About Us

My name is Mark and I started working on model brass trains back in 1991. My dad bought me my first brass locomotive, a Sunset heavy 2-10-2.  We had to have it sent out to a specalist to have it painted. He did a great job and I was so happy with it, I wore the rods oval. 

The next engine was a PFM Rio Grande P-44 4-6-2. Once again, it was sent out but this time it took 9 months to get back. She was beautiful but did not operate well. The model couldn't pull. I did not want to wait so I took it apart and discovered that the detail under the cab was to low and was sitting on top of the trailing truck. So, since everything was soldered, I just pulled on the cab and chassis hoping the clearance would in crease. It did. The cab support broke off the chassis. To my surprise, it worked and the model pulled better. 

I did not know how to solder and still till this day the P-44 is still broken.

When did I learn to solder like an expert? When I left  a Westside NYC J Super Hudson in the oven for to long. Yup, it was in kit form. 

I have 100s of models come through the shop, and I test every model for flawless operation, and I still enjoy watching the models go. As I am writing this, a GS-4 is orbiting the test layout. 

My layout is far from great. In fact, it is terrible. Nothing is straight, a bridge can be built over some of the some of the track dips, kinks are so bad in the straight tracks, one might call them curves, and the switches are not to be trusted. 

Why? If it runs on this layout, it will run anywhere.

I have committed my self to perfect producing brass trains that will "go". What is the point of installing a decoder if the locomotive does not operate correct? Do get me wrong, there are some models out there that maybe better suited as a gondola load.  Good example of this is a OMI model of a Greenbriar. 

The Crew

Crew consist of Dominic, Charles, Ken, and Guy. Guy is my Uncle. Dom came aboard in Jan. He was a customer at first and a die-hard NYC steam freak. After he got his first locomotive back from me, I invited him to do his own locomotive on his time, and he didn't hesitate. Dom convinced me on LEDs and working marker lights. His skills have grown and officially became part of the team in Jan 2023. His main role is the stripping, blasting, painting of the models along with marker light installation. Charles came aboard the same way. His favorite railroads are Long Island and NYC. After completing a model for him, he was invited to do his own work for his more of his own roster. He quickly learned and has since completed 15 or more locomotives for himself. He is our motor and prep guy. Ken is our weathering guy. He is excellent at making a model look real. He came aboard a long time ago the same way as charlie and Dom. However, Ken went even further and ripped his railroad down to in order to operate very large Santa Fe steam. His Raton Pass layout is beautiful and if it was for a few DIEsels, his layout would be perfect. Guy has been retired for some time and he is an excellent solderer. Guy istalls the decoders and makes the repairs on loose details. Guy is a perfectionists.

Me personally, I have completed hundreds and hundreds of models and it has not gotten old. Brass trains are fascinating and love watching them come to life.

 I enjoy brass trains!