Q and A: Brass Model Train Learning Center

  • We can SELL YOUR MODEL TRAIN COLLECTION but let's look into some of the things that can't be overlooked.

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  • We've INHERITED A COLLECTION of model trains but don't have the ability to sell them ourselves. How can you help?

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  • With so many different Brass Model Train issues, I'm feeling "clear as mud" about how to begin. Can you provide help?

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  • What's going on with some Brass Model Trains that I buy off auction sites? Many are damaged inside the box on arrival.

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  • How can I repack my Brass Model Trains to arrive safely UNDAMAGED when I ship them through UPS and USPS?

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  • I purchased a brass diesel from another seller and it arrived with the end railings bent and broken. What happened?

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  • Before you ship models to us, take a good look at what needs to be repaired, and just send us those components.

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  • Are there certain types of brass model trains that I should be particularly careful about shipping?

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  • Positive outcomes are an important part of Professional Services. What kind of Safe-Shipping expertise do you employ?

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  • I have new old stock brass in perfect condition. Why is it that when I put it on the track it doesn't work at all?

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  • I just received a NJCB NH EF-2. It's covered with sticky foam. Can it be cleaned? How will it look afterwards?

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  • Some Brass Model Trains have terrible red dye stains all over them. Can you tell us more about this problem?

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  • What's the purpose of the factory clear coat and is necessary to remove it before painting a Brass Model Train?

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  • There's no substiture for experience when it comes to working on brass model trains. Ours came from Korea.

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  • Ultra smooth smooth paint finishes comes from proper technique and having an ultra clean painting environment.

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  • What separates Professionally Painted Brass Model Trains from those that were simply Custom Painted?

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  • Joint Project Video: Paint & Weathering by Jeff Lemke Trains, Inc. ESU LokSound DCC installs by ELS Train Service.

    See and Hear Them Now 

  • What does a Professional do to make certain the model runs flawlessly even after its been painted?

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  • Can we see an example of a steam locomotive that you fully readied for DCC and painted with Tru-Color Paint?

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  • I have models that need DCC installed. Can you explain how you work with DCC installation partners?

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  • You seem to have a real knack for making basic black steam locomotives look like the real thing. What's the key?

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  • Are there "best" paints to use on moving parts like wheels, axles, and steam locomotive side rods?

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  • A bunch of your Testimonials say the decals look painted on. Can you show a close up of what they're talking about?

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  • I have factory painted freight cars I want weathered. Can you show us a few more examples of your weathering effects?

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  • Many of my beautiful factory painted diesels don't run on account of cracked drive train gears. Can you help with that?

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  • My diesels don't run properly. Should I send the entire model or would it be safer to send just the drives?

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  • Are there models or repair jobs that are really tricky to work on? So much so that they challenge you as a professional?

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  • Is it better to have clean models that look like new or weathered models that show the passage of time?

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  • How do you, or how did you, go about designing a new Brass Model Train from scratch? How long did it take?

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  • What are your thoughts on keeping history alive through our Brass Model Train collections?

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  • I have a variety of models needing repairs. What kinds of models do you regularly perform repairs on?

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  • Do you have more pictures and stories to share from when you were working in the Brass Model Train factories in Korea?

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  • When should a model train collector seek a Professional's help to diagnose and repair a cherished brass model?

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The Hazards of Shipping Brass Models

We're devoting this section of our website to help others understand that shipping brass models these days is potentially FAR MORE HAZARDOUS to the model than it ever was when the models were originally built, imported, and sent to dealers.

FACT: It's rarely a carrier's fault when brass models get damaged in transit. It's almost always the person who packed the box that caused the problem—even before handing the package to UPS, USPS or FedEx. Our Facebook page is filled with graphic examples of what NOT TO DO. Here, we're sharing several of the best examples from our vast scope of work in this regard.

Without proper guidance, every day, dozens of brass models get wrecked in transit. That's due to a lack of situational awareness on the shipper's part. So we've also included proper steps that anyone can take so their brass models arrive at their next destination in the exact same condition. It's all about safe landings and how to make that a reality for YOUR brass models.

Please share this information with anyone you buy from so they can safely ship the brass model you just bought from them!

FYI — We wrote the book on railroads too!

TWIN PORTS TRAINS, The Historic Railroads of Duluth-Superior 1870-1970

11 years in the making, this rich history of railroading explains how each railroad contributed to the creation of Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin—also known as The Twin Ports. Our project includes the LS&M, StP&D, NPRR, NPRY, CStPM&O, C&NW, Duluth & Winnipeg, Eastern Railway of Minnesota, Great Northern, D&IR, DM&N, DM&IR, DSS&A, WC, Soo Line, DW&P, Milwaukee Road, DUD&T, LST&T, and even the Northwestern Coal Railway. The images below show our official book launch at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum located in the lower level of historic Duluth Union Depot. Only a limited number of author-signed books remain available for sale in our eBay Store.

If you enjoy the railroads of Duluth-Superior and Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range as much as we do, then you're going to LOVE our new book. If you already have your signed edition, and want to learn even more about this fascinating railroad terminal, then be sure to CLICK HERE to visit our Flickr site to see hundreds more images with detailed stories that describe each railroad scene—and the industries they served.