“Are these collectables that should only be run on occasion or can they be a main loco on the line?” It depends on the owner. I buy brass engines that appeal to me for some reason or the other. Now I have various types of them from different eras and so most can only be run as part of an excursion train our just for my own pleasure. verse
Unless you buy a BRASS engine or car as an "investment", (preferably left in its original shrink wrap and box, not run and as painted), then it is just like any other engine to you, and should be able to run to your satisfaction. It is your engine to do with as you choose. Run it all you want. If you keep it lubricated and do not abuse it, it should run 30 or more years with no problems. Normal up keep would be new brushes and occasional cleaning, like any other engine. If you want it painted, spray it, or have it professionally painted and decal'd for you. Brush painting usually covers over the fine rivet detail. If you attempt to paint it yourself, remember it was already painted at the factory, so you will want to strip it. After stripping, you should expect to see discoloration where it has been soldered, so don'ty let that worry you. Spray a light coat of primer, such as zinc chromate, then spray the color coat just enough to obtain a full coloring. Usually two light coats of high gloss. Apply all decals to this for good adhesion, then lightly over spray the whole part with clear dull coat to remove the gloss effect. If you have not painted an engine before, it would be well for you to learn the procedure and practice on a cheapo engine before tackling a "good" one. The engine must be totally disassembled, and all parts will have to be safely kept while you prepare and paint all the parts that will need color. It does require some skill and common sense. NEVER attempt to paint one in assembled condition! Don't get discouraged. Do it over until you are happy with it, and let the "nit-pickers" pick on their own engines!
Watash; This isn't always true. It wasn't until the "era" of Overland, as the dominate importer, that brass came routinely painted from the importer. Prior to that 99% of brass came unpainted, or with just a shield coat in place to protect the brass. Tenshodo offered some of their models painted, but not all. Consider this as well, even Overlands do not enter the country painted. They are shipped in batches to Elba, Al. to Overland's painter who paints them in specific schemes for each model batch.
I was referring to the clear lacquer "paint" they were first shipped with, that later had bronzing powder added to make them look better. They were getting too many complaints about tarnish. You are correct, some were painted and decaled at the factory on special order.
Looking through the thread, I don't see much mention of International Hobby Corporation products. I found a 2-10-2 Sante Fe and a 4-6-4 Hudson, both in CB&Q markings. Are the IHC products quality products and any experiences with them?
I have a couple of the IHC steamers, and both are good runners. I seldom pull more than 9 or 10 cars, but they do that well.
Oh, OK I misunderstood. :angel:All came with at least a clear laquer coating or a "tinted" coating. Some had a electro-plating applied then a clear coat. Those were the one that looked like polished brass.
Carey, Verse, wonderful looking locos. My own favourite steam locos are the Heritage line from Proto 2000, especially with a Tsunami medium steam decoder fitted. http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showphoto.php/photo/18160/cat/843 longer clip http://www.railimages.com/gallery/album508/aak If I had any Shays, Climaxes or Heislers I'm sure they would rank right up there too. Jon
