Can you explain to a new guy what is so special about Brass? Is it the weight? I've read in one post that modern plastics can be just as nice as brass. Does anyone prefer not to have brass? Any situations where brass is a bad? (Any cons?)
Good morning. I like brass because of the fine detail they have. They do have weight and can pull a significant consist; but, most plastic locos have weight added to them and can pull just as much. Advantage of plastic over brass is obvious; cost. However, brass can retain, or even gain in value over the years. IE, I have a brass cab-forward that I paid $600 for in 1975. Today it's worth three times or more. Disadvantage of brass: Disassembling and reassembling to paint them. Also, they can be prone to mysterious short-outs while running them if you don't get them reassembled right. I have not purchased a brass loco for a long time, because I'm retired and can't afford them anymore. But I love those that I have.
Brass when it comes to DCC is trouble. They make absolutely great runners in the analog world and beautiful shelf queens. Plastic has outdone brass as you can now get hybrids which are a mixture of both brass and plastic for half the cost PLUS with smoke, dcc sound etc. Broadway limited is great when it comes to wanting the details of that brass equipment thats 10 times the cost. I will say this, with brass you have many more options when it comes to steam than whats currently being offered. Some brass has lost it's value where as some models have doubled or trippled in value due to not being available in plastic or the incredible details. You need to look at what fits you -Do you want dcc or are you fine with analog? (If wanting dcc its pricey to have it converted professionally some won't attempt it) -a showcase model aka shelf queen -will your check book allow it? I don't own any brass. Hybrids yes. I personally would go brass if I was running analog just because of the incredible offerings alot of manafactures have yet to offer. You can buy brass for alot less by shopping on ebay, train shows, used equipment sections at most hobby stores which is the case with the aging number of hobbyist that have left prized possessions behind only for the family wanting it gone. Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk
Brass made it's mark with detailing not available in plastic. But that was the past. Today's plastics are capable of becoming magnificent car bodies.
It will be along time before plastic makes many of the locos available in brass if ever. As for shorts .Run em in the dark and you will get some illuminated guidance usually . I agree that to DCC them takes a drilling and often a remotor ,often a new gearbox too for super smooth modern running .its worth it to get the loco you want though .
Nostalgia. Back when I was a kid modeling N-scale in the 80's, like Boxcab said-"brass" was highly detailed compared to the molded plastic locos and such of the time. Plus the uniqueness of specific railroad type of locos and cabooses, details and all. Like the Milwaukee Road, with all the homebuilt rolling stock and all. I never could afford it back then, just dreamed, (and drooled!!), over the adds in Model Railroader, RMC, etc. Now I can afford them, (some are even cheaper than the high end plastic models now!!), so I get them for the nostalgia of it, collecting those from back then. No paint of course, just beautiful shiny brass!
Brass still has more detailing and an added heft to it. Not much, though, and the gap closes with each new issue. If you want to see what brass had over plastic until maybe five years ago, just take a close look at what Rapido is producing and bringing to market. The price is about 1/3 of what a Key Imports or a Division Point would have cost you ten years ago.
