I don't own any brass, but if I did, I wouldn't want it to be painted. I feel like they lose their "expensive brass" look if they are painted. It just looks more like an "average joe" plastic model. Some plastic models are near brass quality, so if it was painted, people might not even realize it is a brass piece.
Most of my cabooses are brass, and all of them are painted, weathered, and lighted. If you're going to keep it in a box as an investment, don't paint it. But if you're going to run it, unless you find an all-brass prototype, paint it! John
I've only contacted a couple of folks, but the price is $200.00 plus. No can do. I'll shine it, I know what it is. It doesn't have coupler boxes. It's a Balboa model from the 70's, how do I install couplers, and do I need to change the trucks to avoid shorts? There are NO coupler Boxes. There are a couple of holes that may be threaded but I don't have the magnification to tell and my local toy store/hobby shop guy is not really a train guy. Sooooooo couplers and trucks are the next issue. Anybody got insight on those 2 issues? 2nd edit who does lighting? I've seen it done with fiber optics, it would be cool to have working lanterns, maybe I'll have to learn to paint and detail!
