I have recently came upon two old Japanesse brass kits from some where between 40s an 60s I believe They ar both steam locos one a Maryland and Penn 2-8-0 and other is a NYC 0-6-0 they have not been built they are in kit form. There is no manufacture on box or in kit they are in a red box and the only info is a tag tied to engines saying Tamaya one cost 35 yen the other 37 yen. If anyone could help me with any info I would sure appreciate it!! Thanks.
Japanesse Brass Question
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Current day Tamiya (http://www.tamiyausa.com/) is a maker of RC cars and plastic model kits. They range from entry level to extremely detailed to race proven (I used to race their TXT-1 monster trucks). They also are associated with MRC. They build power supplies for multiple hobbies and chargers for RC batteries. At one time they made their own locomotives, I do not know the date on that.
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Tamaya made brass engines up until the early/mid 1980's, I believe. Pretty fair quality, as I recall. But not great. I've got a 2-8-2 that is very nice, though noisy. The company also manufactured, and still may, for import companies and marketed the engines under the importers name.
Though not highly sought after, still a decent engine. As mentioned, not as detailed as some but decent runners and noisier than most. Not high end brass, closer to the bottom of its class. I'd buy one if the price were right and the opportunity arose. Probably doing a re-motor and re-gear before putting it on the track. Not a throw away, but you won't retire on its worth either.
Bob
Though not highly sought after, still a decent engine. As mentioned, not as detailed as some but decent runners and noisier than most. Not high end brass, closer to the bottom of its class. I'd buy one if the price were right and the opportunity arose. Probably doing a re-motor and re-gear before putting it on the track. Not a throw away, but you won't retire on its worth either.
Bob
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