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Apart from PSC, Key (now mainly O-scale) and TCY, (and P-B- L/North West Shortline as a parts retailer), all the modern importers have come into the industry relatively recently. They include Division Point Models (DPM), Glacier Park Models (GPM), Union Terminal Imports (UTI), Albrae Models, The North Bank Line, and River Raisin Models (specialising in S-scale). It is worth noting that they are all based in the West or North-West and their models tend to reflect this. Without exception, all the current projects are outstanding in terms of prototypical accuracy, mechanical perfection and cosmetic beauty. But at a price. Moreover, the trend towards electrical/electronic complexity, including DCC and sound, but also lighting, can result in unfortunate compromises; as illustrated by the recent GPM/Brass Trains U.P. Big Boys. Many of the dealers who once populated the industry have also closed shop, leaving perhaps a handful of significant retailers of which Dan Glaser’s “BrassTrains.com” has become the dominant sales force.
Resources and References
By far the best source of information about historic, current and proposed brass is the website of BrassTrains.com but it does contain errors and remember that they are trying to sell to you!
1. Dan Glasure: The Brass Train Guide Book, Publishing Partners International, 2006.
2. Brass Trains: The Brass Model Trains Price and Data Guide, Vol.2, 2nd Edition, Publishing Partners International,2009.
3. John Glabb: The Brown Book of Brass Locomotives, 3rd
Edition, Chilton Book Company, 1994.
4. James Lenahan: Lenahan’s Locomotive Lexicon, Vols.
1 & 2, 3rd Edition, Chilton Book Company, 1985.
5. Phil & Ruth Kohl: Pacific Fast Mail – 25 Years of Fine
Models, PFM Publications, 1979.
6. Brian Marsh: Overland Models – The First 10 Years,
Overland Models Inc., 1987.
7. Stephen Redding & Donal Baker: The Illustrated Guide to
Santa Fe HO Brass Steam Locomotives, 1st Edition, Redding
Publications, 1997.
8. Seiichi Kumata: The Art of Brass in Model Railroading,
Vols.1 & 2, Presse Eisenbahn, 1982 & 1986.
9. Tenshodo Model Section: Tenshodo Book 1949 – 1999,
Presse Eisenbahn, 2000. (With English Abridgement).
10. Brass Modeler and Collector, Vols. 1 & 2 (6 issues),
N.J. International Inc., 1991-1992.
Finally my thanks to Ian Fergusson for his helpful comments on an earlier version of this text.
Tom Watson
NMRA (British Region) Member Aid Officer
A vintage classic - The Pennsy K4s 4-6-2 PRR# 5338 Streamlined 1940s version, factory painted by Kumata for Alco Models in 1978.
A Royale model - N & W Y-3 2-8-8-2 by GOM for Custom Brass, in 1978.
Japanese factory painting at its best - The Union Pacific 4-8-2 Streamlined 49ner by Katsumi for Key in 1986.
D&RGW K-63 2-8-2 by Samhongsa for Sunset in 1976. This model exemplifies many of the virtues plus several of the vices of early Korean brass. It is impossible to remove the trailing truck.
An outstanding model in every respect - the factory-painted Virginian 700 Triplex 2-8-8-8-4 by Samhongsa for Precision Scale in 1999.
18 ROUNDHOUSE - June 2018