Brass Steam Locos

[mike_lawyer]

I have been seeing some nice pieces of old brass locomotives on the auction site, and this got me thinking about why there are no longer major players in N scale brass for steam locomotives. 

It seems to me that the demand is still there for small batches of road-specific models.  As a PRR modeler especially, I would think there would be a decent demand for some of these pieces (as indicated by some of the eye-popping prices on the auction site).

So why did Key, Samhongsa, etc., quit making N-scale steam locos?  Is it just not economical anymore to do so?

[mmagliaro]

Mike, having no data, my logical guess would be that you already know the answer.  No demand.
Just because 3 or 5 people are willing to spend $2000 for a brass T1 doesn't mean that several hundred would be
willing to pay that, or even pay $1000.  It only takes a handful of people who really want something
badly to drive up an eBay auction.    If brass T1 after brass T1 came up for auction, say, 100 times, and always
brought that kind of money, then I'd say there is demand.

[superturbine]

Who would want a T1 anyways!

[delamaize]

Who would want a T1 anyways!

this guy! lol

[victor miranda]

oooof.

one hand made model => thousands of dollars
1 million plastic => 25 dollars each

brass locos are in between some where.
and recent brass models are over 500 dollars.
pre-order prices for brass I would have liked were priced at about 1 thousand.

current plastic models are ... all brass offers and more at a much lower price per unit.

victor

[Lemosteam]

oooof.

one hand made model => thousands of dollars
1 million plastic => 25 dollars each

brass locos are in between some where.
and recent brass models are over 500 dollars.
pre-order prices for brass I would have liked were priced at about 1 thousand.

current plastic models are ... all brass offers and more at a much lower price per unit.

victor

And the reason I don't own any wen I can try to make what I want!