Scratch Built and Prorotype Brass Locomotives in HO Scale with Ralph and Rosie

Ralph has been building and collecting brass HO scale locomotives for over 50 years. This week we check out their great UP based layout and see their amazing collection or rare brass locomotives.
~-~~-~~~-~~-~
Please watch: "The Trains of Santa Cruz California"
• The Trains of Santa Cr...
~-~~-~~~-~~-~

[@ToyManTelevision]

Glad you guys like it. I love brass trains. Pure art and trains in one package.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Pure art for sure. As a kid I thought they were made of gold. Wanted one.

[@ToyManTelevision]

ME TOO!! I thought for 100 bucks must be pure gold. OK that's like 1000 in todays money, but sure seemed like pure gold.

[@mattbrinson9950]

Toy Man Television it was awesome love your model railway videos

[@thomasnixon7702]

Gee, how cool, this is. The cool models. The cool way they cooly work. And the man is sooo cool, himself. What a cool video with such a way-cool narration by a super-cool, amazing video-maker. And the cool wife who cooly supports her cool husband in his cool interest in way-cool model railroading. How absolutely COOL.

[@K-Effect]

That collection is priceless!! I hope that collection is protected and respected forever

[@K-Effect]

Who's watching this again in late 2020? I can't believe this is almost 5 years ago

[@jonsullivan7933]

All I can say is WOW!!!!, I AM BLOWN AWAY!! 😍

[@ToyManTelevision]

Quite a place great train show.

[@jimbaritone6429]

He's a superb craftsman. I saw some work of this level in the UK, 1980's-1990's with live steam locos in various gauges, and later a few at a club that was set up here in western Canada. I subscribed to the English publication "Model Engineer" for over 40 years (still have all the issues!) and some of the really amazing stuff appeared there, not just as "photo galleries" but as multi-part build articles. I learned quite a bit from thos "build" articles - one thing being that it was possible to build "a runner" that was not an exact prototype copy, but that worked well and resembled a particular class (or era) of locomotive. The other take-away from meeting some of the model-builders in England and Scotland was that they did a lot with what even then was very modest equipment, used with patience. I think the "patience" part was a key to many excellent live-steam models that were built in (literally) garden sheds, perhaps 5 ft x 7 ft in total. Most modelers had a basic lathe of some sort, but it was very interesting to see how much could be done using jigs and tooling, also purpose-built but not necessarily complicated. Looking at the hobby today, I can't help thinking that many people could have some fun (and success) with building rolling stock that runs well, even if not a perfect visual replica of a full-size prototype. It would be interesting to see how much modern "scratch building" of rolling stock is going on.

[@NgaiOlaudah]

Christ almighty! I grew up with Tenshodo. Hey, you guys, I meant to say something about this segment when I first saw it! GREAT GREAT SEGMENT! THANKS... deserves an award!

[@jimbaritone6429]

When I was in school, the father of a fellow in my class had an entire basement HO scale layout with all rolling stock made of brass and all locos from Tenshodo. It was quite the sight. Even then, it must have been worth quite a bit of money, built up over many years.

[@jeanneuzarhudson8207]

Absolutely totally amazing.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Ralph is amazing. WHAT HISTORY TOO. Anyone interested in brass locos needs to see this.

[@genehall8895]

Just unbelievable that someone has that much talent in just one body. Just beautiful work.

[@ToyManTelevision]

AMAZING LAYOUT. AMAZING COLLECTION OF BRASS!!!!!

[@LANDSEAAIRCANADA]

Incredible work Thank you so much for another great episode of TMT cheers !

[@rain3304]

thank you for shareing another great artist of model railroading

[@4ngu54110tt]

That's great brass and the craftsmanship required to produce this level of quality is incredible. I keep watching this one a lot. Thanks and have a great Christmas.

[@efitter7]

Wow, I honestly can't comprehend the time and energy that has gone in to those models! What craftsmanship. Ralph's collection is amazing. Glad to see him operating as well. Thank you for sharing, really enjoyed watching. Ethan

[@ToyManTelevision]

The first engine, that I called a Big Boy but is really a Challenger also has scratch built motors. In the 50's you could not find great little motors.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Yep. OOPS. NOW, if either runs over your foot, you will not be able to tell the deference. Nor will you care.

[@ToyManTelevision]

4014 was at the LA County fairgrounds. Several of the Big Boys are still out there. Is that the one in Penn?

[@ToyManTelevision]

They almost bought that one for the UP restoration. But 4014 was the one they went with.

[@ToyManTelevision]

They are just now starting on the 4014 boiler. HOPE TO SEE IT SOON.

[@didyouknow6804]

Thank you both, I feel like I am with family when you narrate and produce your very nice videos. A big friendly hello to you both... :) Merry Christman to be sure...

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi. Merry Christmas right back. And THANKS.

[@rangerrick9842]

that was some great screwin' around - looking forward to the 1/8 scale steam - keep up the good work - I love your channel

[@warlordsquerk5338]

He has MULTIPLE big boys!! Woa! I'll be happy when I can finally save up for one big boy, and that probably won't be in brass one either. Lucky guy. Edit: Also that pile driver is neat

[@Rubberduck055]

ahhh yes live steam. my grandfather was a machinist he built his own steam locomotive almost finished it too before passing. I have very fond memories of that.

[@ToyManTelevision]

LOVE THAT!! There is a guy Im trying to get in MT Pleasant who has built a 15" gauge and laid some track. Really want to film that!!

[@justindampier9017]

I love brass models! They're the best. I feel brass is numbered paintings and non brass are reprints

[@longrider50]

That was an amazing video. The detail on those models was superb. Like someone else said it would be nice to see the workshop.

[@ToyManTelevision]

+Skip Hedgepath We will be back there. SOON

[@t.j.carroll8512]

Just in case you worried about it, boring, never. Enjoy the variety.

[@acexprt]

Awesome as usual!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Ralph is truly awesome!

[@coolrides]

Amazing collection! And what a craftsman! :) Jack

[@ToyManTelevision]

Fun with trains and cars. Life is good!

[@upsd402]

Nice video, love the brass loco......

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for sharing!! Love to see stuff out there!

[@redbuzzardbass]

I'd swear that first loco is a Challenger. Awesome collection, thanks for posting mate.

[@ToyManTelevision]

OOPS!! Good call, Challenger. My bad. INTERESTING, Lenard could not find motors that fit in the 50's, so he SCRATCH BUILT them. I also call one of the Big Blows a Big Boy too. Got Big Boy on my mind these days.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Toy Man Television If I keep checking I may find everything a said is wrong. Ralph may really be Randolph. Or Raymond. (sigh)

[@redbuzzardbass]

Toy Man Television You aint the only one. After last May in Ogden the Big Boy is in my mind, and 2 are in the house. A Lionel Standard and a Lionmaster. As for the names, my father is named Raymond, he was part of the R&D team that did the APT-E. Needless to say I've got a couple of the Rapido models on order. All the best me ole China.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Did you see the number board from the BIg Boy in the show?

[@redbuzzardbass]

Toy Man Television I can see 4004. On the Challenger that number boards are blank.

[@DeathValleyLumberCompany]

this is cool, this is the kinda stuff I collect

[@gramnylen5961]

Cool to see I collect brass traction items

[@ToyManTelevision]

COOL! I have built some. Most people don't, but anything on tracks is fun, and traction is fun. Like riding on it too!!

[@Jccarlton1400]

Great stuff. When you go back, could we see Ralph's workshop. It must be amazing?

[@ToyManTelevision]

+John Carlton It WAS. He sold his casting equipment and works under the stairs like Harry Potter now. As he works mostly in live steam these days, he does have a machine shop somewhere. I need to seek that out!

[@user-mx8nr3sp6n]

Wow. Those brass Big Boys are a work of art. Absolutely amazing. Thank you for showing this.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Ralph and friends will go down in history as some of the greatest modelers EVER. These amazing brass locos from United and Alco. And we forget the someone did that pilot model. Somewhere there is a scratch built brass pilot models. And that these guys worked together and were paid with finished locomotives.... Ralph often was given 10 production models in exchange for his work on the model. AND he gets to keep his pilot model. He sells off 8 or 9 of the production models at 60% of list to a local hobby shop and pockets about 5 grand. What a deal!!!

[@evanhizon8112]

Even though we have HO Big Boys made by Athearn, Broadway Limited, MTH, Marklin, Etc, which are fitted with the latest DCC system and upgraded tooling; you really cannot beat the quality and pure craftsmanship from the brass version of those Big Boys.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Yup. They are art. What these few guys did in their time. Amazing moment in history

[@mikehayes8899]

good job Dale

[@ToyManTelevision]

mike hayes Thanks. The really great work arr these models! WOW!!!!

[@bratwizard]

That's pretty awesome. I love those gas turbines-- and the ACE 3000... that is a unique model indeed! Thanks for showing us! For anybody who isn't familiar with the history of it, the ACE 3000 is a really, really, really unique item. Here is a link to more information about it: www.trainweb.org/tusp/ult.html

[@tommiers2738]

Big bucks

[@ToyManTelevision]

In this case making good bucks!! It takes forever to build all these little parts, make molds, cast parts and so on. But then they do sell of a bunch once the production run happens. Often Ralph was paid with brass engines. He'd do all the pattern work, cast all the parts, and then get 10 or so of the finished models to keep or sell. So he would keep one or two and sell the rest. And he still has the prototype!!

[@Jstroman221]

Mesueum quality for sure, all of it...

[@ToyManTelevision]

An amazing art form few doing it but it lives on. I assume it will be around forever on a smaller output

[@karlrovey]

If I had the time and resources, I would love to scratch build the big boy fleet of 4000-4024.

[@redbuzzardbass]

I need to figure out how to wangle an invite to see the collection since I'm only 30 or so miles away, I would love to see those trains.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Not sure what Ralph is up to!!

[@wernersievers3153]

Hallo ,mir gefallen immer wieder die sondermodelle wie der bagger oder die dampframme auf schienen. es ist viel zu entdecken !

[@ToyManTelevision]

+Werner Sievers das ist eine große Modelleisenbahn . Ich habe ralph seit etwa 40 Jahren bekannt , und er hat mich immer erstaunt . Er arbeitet jetzt in großen Frischdampf , werde ich , dass in einer zukünftigen Show , aber was für eine Sammlung von HO bedecken !!

[@wernersievers3153]

+Toy Man Television ja .eine grosartige sammlung und erst die messingmodelle in ihrer vielfalt!

[@tedsmith1295]

cool, looking is close as il ever get , thanks though

[@oldbaldfatman2766]

Interesting video, but wish there was one of this guy showing him scratch building a locomotive.

[@ToyManTelevision]

ME TOO. I'de need to time travel back to the 90's and before. Just doesn't anymore. HOWEVER. WE HAVE A GUY who is going to do just that!!

[@liptonicedtea2256]

Haha good

[@ToyManTelevision]

quite the collection.

[@adaribros]

Hello! I really enjoy the videos you all have been posting! Anyway I could get in touch with Ralph?

[@ToyManTelevision]

***** I think he would be cool with that. Not here on you tube or Face book, but look up his number. I hate to just give it, may be crossing the line there, but RALPH GOCHNOUR Salt Lake city Utah. Great guy!!!!!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Toy Man Television What the heck 801-582-0142

[@adaribros]

Thanks a lot! I have the info saved if you'd like to delete it. I'll give him a shout. Thanks again

[@mattbrinson9950]

Toy man you should check out Strasburg railroad in Lancaster Pennsylvania I'm thinking of doing an ho scale layout of it

[@DRRP]

i really like brass but the price is big but you get your moneys worth i might look into getting some

[@ToyManTelevision]

+devin baker Half of these are scratch, so little cost. Worth thousands though. I too love brass.

[@DRRP]

yeah I know my friend has a pensey electric I'm helping restore that's amazing

[@ToyManTelevision]

I have a few basket cases that I plan to rebuild too. Someday....

[@Kevin_40]

visit my ebay store - www.ebay.com/str/brasstrainsandvideogamesgalore

[@Michael-eg3rs]

wonder how many people actually know what the ace 3000 was

[@ToyManTelevision]

Made a splash for a while. Shame it didn’t happen

[@thomasnixon7702]

A 'turban' is a head-cover. Union Pacific had 'turbine' powered locos. 'Ine' not 'an'.

[@Drkush2022]

Where can I get one of your shirts???

[@ToyManTelevision]

Dr Kush they are on teespring. teespring.com/shop/toy-man-television-1936?aid=marketplace&tsmac=marketplace&tsmic=search#pid=369&cid=6524&sid=front.

[@ToyManTelevision]

We buy ours there too. Really good quality.

[@alejandrobarraganlopez3231]

I've just realizad that he Is the Utah pacific's owner 😱

[@ToyManTelevision]

He was. Now owned by Tomar. Anyway years ago he cranked out parts in his basement. His kids cast the wax. He did everything else. And it was the best brass casting I have ever seen.

[@Rubberduck055]

I would love to produce brass steam. does anyone know how they make the valve gear? is it cast then machined?

[@ToyManTelevision]

Not sure. there are castings on ebay, but have not seen for locomotives. Accucraft makes 1 gauge steam, but not kits or castings There live steam companies, check LA Live Steamers for links.

[@CDtrumpet5]

That wasn't a big boy, it was an early challenger. Big boys never had a center headlight, and you can tell it's a 4-6-6-4. Sorry to be pedantic.

[@yellowstonethepony7769]

1:34 ''this brass Big Boy'' uhm thats an Challanger 2:18. Look thats am Big Boy.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Oops. I had Big Boys on my mind I guess.

[@yellowstonethepony7769]

Well. now you know!

[@thebrantfordrailfan]

I wonder how much money he would charge for one of his locomotives if he is willing to sell them.

[@ToyManTelevision]

+TheBrantfordRailfan Never know. I doubt he would see what he has. But he has sold "extras" in the past. As he has switched to live steam like 10 years and is not doing anything in HO, he's probably not in the HO market one way or the other.