Overland (OMI) SD45T-2 - Model Railroader Magazine
- Member since
November 2012 - From: Kokomo, Indiana
- 1,463 posts
I run DC but have messed around with DCC before. Brass can be had for less than current plastic engines if you shop around and it of coarse will vary on what models you desire. If its the newest diesels from Overland, then yes, its going to be very expensive as the production runs of some versions can be counted on just your fingers. Years ago, runs were of several hundred to over 1000 models in on run or a couple reruns. That changed as plastic model quality and detail started to match and brass became very much the collectors item, or those with greater depth of wallet. Now both of my Overland models are not painted, but will be some day soon. Only one of my 3 traction cars was painted and it was bought in "non running" condition. Solved by replacing a pinched/shorted wire, replacing the motor(it runs really hot due to a bad magnet) and re lubrication. Most brass came out when some tinkering and tuning by the new owner was expected if the model was to be operated and not just put in a display case. Overland Model diesels are some of the best running brass diesels out there, with individual gear boxes on each axle and sprung trucks. Most run really smooth with a bit of a whine from the gear boxes, kind of thier version of the "Kato" drive whistle those models tend to have. Very faint but you can hear it if your hearing is still good. The gentleman I got this GE Dash 8-40B from, also had an unpainted C&NW SD50 or 60 for $100 in its original box. He still had it at the end of the show, which supprised me as that is an absolute steal for an Overland diesel. Just shows, most of todays modelers want it truely RTR, painted with sound/DCC already installed. Rather than buying a model that will need painted, and all the sound/DCC work done if they plan to run it. My recently bought Overland/Rok Am 2-8-0 is from 1977 and runs smoother and quieter than the recent BLI 2-8-0. Folks that hate/dislike brass either dealt with or owned a poor running model at one time or another. Many try to make the jump without research or enlisting the help of someone that knows what is a good model and which ones you need to be a seasoned brass modeler to deal with that models issues. Without proper help/reseach, ones new pride and joy will quickly become the most hated engine in the shed! Mike the Aspie
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
