Fixing a Kusan Model Trains (KMT) Rare H.O. Passenger Set

Donated to the Channel Super Rare KMT H.O. Train set. Has engineering roots back to the early 40's
Links to KMT Info:
www.tcawestern.org/kris.htm
www.tcawestern.org/kusan.htm
#kmttrains
#classicmodeltrains
E-mail me at: classicmodeltrains@aol.com
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Find me on eBay: www.ebay.com/usr/classicmodel...
Mailing Address: Classic Model Trains
1507 Old Hardin Road
Billings, Mt. 59101
@classicmodeltrains
My second channel mentioned link below.
@RonsClassicRVs

Пікірлер: 292

  • @F40M07
    @F40M072 ай бұрын

    For the 1950’s, this is INSANE!!!!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    2 ай бұрын

    It was really nice!!

  • @XBOXShawn12thman
    @XBOXShawn12thman3 ай бұрын

    I'm 53 years old .... I've never seen that before, Thanx Fur Sharrin That!!!!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    3 ай бұрын

    You bet!

  • @darrellnorton2208
    @darrellnorton22084 ай бұрын

    Love those coach roof's and the build quality of that Santa fe looks great. Can't beat some of that old school engineering 👍

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    4 ай бұрын

    Real nice back in the day

  • @ArcadiaJunctionModelTrains
    @ArcadiaJunctionModelTrains7 ай бұрын

    That must have been some set to own back in the day. Still impressive in 2023. Great video thanks.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    The kids that would of had this didnt live on my end of town that's for sure ;-)

  • @ArcadiaJunctionModelTrains

    @ArcadiaJunctionModelTrains

    7 ай бұрын

    haha I hear ya! @@classicmodeltrains

  • @franktino6676
    @franktino66767 ай бұрын

    After Kusan acquired the inventories and production tools of Auburn Model Trains, the equipment was moved from Indiana to a new plant in Franklin, Tennessee, which had been especially prepared for train production. 1955 was spent on re-tooling efforts, and the development of new manufacturing processes. Design engineer George Dunbar was tasked with coming up with ideas for new items that could be mass produced at low cost that would allow Kusan to compete with the likes of Lionel and Gilbert American Flyer. Kusan's business plan to do so had three components. First they would put out a full line of 20 trains, including a deluxe 'O' gauge ¼ inch to the foot scale, also a slightly smaller medium priced "K" line that could run on 'O' gauge track, and a ⅛ inch to the foot HO gauge hobbyist train. Second, they would provide products of high quality at a competitive price. And third, they would offer brand new products, never manufactured by other brands.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Yup. I read all this on the website I mentioned. I left it out of the video to keep the video moving.

  • @2010calvert

    @2010calvert

    4 ай бұрын

    My great grandpa and grandpa worked with Jack Farris on this. I still have one of the first box cars on a shelf

  • @kennethmorgan3557

    @kennethmorgan3557

    3 ай бұрын

    American Model Trains introduced these cars in 1952. They transitioned to Kusan/KMT in 1954/55. AMT had 2 bulbs which sat in the conical castings you can see in this video. Don't know why Kusan changed it. The couplers look like the original AMT ones, but AMT later sold the cars with operating couplers like they put on their later O gauge cars. Again, not sure why Kusan used the non-operating couplers unless they didn't get the equipment to make them, or they were too labor intensive. They did use the O gauge ones, as did Andy Kriswalus. AMT called their operating couplers liftamatic. They were manual, but they also sold a track fixture to open them. It raised a ramp that pushed up on the release piece on the bottom of the coupler, at least in O gauge. Don't know if that was available in HO, but the couplers were just smaller versions of the O gauge ones and work the same way.

  • @jeffstarcher7960
    @jeffstarcher79607 ай бұрын

    Last night I went down some rabbit holes and ended up on your channel… I am now a subscriber and am enamored at your videos. I am 59 but scared to take these little engineered marvels apart because of fear of not getting them out back together correctly. I do love these older trains. This was another great video, thank you for putting these videos together!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    I'm glad the rabbit hole delivered you to this video Jeff! Thanks for another Sub!!

  • @rickestabrook4987
    @rickestabrook49877 ай бұрын

    What a find. What a friend! It's now in excellent hands for another 70 years of performance. Sorry you're not as high on SF Super Chiefs - for my money, there's a reason they're so popular: GORGEOUS livery. Well done making sure this treasure keeps rolling.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks. I have nothing against SF Super Chiefs, I just have so many (accidentally of course). They (SF) must have licensed their stuff to everybody. Thats what comes in so many sets. So many other very colorful liveries out there. I just wished I had more of them here :-)

  • @michaelquinones-lx6ks

    @michaelquinones-lx6ks

    7 ай бұрын

    @@classicmodeltrains That set was manufactured in a time when ' MADE IN U.S.A.' really mattered we took pride in what we made back in the day. unlike the 'MADE IN CHINA' crap that falls apart after two weeks. Or, blows up and catch on fire without warning..

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    @@michaelquinones-lx6ks I agree with you Sir!

  • @rickdee67
    @rickdee677 ай бұрын

    Man thats cool! 56 years old and I’ve never heard of KMT.

  • @avlisk

    @avlisk

    7 ай бұрын

    I'm 72 and never heard of them. I suppose once we found Athearn, we had no need to look elsewhere. That drive system must have been out of our price range anyway, as Hi-F drive was more in line with what we could afford.

  • @franktino6676

    @franktino6676

    7 ай бұрын

    72 years of age, first Lionel set in '55, and KMT was marketed in my region of the North East USA in the '50s and early 60s.Knew them well.

  • @avlisk

    @avlisk

    7 ай бұрын

    I grew up outside of Boston and Eric Fuchs was our local hobby shop. But I missed KMT entirely! @@franktino6676

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Ive never heard of them either till this set landed in my hands.

  • @TheBrandon40500
    @TheBrandon405007 ай бұрын

    What a neat find! And I agree the finish on those passenger cars looks fantastic.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks

  • @normfredriksen1381
    @normfredriksen13817 ай бұрын

    Wow. The designers of the drive train really did deserve your compliments. Why can't others get it right? 😊

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    I agree with you Norm!!

  • @michigandon

    @michigandon

    7 ай бұрын

    Yes, as soon as I saw "Eight Wheel Drive" on the box, I knew this one was well worth reviving.

  • @TomzTrainzandAccessories
    @TomzTrainzandAccessories7 ай бұрын

    What a beautiful piece of quality craftsmanship. The engineering that went into this model is incredible. What a beautiful locomotive. It’s a showpiece, including the passenger cars.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks, It is pretty neat :-)

  • @RayBoebel
    @RayBoebel7 ай бұрын

    I wish they still made the drive trains like that today....WOW!! No plastic casings holding the gears in place...all metal!!! Very cool!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    I hear ya Ray!

  • @heliogiugliano5648
    @heliogiugliano56487 ай бұрын

    Hello Rom. This KMT set is really in excellent condition. It was a great find. Great video. Congratulations.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Hey, thanks!

  • @franktino6676
    @franktino66767 ай бұрын

    Amazing Find, Ron!! That set is beautiful ✔❗

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    It is off the chart for sure!!

  • @caboosech
    @caboosech7 ай бұрын

    Fantastic video on the restoration and fixing up that 60 year old train set I actually have one of the f unit in my collection down cellar steps in my restoration box

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    I think you might have one of everything down stairs there Dave ;-D

  • @mjamesb66
    @mjamesb667 ай бұрын

    Great video, Ron. One of your 33 % here. I totally enjoy and appreciate the time you took to research this set. As always looking forward to your next video.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you for your support and kind words. :-)

  • @mdeange3
    @mdeange37 ай бұрын

    Congratulations on the KMT acquisition -that's quite a find. I enjoyed the presentation. Thanks for explaining and the fine work in tearing down and restoration. The engine is smooth and purrs like a kitten. The diesel and passengers are gorgeous. - no pitts, haze, or scratches. -the chrome is dazzling. The construction and pieces are sturdy and well-made. I like the style and shape of the observation car's end. The original box is in excellent condition, -it's the topping on the cake that adds value and charm.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Yup! this one has survived the passage of time very well! Thanks for watching :-)

  • @markswiatly9613
    @markswiatly96137 ай бұрын

    Nice find. Nice work getting it running so nicely. If you add some capacitors in between the light and power from the trucks you could get rid of that annoying flickering. That's what I did when I added lighting to my cabooses. Works well. Keep up the good work.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks Mark :-)

  • @tracynation2820
    @tracynation28207 ай бұрын

    Very nice. I use to see the KMT ads in model railroad magazines when I was young, and it appeared to me that they were quality drive trains, but until this video, I never knew that they had complete locomotives and model train sets. Super. P.S. Check the axle ends for crud also, clean till shiny, and add just a spot of conductive lubricant. Hello from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙 T.E.N.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks TMR!

  • @johnbanicki7232
    @johnbanicki72327 ай бұрын

    That set looks fantastic! Nothing like using real aluminum to make aluminum passenger cars. Thanks for sharing.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks and yes! What a interesting concept to use shiny aluminum to simulate shiny cars. Engineers were smart back in the day :-)

  • @georgiahex7387
    @georgiahex73877 ай бұрын

    I love the f series engine. Growing up, in the 70s, an f series was a very rare sight. The Ringling Brothers train was an almost a yearly sighting in my area. That is a great set.

  • @georgiahex7387

    @georgiahex7387

    7 ай бұрын

    A question. Do you have any cast Midgetoy trains from the 60/70s. I have some. They were favorite toys from the dimestore.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks! Never ever have I seen a circus train in real life :( I have no Midgetoy trains

  • @elsdp-4560
    @elsdp-45607 ай бұрын

    Thank you for sharing. Beautiful passenger cars, enjoyed the video.👍

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @theplumber33
    @theplumber337 ай бұрын

    That is a well-built locomotive!!!💯 I love the shine on the cars. Lol, bouncer duty!!!😂 great info. 🫵👊✌️

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @ertransdiesel1860
    @ertransdiesel18607 ай бұрын

    This is amazing, a real estate of the art in engineering, that would be nice to see this days in model trains, thanks Ron

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching!!

  • @pathvalleyrailroad9277
    @pathvalleyrailroad92777 ай бұрын

    TCA is a good source for model train related questions. A little Atlas Conduct-A-Lube might help with blinky light problems.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Ive been on TCA's site a lot. Good stuff there also

  • @johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards
    @johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards7 ай бұрын

    Another successful revival! Those passenger cars look sweet, I wonder why they aren't lighted? Edit- I posted too soon. 😉

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    They didnt look lighted to me either. Designed very well!!

  • @_mdh_1998
    @_mdh_19987 ай бұрын

    Another fantastic video Ron! It’s very interesting to see you find these fantastic engines and models in the most random places! I haven’t seen much of those, but I’ll tell you with that box I sent you some time ago I am pretty sure there was some of the parts for those engines. I know there was a bunch of couplers and some other small stuff. I think i also have a dummy B unit frame for one of these in my desk I was just looking at it yesterday and realized it’s the same damn thing. They really made train sets a helluva lot better than they do today. Although with the older stuff we do have the urge to modernize it with DCC and sound and lights. It adds all the more better to this hobby. A beautiful restoration on this unit. Really built like a tank! So happy to be part of the 33% group. I always watch your videos and all the way though! Hope to hear from you soon my friend and I’ll need to get some more stuff set aside for another care package for you!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Hello Marc, was just looking at them globe A B B A's and the old GP unit with the old yellow box drives. Thinking they are going to be coming up real soon. can reference the similarities with this KMT. OOOOhhh! Care package? YES PLEASE. :-)

  • @azslotracer
    @azslotracer7 ай бұрын

    Great video and train set. I have some of the original AMT O gauge passenger sets from the early 1950s. The O gauge Aluminum cars came out 2 years before Lionel’s 2500 series cars. I prefer their size over Lionel’s as they are just a bit short and look better on a small radiused track layout. That HO set knocks it out of the park. The KMT boxcars nailed it as well being produced years before Lionel’s 6464 boxcars. I will keep my open for one of these sets know after seeing your set! Great video for us non HO guys who might have ever known about this gem of a set! Thanks for sharing!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Yes I read how KMT made better looking O scale stuff and Lionel played keep up for a few years. Didnt want to go down that O gauge rabbit hole on a HO video. Thanks for watching!!

  • @azslotracer

    @azslotracer

    7 ай бұрын

    @classicmodeltrains sure I get it. Stay away from the rabbit holes lol!

  • @scotabot7826
    @scotabot78267 ай бұрын

    WOW!!! What a nice set!! Great job on the refurb!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @DarthSantaFe
    @DarthSantaFe7 ай бұрын

    Very nice find! That is definitely the Globe/Athearn F7 with the original geared chassis, which you can also find in the old runs of the GP7/GP9. Athearn changed those trucks to all plastic around 1960 (which was a huge downgrade from the original metal version) before settling on the standard gear drive in 64 or 65, which they of course still use today! The paint on that shell is Globe/Athearn original, so if you find another identical Globe era shell then you can swap it on there and no one would know. I thought at first that those were just well-polished O.K. Herkimer passenger cars, but it looks like those were actually by KMT! They also made some very nice Lionel reproduction motors, one which I have powering a Standard Gauge 381E reproduction by Williams.

  • @raymondleggs5508

    @raymondleggs5508

    7 ай бұрын

    Herkimer could have bought the milling plans for the KMT cars for their kits

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Many have mentioned Herkimer, some are feuding over it (go figure ;-). I have many all metal trucked Athearns. I really like them. Getting parts is another story. Thanks for stopping by Darth!!!

  • @markiewodi3371

    @markiewodi3371

    7 ай бұрын

    Didn’t Mantua do the extruded cars?

  • @markwakeley3835
    @markwakeley38357 ай бұрын

    What a beautiful train set. I've never heard of K•M•T but they were certainly engineered very well.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks Mark! Yes they were :-)

  • @richardryan517
    @richardryan5177 ай бұрын

    First off, Semper Fi, to the VFW post commander as I was in the Marine Corps also. This was a really interesting video. The Santa Fe always had pretty engines and passenger cars in magazines I saw in the 50's and 60's, as this set was really pretty. A great video Ron, keep up the great work.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks Richard! I was Army for awhile.

  • @AEStudt
    @AEStudt7 ай бұрын

    That's definitely a great find

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @anthonymunoz6013
    @anthonymunoz60137 ай бұрын

    Much jealousy! It's like a non-brass brass engine. Sweet loco. Polish up those streamliners. Love it.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    A non-brass brass quality loco..... I like the saying!!!!

  • @David-yo5re
    @David-yo5re7 ай бұрын

    That's a beautiful train. You can stop the lights from flickering by wiring in a capacitor in each car. And adding a headlight to the locomotive shouldn't be too difficult. Have fun running that beauty.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks David!

  • @jonpowell-ov3yh
    @jonpowell-ov3yh7 ай бұрын

    Wow, what a gorgeous set! That one is definitely a nice addition to the collection. I don't know about Montana, but here in Indiana it's funny how every single VFW and American Legion has the exact same smell going on in it...not complaining, just an observation

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks. That smell is ben gay and butterscotch hard candies (ha ha ha........ I 'll let myself out)

  • @jonpowell-ov3yh

    @jonpowell-ov3yh

    7 ай бұрын

    @@classicmodeltrains With a soussant of PBR reduction and Lucky Strike smoke....

  • @SantaFeBob
    @SantaFeBob7 ай бұрын

    That was a great repair and cleaning demonstration. If only the diesel had a working headlight. The passenger cars had an awesome shine. That was an excellent find. Another double thumbs up for this video. 👍👍

  • @lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561

    @lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561

    7 ай бұрын

    I'm sure it could be modified, but then it would take away the value as a collectible.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks Bob! I agree with Lynn, I wouldn't want to modify the shell. Could just throw a athearn on it and wire in a light.

  • @SantaFeBob

    @SantaFeBob

    7 ай бұрын

    @@classicmodeltrains I never said to make an alteration. I just said “if it had a working headlight.” Definitely leave it in its original condition. Lol

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    @@SantaFeBob oops. I read it a bit fast. Looks like we think alike!!

  • @StephenCarlBaldwin
    @StephenCarlBaldwin7 ай бұрын

    Ah -- the dreaded passenger car flicker. Could an appropriate charge-storing capacitor be part of the solution to this malady? I was totally ignorant about KMT HO until I viewed this -- thanks for informing me and (more importantly), making this journey a successful instance of kick-butt Model Railroading Edutainment. Because I -- like you -- am blown away by the engineering behind this unit, I hopped out to eBay and checked out some other KMT HO items. No F7s for sale (plenty of Baldwins) -- alone or in sets -- you indeed have a rare one. Great video!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Yes a Capacitor would fix that issue. Thanks for your kind words Stephen :-)

  • @garyjust.johnson1436
    @garyjust.johnson14367 ай бұрын

    Very nice! Never saw this train set before now!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Me neither. Glad I got to see one and work on it

  • @johnmalley4355
    @johnmalley43557 ай бұрын

    Never heard of KMT before, interesting. Very nice train set Ron. Keep up the shows, always watch em all the way, have to know how it ends up…👍🏻👍🏻

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks John for your support!

  • @user-uo5il4re4r
    @user-uo5il4re4r2 ай бұрын

    Hi Ron, this episode was a real eye opener. Both for HO and fine O scale which I also do. Many thanks for that.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    2 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @danhoyland142
    @danhoyland1427 ай бұрын

    Watched from start to finish. Great job on this One.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks for your support Dan!

  • @thelazyfishkeeper2730
    @thelazyfishkeeper27307 ай бұрын

    what a sweet ride. stay well.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks :-)

  • @darrenrawlinson6344
    @darrenrawlinson63447 ай бұрын

    It's a great feeling when you get a train set, and what a train set! (The contemporary equivalent here, i think, would be a 00 scale, Hornby Dublo, Duchess powered, Royal Scot set.) The little lady will be wondering why her polish keeps running out!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks Darren, Yup she makes me buy my own polishing cream :-)

  • @user-df6ld5rg3q
    @user-df6ld5rg3q7 ай бұрын

    Another great video. Thanks Ron keep up the great work!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you!!

  • @user-vv3nn4jc3w
    @user-vv3nn4jc3w3 ай бұрын

    Amazing video…first t8me I have seen a KMT Product…love the shine…sounds sweet…

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @thomasmoroney4993
    @thomasmoroney49937 ай бұрын

    Museum piece!…..pristine!…great friend that gave you this..

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    It is really nice. Glad he offered it to the channel

  • @lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561
    @lynnmccurdythehdmmrc25617 ай бұрын

    33%er here. Not sure who was the Most excited about this Video, me seeing you had a new Video or You (most likely You) getting excited about this train set. Cool train and Cooler Video. Thanks.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Greetings Lynn! I was excited getting another video out and on time :-)

  • @josephkearney9319
    @josephkearney93197 ай бұрын

    Beautiful Train!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks Joseph

  • @stevenwaller192
    @stevenwaller1927 ай бұрын

    Hey Ron! Good job! Great train set ! Your videos are soo darn captivating. I’m compelled to watch all the way through. So I’m proud to be one of your 33%ers. Maybe people will catch on and Become 45%ers. Fingers crossed 🤞 Hope to see some Lionel HO locomotives. With the belt drives. I’m messing with a Texas Special set lately.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you for supporting my channel. 45% finish rate would be awesome. Belt drives, have not come across any to fix up......YET!!

  • @GaryDavis-ir6fh
    @GaryDavis-ir6fh7 ай бұрын

    that would make me smile, lovely vintage ho pieces!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Yes it is!

  • @elleryparsons2433
    @elleryparsons24337 ай бұрын

    That’s Why I Love Model Railroading!👍.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks

  • @RocketStephen618
    @RocketStephen6187 ай бұрын

    Some people use Automatic Transmission Fluid for their Light oil, and it seems it works rather well! One who does this is Darth Santa Fe, he does tune ups & repairs too. KMT Also did work on Brass locomotives, some Diesels used drive trucks by KMT, and lots of old Brass Steam Locomotives gearbox's were labeled as KMT! Maybe it's a different KMT? I really don't know. Either way, wonderful work as always Ron! Thanks for bringing light onto this rare set!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    I seen a lot of KMT brass but its from Japan. Thats one reason why the research was difficult on this episode. So many companies using "KMT" as there logo

  • @RocketStephen618

    @RocketStephen618

    7 ай бұрын

    @@classicmodeltrains Ohh, that makes sense! Apologies for my confusion

  • @leverettrailfan5414

    @leverettrailfan5414

    4 ай бұрын

    afaik the Japanese company is "KTM" rather than "KMT". They also made some 3-rail O gauge tinplate trains in the postwar years, tricky to find over here but they seemed to be plentiful on Japanese auction sites when I was looking into it a few years back.

  • @buddy-wrenchgarage
    @buddy-wrenchgarage7 ай бұрын

    Awesome video! Such a pretty set, For the passenger car lighting situation I recommend adding a small capacitor in line with the bulbs, stops the flickering

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Capacitors would definitely smooth it out

  • @lynnwilliams2871
    @lynnwilliams28717 ай бұрын

    Hi, just watching your video on KMT. Very interesting, especially since I've done several brass model diesels, namely ALCO models that use KMT trucks and drive trains. I just finished an Alco RS1 with the exact same driveline but has a much beefier Pittman motor. I've also seen the KMT logo on some brass steam gearboxes! Very interesting, love your channel, keep up the informative videos!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks Lynn. There is a KMT company out of Japan that does a lot of brass. Don't think it's related. couldn't find anything while researching

  • @lynnwilliams2871

    @lynnwilliams2871

    7 ай бұрын

    Could be, but that mechanism you showed is exactly the same as an ALCO models Alco RS1 I just rebuilt. But nonetheless, I like the history of the KMT you gave. Great work, thanks!]

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    @@lynnwilliams2871 ooh. Ok I’m hearing you now. Great information . Thanks :-)

  • @GaryDavis-ir6fh
    @GaryDavis-ir6fh7 ай бұрын

    its kinda fun going down to the depot and watching the trains go by cause ya know you love to hear the whistle even if ya aint goin nowhere, at my age especially!LOL!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Yup!!

  • @customwoodworketc1046
    @customwoodworketc10465 ай бұрын

    Beautiful train ❤

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @grumbeast
    @grumbeast2 ай бұрын

    Catching up on your videos and this one was a real treat!, those passenger cars are beautiful, I’m an N scaler, but your videos are persuading me to be on the lookout for interesting HO locomotives to fix up too!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for supporting my channel! There is lots of interesting pieces out there

  • @charlesdempsey176
    @charlesdempsey1765 ай бұрын

    Wow! You have a really good friend!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    5 ай бұрын

    I asked him again about this set before production ended, he just said it was given to him and been sitting in the closet for years. Had no use for it.

  • @keepamericayisraelgreat5708
    @keepamericayisraelgreat57084 ай бұрын

    Once again Good Job.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @gbwdude
    @gbwdude7 ай бұрын

    Two words: buttery smooth! Man she looks as good as she runs too. Great job, Ron.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks :-)

  • @normancoreyBuildingTrains
    @normancoreyBuildingTrains7 ай бұрын

    Great video Great set

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks Norman

  • @bartholomewsorrentino9013
    @bartholomewsorrentino90137 ай бұрын

    Hi, Ron. Thank you for your research and ‘histories’.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    You betcha Bart, Makes my videos stand out a bit :-)

  • @stevekovoc3939
    @stevekovoc39397 ай бұрын

    That diesel looks identical to my old Globe (by Athearn) F unit I have except mine is just plain silver. I wonder if KMT maybe collaborated with Athearn? Really well made stuff!

  • @suppylarue220

    @suppylarue220

    7 ай бұрын

    that IS a globe athearn shell. KMT subbed out for that set. passenger cars are by herkimer .

  • @franktino6676

    @franktino6676

    7 ай бұрын

    No, the passenger cars are not Herkimer, I believe. They appear as KMT designs....

  • @suppylarue220

    @suppylarue220

    7 ай бұрын

    @@franktino6676 look through your old period back issues of RMC, MRR, & MT; for advertisements and product reviews, you'll see those are RTR versions in a boxed set. The F7 is mated to a unique frame and disassembly in an effort similar to the later COX repackaging/ rebranding products to do the same thing.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Very well made for sure!!

  • @franktino6676

    @franktino6676

    7 ай бұрын

    No, I believe as Castellas does that the pax cars are not a Herkimer clone or an out sourcing from Herkimer but rather a Kusan design. @casstelles 23 hours ago This is a great set. I think the shell maybe from Globe which is the reason it's like an Athearn and the drive system looks like an early Athearn, but there were separate drive systems offered for the Globe F7 shells before Athearn offered their F7. This engine may not be an in-house design, but the passenger cars are. @@suppylarue220

  • @regisbraga3833
    @regisbraga38337 ай бұрын

    What a nice set! The metal cars are really very beautiful! Little touch of Santa Fe red here and there and the loco is gonna be perfect. Another great work Ron: congratulations!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    This was quite a donation for sure. Been sitting here on a shelf for months. I never even opened the bags to look at the cars until the filming of this episode. Yup a little red will bring that windshield area around for sure. Take care My Friend!

  • @odalesaylor
    @odalesaylor5 ай бұрын

    Enjoyed it... again!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you!!

  • @mathuetax
    @mathuetax7 ай бұрын

    Wow, nicely built old kit!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    It sure is!

  • @dewain50
    @dewain507 ай бұрын

    you can use conductive lube oil on the axle tips to help light flicker.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    I agree, lots of little tweaks to eliminate that problem

  • @MygrandpasTrain
    @MygrandpasTrain7 ай бұрын

    Both those engine shells appear to be Athearns. I have an Athearn that is identical to a T with the KM T... Bad pun, sorry. You could drill out that fake headlight and add one if you really wanted to. Those cars are something special. Love the spit shine polish! I think the conductive axles on the cars are solid metal and then one side is varnished. Those axles are a pain sometimes cuz they are prone to short out with all metal trucks. Yeah I think those non operating couplers are period correct. I've found some like that that actually operate and then others of that design made of plastic. Again, when they work, they are great, but can be more complex to assemble than Kadees! I'd love to find anything by KMT for HO. I've seen their O scale cars at an antique mall. They never made anything for S gauge or I'd be hunting for that too.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Greetings, Sure drilling out the shell would be easy enough. I will let the next owner do all the fancy mods if he wants. If I had to assemble Kadee's I would go somewhere else. Them little springs drive me insane. :-)

  • @casstelles
    @casstelles7 ай бұрын

    This is a great set. I think the shell maybe from Globe which is the reason it's like an Athearn and the drive system looks like an early Athearn, but there were separate drive systems offered for the Globe F7 shells before Athearn offered their F7. This engine may not be an in-house design, but the passenger cars are. As far as the passenger cars, they are much better than the Mantua or the Herkimer/OK Streamliners aluminum passenger cars on the design of them. I have many of the Mantua and Herkimer/OK streamliners aluminum passenger cars in collection, but these cars are something to look out for if the price is right for vintage HO equipment. As for the video, I can say this video was informative and a great look into a rare manufacture. Keep up the good work and let us know if you find anything more from KMT in HO scale.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks. I have some Globe shells w/ very early Athearn drives awaiting there turn at the repair table. yes very similar looking drives.

  • @footienz
    @footienz7 ай бұрын

    Excellent video as always sir thoroughly enjoyed it! what a neat set, especially those cars

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you kindly!

  • @henryszubielski8601
    @henryszubielski86017 ай бұрын

    Wow what a beautiful set! Nice work. 😊

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you Henry 🤗

  • @CatMag21
    @CatMag217 ай бұрын

    What a beautiful find....

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @4everdc302
    @4everdc3027 ай бұрын

    A 9.5 for sure. The set would get full marks if it wasn't that Santa Fe paint😢 They could have done Rock Island,Burlington or something. Well aquired Ron👍🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲

  • @franktino6676

    @franktino6676

    7 ай бұрын

    Back in the 50s the ' Sante Fe ' was the ticket for model railroaders and kids,grandkids ...

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks 4ever. I agree, I want different liveries :-)

  • @danielpaulson786
    @danielpaulson7863 ай бұрын

    Nice train ron.wish it was mine.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks

  • @n4pwx
    @n4pwx7 ай бұрын

    Ron I really enjoyed thia video. Thanks my brother.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Hello Dennis! Thanks Sir

  • @jkrzc
    @jkrzc7 ай бұрын

    Great Set. Great VFW story.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks Joe :-)

  • @thomasgp132
    @thomasgp1327 ай бұрын

    Very nice..quite engine. Waiting for the room to set up my old Tyco. I have an Air Force F7.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks! Time to stop waiting and make it happen. Switching yard?

  • @thomasgp132

    @thomasgp132

    7 ай бұрын

    @@classicmodeltrains Could make it portable. Question have you ever made a layout for one of your RVs?

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    @@thomasgp132 Ive thought about it. That 40' diesel pusher bus would make a big space but it gets really hot in there in the summers. Vey expensive to heat in the winters

  • @michaelquinones-lx6ks
    @michaelquinones-lx6ks7 ай бұрын

    What a gem! I love the sixties, Hated the seventies!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    I love the 60's also. Wasn't there but I can pretend. Small town 60's like early on.

  • @michaelquinones-lx6ks

    @michaelquinones-lx6ks

    7 ай бұрын

    ​@@classicmodeltrains Thank you for responding to my comment.

  • @toycarcollector
    @toycarcollector7 ай бұрын

    Very entertaining!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you

  • @rwheatley0206
    @rwheatley02067 ай бұрын

    That is a sweet looking train.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks, It seems "top shelf" for sure :-)

  • @jerryspann8713
    @jerryspann87137 ай бұрын

    You should have a soft towel or foam pad with your channel name printed or stitched into it. Would be perfect for working on locomotives or rolling stock that need protecting.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Ooooh! towel with custom stitching on it......GREAT IDEA!!!! Thanks Jerry

  • @FlyingT5150
    @FlyingT51507 ай бұрын

    Great video as always!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    I appreciate that F.T.!

  • @klsc8510
    @klsc85107 ай бұрын

    To improve the lighting in the cars, you can add a bridge rectifier circuit and between the light and the circuit add a capacitor. Capacitors only work one way as they have a negative and a positive. The bridge rectifier will send current one way no matter whether the train is going forwards or backwards. The capacitor can then store energy to keep the light more constant to avoid the flicker. Consult wiring advice for how to do this. I am just trying to help.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the good idea. Your the first Feller to mention the bridge rectifier so the l.e.d.s will light in both directions!

  • @klsc8510

    @klsc8510

    7 ай бұрын

    In the USAF, I was a computer repairman. So on your dime I learned a bit about electronics.

  • @lawrenceechols6453
    @lawrenceechols64537 ай бұрын

    I have one of those f7 chassis motor and gears frame got it in a box of rubber band stuff rebuilt it ran out pretty good kind of a cool design but I was always wondering who made it I always thought maybe it was after the band drive era or something but maybe it's what you call KMT thanks Ron

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Glad to help ya out there Lawrence!!

  • @rennethjarrett4580
    @rennethjarrett45804 ай бұрын

    Those coupler of that style were also used on the Lionel post-war HO scale steam sets as well. Back then they called them OO gauge...

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    4 ай бұрын

    :-)

  • @matchboxcustomsandrestos
    @matchboxcustomsandrestos7 ай бұрын

    I have always been one of the 33%ers! Conductive grease. Like that silver anti seize. You come out of the shop looking like the tin man. Doesnt matter how careful you are. I know about being 55. Its hell on your whole body. Somehow I hurt my knee coughing yesterday. LOL

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks for your support MC&R! Yeah, now I know why the "Old Guys" are always kinda crabby....Everything hurts :-D

  • @matchboxcustomsandrestos

    @matchboxcustomsandrestos

    7 ай бұрын

    @@classicmodeltrains Remember when we was kids...the old guy in the neighborhood with all the cool stuff and tools? That is us now. AND, we can tell when its going to rain. We alway thought the old folks we crazy when they said its getting ready to rain. My knee is acting up. LOL

  • @w.rustylane5650
    @w.rustylane56506 ай бұрын

    I really like the design of that engine. I'll have to keep an eye out for any HO scale KMT's. You can drill out the headlight socket and put in an LED headlight. I'd change out that incandescent lighting with LED strip lighting with keep alive circuits, very easily done. So you're a veteran? So am I - USMC and Vietnam vet. Cheers - TN

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    6 ай бұрын

    It was a good runner for it's time and still today. It's quite rare and I planned on selling it so I didnt want to do any "non-stock" modifications to it. Let the new owner do as they please is my motto. I was in the Army. 88M. Hooked to a 13B unit :-( No action under my belt. It was quiet when I signed up. Thank you for your service

  • @MartinSBrown-tp9ji
    @MartinSBrown-tp9ji7 ай бұрын

    That is an early F 7 made by Ather. I had one.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Right on!!

  • @SleeperBBQ
    @SleeperBBQ3 ай бұрын

    TY

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    3 ай бұрын

    :-)

  • @raymondleggs5508
    @raymondleggs55087 ай бұрын

    Even if I didn't like trains I'd buy that set.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    LOL!! mantle piece?

  • @frankmarkovcijr5459
    @frankmarkovcijr54597 ай бұрын

    Santa Fe passenger trains always ran a B - unit because the steam generator was in the B-unit.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    I wish more sets had B units in them

  • @tonyromano6220
    @tonyromano62207 ай бұрын

    Wow! New to me.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Me too Tony!

  • @jesusrenteria9970
    @jesusrenteria99707 ай бұрын

    Hello nice videos👋👋🇲🇽

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Gracias!

  • @anthonysmithson4496
    @anthonysmithson44963 ай бұрын

    Hi Ron, maybe a simple in line capacitor, may fix the light flicker.?

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    3 ай бұрын

    Many have suggested that

  • @TonyFleetwood
    @TonyFleetwood7 ай бұрын

    "Marine" is also a title that is earned, like heavy weight champion, it is not just given away. Thus you can claim it for life. ;) Semper Fidelis

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the information Tony!

  • @azmike1
    @azmike17 ай бұрын

    Neat! But the "flicker" is impossible to stop. Beautiful aluminum cars!

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @michaelmorgan7893
    @michaelmorgan78933 ай бұрын

    That's a new one on me: I have seen about three or four different variations of Athearn stuff over the years, but not a KMT. It would make sense that KMT would become K- Line, which I have heard of. (Even though I haven't been into O scale or O gage, because of its "toylike" appearance. But even at nearly 60, seems like I'm learning something new every day.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    3 ай бұрын

    O scale is usually pretty prototypical. It's the O-27 that's toy like in appearance. Yes.. always new stuff to learn about for sure :-)

  • @michaelmorgan7893

    @michaelmorgan7893

    3 ай бұрын

    @@classicmodeltrains I like the newer Lionel stuff that looks more to scale. I never cared much for the "carnival ride" look of 0-27 and the fantasy paint schemes. The only thing about O scale is the cost. I was able to get a G Scale EMD GP30 for under $500 last summer.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    3 ай бұрын

    @@michaelmorgan7893 Wow! Big bucks for that G stuff.

  • @michaelmorgan7893

    @michaelmorgan7893

    3 ай бұрын

    @@classicmodeltrains true. But I've noticed HO and N scales are getting just as bad. And I don't do DCC, either.

  • @kennethmorgan3557

    @kennethmorgan3557

    3 ай бұрын

    K-Line didn't take their name

  • @johnsadventures6783
    @johnsadventures67834 ай бұрын

    I have one HO Lionel piece. I belong to The American Legion Post. I am starting to collect all the pieces I need to get my HO rolling stock in order.

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    4 ай бұрын

    Well I hope you find all you are looking for John!

  • @2nd66tube2
    @2nd66tube24 ай бұрын

    I'm only 25 miles or so from Endicott ,it seems like I would see some KMT stuff around but I never have

  • @classicmodeltrains

    @classicmodeltrains

    4 ай бұрын

    It does hide out quite well :-)