Max Gray? AC-11

Sure - what kind of info are you looking for?  It looks like very early Max Gray, and while I am well versed in cab forwards, I am not sure I remember the difference between an AC-11 and an AC-12.  It looks like an AC-8 cab roof.  The drivers on the Max are undersize.  I might trade you a decent lead truck for all the early appurtenances.  Let me see if I have a spare PSC.

If I had a Max, I would be looking for USH drivers.

Early MG ACs had non-blackened frames, cylinders, etc. and very few castings.  Most detail parts were turnings or sand castings at best and some, had white metal castings.  They also came with universal motors (AC/DC).  I replaced the early drivers with newer USH versions but it was a real chore.  The early frames were really narrow and I had to machine a major part of the frame to get them to fit.

I doubt it was brought back by a GI.  We're talking mid  to late '50s.  Having said that, maybe it was commissioned by a GI prior to MG bringing them in but, again, I doubt it.

Hey Bob, I have a complete set of new USH AC drivers and gearboxes.  What do you have to trade for them?

Jay

Thanks fellows:

As I understand it the AC-11/AC-12 difference was more or less only the contract paperwork.

I looked at the stuff I removed that was cast,  not really good scale.  In fact, the old air pumps may well be lead castings.

I would like a ball park figure on what these things might be  worth. 

Yes, the motor will run on either AC or DC but I could  do much checking on a test track that is only about 6" longer than the Locomotive.

Is this one most likely Japanese?   Korean or ???

I left the RR hobby (S gauge Flyer & some HO) in about 1960 as I was heavily into Control line model planes and antique model plane engine collecting/ restoration which was likely due to the family business being Air Charter.  In fact, I traded a Wasp Twin model plane engine for that Cab Forward  at a Model Plane swap meet in Fresno, CA.  The engine and tender were in separate boxes. These were the early days of TSA and I was traveling home by airline.  I watched the engines box go by the inspectors monitor and really, that 5 lb boiler weight appeared to be a half a stick of dynamite and there was wiring for the motor and lights running everywhere.  The guy did not bat an eye and waved through what I would have identified as a potential  pipe bomb.

Built by KTM in Japan.  Value, $500 to $750.

Jay

Optimist.  The prices of good USH has dropped to half.  I turned one of these down for $600 back in the days when a good USH AC was $1500.

Jay - thank you.  I have two more ACs to make, and both will be 17/64.  I use USH Allegheny drivers on the AC-4s, and Lobaugh Challenger drivers on the AC-10.

I am personally stunned with the decrease in price of the truly well built USH models.

Thanks again fellows.

bob2 posted:

<snip>

I am personally stunned with the decrease in price of the truly well built USH models.

 

Can't run them on 3-rail track?

Don't have command control?

Just messing with the purists.....

You could be right!  I sort of thought it was Sunset - they have brought in some truly fine models.  But the MG 4-10-2 has taken a hit as well, and there is no low end brass model that even comes close.

I see a Phx AZ swap meet listed for Dec 10.

I suspect that it's the same group that was using a Bingo hall when I attended about 25 years ago. 

I would like to attend.

I can find the location but no contact info.

Can anyone help?

bob2 posted:

You could be right!  I sort of thought it was Sunset - they have brought in some truly fine models.  But the MG 4-10-2 has taken a hit as well, and there is no low end brass model that even comes close.

Its supply and demand back in the day USH produced a lot of brass models, up until Levons death they were still reasonably priced and the runs were fairly large as a small dealer back then I sold a dozen NYC H 10Bs just to club members in the Metro area, Bill Wolfer and Al Edel had huge inventories of USH. Today as a lot of these 30+ year old models hit the market there are far fewer buyers still interested in older steam [bear in mind "new" in the box still have to be painted and decaled at the very least] just saying.

The TCA is sponsoring a meet on December 10th in Phoenix at the Shriners Hall 552 N. 40th St.

Rolland

I need to know who to contact should I decide that I want a table.

You can find info about the show at this link

http://www.tcadd.org/pages/tca_toytrain_show_02.html

Rolland

Got it!

Thank you Rolland