@Donnie Kennedy posted:I can't thank you guys enough for the education! I've seen the Dreyfuss Hudson and the Baltimore ohio Cincinnation that really caught my attention,among others. I just didn't want to get something and not have any education or research on it. Those look to be pretty pricey and I'd hate to ruin one. I think the most difficult engine I've every tackled was my 1-700e Hudson. Maybe more nerves than anything. Its the most expensive engine I've bought. But, I did accomplish taking her apart and putting her back together. In my opinion brass is probably the next step in evolving in the hobby. The looks and quality look amazing. Again,thank you everyone! Have a lot to think about for sure.
Weaver/Williams Brass are the "backbone" of my fleet, purchased over the last 1.5 years. The Weavers generally sell for more than the Williams but in most cases they offer more feature and details. All of the above is great advice. As noted above some Weavers were Die-Cast but most were Brass.
What I want to add is the price for "similar" Weavers can vary greatly. It is a supply and demand situation at work. The Dreyfuss Hudson is moderately priced in terms of Weaver. The Cincinnatian is at the High End with some recent transactions over $1000. Also as noted depending when it was produced determines features and hence price. Many of them were available without sound, so look at that carefully before you purchase.
One of the more expensive Weaver I have purchased is a Hiawatha Hudson. I will use this as an example. The one I purchased was the first run without sound. It is based on the as built version (model # 1080-LP). The second run added features and has the Mars light and a revised paint scheme which represents 1942 and later (model # 1094-LP).
If you are getting into Scale 3R there is one other thing to consider, please see this post I put up a few days ago.
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...8#170922644602499318
I believe this is a "somewhat typical" Brass/Die Cast Comparison.
Hope this helps!
