off. Don't ask how I know...
