Steam - Newer Plastic vs. Vintage Brass

I'm looking to invest in some HO steam. The ATSF Hudson and Northern top my list - but also interested in other 40s era locomotives like the Berkshire, Santa Fe, and Texas. I'm planning to install Railpro control on my layout - so not to concerned about DCC - but will be installing sound if possible.

I'm curious what that current take is on older Brass from manufacturers like United, Tenshodo, Key, Westside, etc. vs. Plastic Models from current manufacturers - Broadway, Bachmann, others? Costs seem to be relatively similar between the models - some Brass a little higher, some particular models go for a little higher - what's the overall opinion? If you were starting out and installing Railpro and skipping DCC, what direction would you go?

 

I am a DC operator and have no interest in either Rail Pro or DCC as I am a lone operator. My layout was built for switching and I rarely operate more than one locomotive at a time.

I love the detail that can be found on brass locomotives, but they can get a bit pricey but if you are looking for a particular locomotive brass might be the way to go. I have a number of brass locomotives and have apparently lucked out as they all are fantastic running locomotives. I freelance so having an exact duplicate of a locomotive isn't really necessary although I do connect with two other railroads and the steam engines for those railroads are excellent.

Over the years I have picked up some Bachmann Spectrum locomotives and am quite happy with the way they run. The detail on them of course isn't as good as brass models, but adding a few details and after a bit of weathering, they can be made to look very good. For years I wouldn't touch anything from Bachmann until they brought out their Spectrum line of locomotives which are pretty good. A pleasant suprise, but they had to do something to keep up with the competition.

I do have one MTH heavy mike that does have excellent detail for a plastic steam locomotive. It is DCC and sound equipped. The only reason I picked this one up was because a heavy mike would be the largest locomotive that I would run on the type of layout I have and got it new in the box for $75. A deal I couldn't turn down. You may find a locomotive that will suit you from them. The sound isn't too bad in the MTH locomotive either.

 

I'm pretty much in a similar situation, running all DC in HO scale and thinking about the Bluerail system. My biggest problem is buying used brass locomotives; one I got on eBay was so worn that it could not be fixed. It was a Balboa model, which may not be as good a quality as a Key, which I also have and runs very well. I also have a Bachmann Spectrum Consolidation that runs very well. It can be seen here:

(The tender on this locomotive was swapped out for the correct Vandy tender).

I think if a brass model is not painted, then it's more likely it will have less run time on it. You can also check the wheels for wear (the nickle plate wears off). But then it'll set you back a few hundred to get it painted.

John

 

I have both brass and newer plastic steamers on my layout ...
Older good quality unpainted brass engines are usually in decent shape, and the medium / large models usually have more than enough room for the electronics in the tender . As my layout era is 1890, I have some small brass steam painted, and lettered for my fictional road name .. The newer plastic is mostly geared steam from Bachmann, factory fitted DCC / Sound, as they are small engines, and not easy to work with .. plus the new plastic detail is acceptable, and similar in cost to a older unpainted DC brass engine

 

Here are two consolidations which are the most common steamers I run.


Number 184 is a brass locomotive from PFM and number 189 is an offering from Bachmann. The detail on the Bachmann Spectrum isn't as good as the brass locomotive, but it is an excellent running locomotive.

 

If you're looking for a ATSF northern I'd recomend a Broadway Limited northern. These are beautiful locomotives and run great. Myself and a couple of my club members have those and ATSF 2-10-2s

 

Thanks for the opinions! It was most helpful! I've been really debating between BLI and Brass - the BLI look very nice - but considering the cost similarity, durability, and the available models, I'm leaning towards Key.

 

You used the words "invest". If you mean a return on investment, then high quality brass steam locos are the way to go. Research which brands and years have better quality details. If you have $$$ money for Key brand and another $250 for decoder and paint, go for it.

-- edit --
Just noticed you will use RailPro instead of DCC. Then definitely brass. Comments below are for DCC
-- end edit --

If you are more interested in operating and getting a high level of detail and running without worries, then high quality plastic is much better than brass. No question in my mind.

The BLI plastic-brass hybrids with sound installed can only be equaled by starting with better quality brass, reworking the drive train, and having sound decoders professionally installed. And they are ready to run. And they have backhead detail, not a huge open frame motor hanging out the cab. They just keep getting better. The BLI price is $350-$650, less than brass when you add on the decoder, sound, paint, and professional installation.

My personal choice is a brass loco and lots and lots of DIY. This is not sensible or rational. I do not collect brass. I run locos. For some reason I just prefer brass though when the paint is on no one can tell the difference. Maybe it is because I started model railroading when the only choice was brass or lumpy zinc Mantua locos.

I start with moderate quality brass from eBay, no more than $200 initially. (I am patient and have lost many more auctions than won.) Then I rework the drive train for smooth operation, rewire for DCC, and install a sound decoder.

I am not a brass purist. I am having fun improving a cast zinc 2-8-0 from Roundhouse/MDC.

 

I use the term "invest" loosely. All hobbies are an "investment". Comments much appreciated. Your take was pretty much what I was thinking. Moderate priced older brass in the $100-200 range - I've been mostly looking at Key and Sunset - most of them seem to have nice interior detailing and some even have can motors.

 

Glad to help. All the suggestions were good. Whatever you choose will be correct.

Avoid the scale 300 ft drop to the floor and have fun!

 

I run brass steamers and plastic diesels .Early brass usually needs a new gear box from NWSL or such and a new motor especially if going to DCC.I tend to use cheap 12V chinese motors now from ebay as Mashima are going out of business.Latest one for me to remotor is a Fujiyama /PFM SP 2-6-0. I am waiting for Scalecoat I to arrive .its impossible to get in UK but minute man now mail it across the briny so hopefully it will arrive OK .I prefer baking Scalecoat .I also use 2K auto paint .
martin

 

So how do these cheap motoers work?do you have a brand you prefer?

I have some diesels I'd like to re power.

Thanks,

 

Broadway Limited is the way to go for plastic. I have a few. I model only SP and SF. I have a few spectrum by bachmann but be advised they can't pull like BL engines. To fix that use some frog snot. I have some older brass but for the money which is less ive been extremely happy with BL.

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