No experience with brass stuff so far, but what I know is that they are not made to run ... [xx(]

Believe it or not most won't work at all off the box without major work, so if yours does; be happy

Many things can be said on this but ...

Cem.

Au contraire, Sir,

I am as familiar as with american(vintage) and european brass model as well as Marklin models. Here is my view;

Most of brass locomotives built in the mid nineties to today are terrific runners.
A lot of japanese made brass locomotives of american and european prototypes built in the seventies to early early eighties have exquisite details, they are the most solid built and are the best ever runners. Since the range of prototype made brass models are much wider and their production run are very small ( as little as 30 units per release...) than high volume die cast/ plastic model the variances between a good runner and lousy runner are more evident. Some of brass importers were/are better in keeping a good quality across their releases (models) others were not good about it. We all know that even with Marklin have good models and lemons.

My first model was K.Bay.Sts S2/6 from Fulgurex. As far as accuracy and detail, I would say that is bellow the current Brawa model. As far as running quality, it was a lousy one: Not much of low speed and it sounded like swing machine. I replaced that model with a Trix Fine Art S 2/6 and I consider to be one of my best brass european model that I own.

My experience with Trix Fine Art has being a mix bag. Besides the K.Bay.Sts S 2/6 and 1841 1A1 "Bavaria", both great runners, I "owned" a K.P.E.V. T 16 "double cab" that had some gearbox problem. I send back to Marklin to repair under warranty to never see it again... [:0][:(!][:(].
This says a lot why Marklin ditched the Fine Art line...

These are my opinion of some other european brass model makers:

Lemacos: They are very solid and very good runners made in Korea by Samhongsa
Metropolitan: Very likely the best runners, but this company folded sometime in the 90's.
Micro Metakit: Very likely the Rolls-Royce of brass models. They models are packed so much detail, it's mind boggling! For instance, I own a BR 05.03 "cab forward". This model has functional wheel shutters and tender hatches. And more amazing, a fully detailed boiler under the aerodynamic shroud.

As far as if brass models can run for long time as mass produced die cast/ plastic models, I would say that many of these models will likely do it. But would you really want to do it since they usually cost 3 to 5 times as much? I myself run them all my brass models perhaps between 10-20hs each model per year. For the purpose of leaving a locomotive running on layout hours end, I rather run my Marklins.

Most of brass models have a rather simple and oversized designed gearboxes with gears made of combination of brass, steel or nylon. I have seen some american prototype of brass models that are 30 and even 40 old and heavy used rarely in need gearboxes to replaced. The main issues are in general bad current conductivity due to open frame high current draw motors and heavy tire wear. Both motor and driver wheels can be replaced with some little skills. As long as brass models are properly maintained and kept clean it will run well for eons.

One more thing Cem, I never lost money in the resale of used brass model. Okay, only case point when Marklin didn't retuned the T 16... Some brass models, I was able to sell as much as 4 times what I paid and I didn't have to wait 40-50 years praying to not be plagued by zyncpest.

Ed

I would elect a 3 or 4 prototypes and find out who made model them. You should do a lot of research before you go ahead an decide to buy any.

If you are looking for american brass models there are some few books that will give a list of models and prices (not really valid after existence of internet and ebay).

Look for old editions of "Brown Book" brass guide and for the history of brass, "The Brass Train Guide Book" by Dan Glasure.

I am not aware of brass catalog book for european models. If anybody has this information, I would be very glad if you share with us.

Ed

One thing. I don't want to fade your enthusiasm in buying brass, but I hope you are not talking about making digital to run on Marklin system. Most , with exception of some Trix Fine Art were only produced to run on DC. While is possible to convert into AC with decoder such Loksound, the real roadblock will be the lack of NEM high flange wheels. If you goal is to convert DC into DCC is very straight forward since the trucks are usually insulated from chassis of electrics.

Good luck,

Ed

Hello Cem, that is what I meant. I also would look for curves that would be no tighter than 30-34cm radius. If you have the idea of what specific models are you looking for perhaps I can tell who made them.

Ed

I don't think "cheaper" and "brass" go together!

My response to all of the badmouthing of plastic locos would be the little Hornby 0-4-0 I had aged four or so. I ran the wheels off that thing, and it lasted fifteen years before I needed to replace the drive gear. Not a problem as parts were readily available, and not bad at all considering that the same models are still being sold for under £20. That cheap toy ran for years!

That's it!

I seem to have been a bit clumsy on my first post in this thread, what I was wondering is that one pays a price for a Märklin or Brawa.A cool fine scale highly detailed,delicate model.

I heard some scuttlebutt that there were some design problems.
They will be worn out in a short time, they will not last , and no spare parts.

I was wondering if any one had had/know; any of these problems please?

Thanks.