Brass Model Trains
Brass model trains are known for their highly detailed finish and fine craftsmanship. Usually made in limited runs, these are prized by collectors who often keep them on display and never run them at all, though others use them to great advantage in their layouts. They have a solid feel and an impressive look.
Brass model trains really got their start in Japan. Early models were built by individual craftsmen and distributed by International Models in New York. Tenshodo is one of the earliest and still the best known of the Japanese companies while many models were also produced by United, a company that literally represented many of the individual craftsmen and brought them together under one name. The best known importer at the time was Pacific Fast Mail (PFM).
Manufacturing has since moved to Korea where the name Samhongsa was known for extremely high quality, though they no longer manufacture brass trains. Some of the better known Korean companies doing good work today are Ajin, Sam Model Tech and Boo-Rim.
Though the purchase price of a brass train is usually much higher than its plastic counterpart, they retain and often increase in value over the years. Brass models are not for everyone but if you appreciate fine engineering and craftsmanship, you may be the kind of person who should consider starting a brass train collection today.
Brass model trains are known for their highly detailed finish and fine craftsmanship. Usually made in limited runs, these are prized by collectors who often keep them on display and never run them at all, though others use them to great advantage in their layouts. They have a solid feel and an impressive look.
Brass model trains really got their start in Japan. Early models were built by individual craftsmen and distributed by International Models in New York. Tenshodo is one of the earliest and still the best known of the Japanese companies while many models were also produced by United, a company that literally represented many of the individual craftsmen and brought them together under one name. The best known importer at the time was Pacific Fast Mail (PFM).
Manufacturing has since moved to Korea where the name Samhongsa was known for extremely high quality, though they no longer manufacture brass trains. Some of the better known Korean companies doing good work today are Ajin, Sam Model Tech and Boo-Rim.
Though the purchase price of a brass train is usually much higher than its plastic counterpart, they retain and often increase in value over the years. Brass models are not for everyone but if you appreciate fine engineering and craftsmanship, you may be the kind of person who should consider starting a brass train collection today.
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