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.
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.
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.
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 :-)
@@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..
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!
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.
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.
From watching you, and smt mainline I've learned a lot. I've been able to fix some older n scale locomotives I've gotten from ebay. I had ho scale trains to start with, but my 22 yr old son took off with them on me. He now does the same thing works on all the locomotives himself. Anyway I just wanted to let you know how much I love watching your videos. Thank you for all of what you are doing.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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!
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. :-)
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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. :-)
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. 👍👍
@@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
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!
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.
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!
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!]
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.
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!
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!
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!
@@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
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 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
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👍🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲
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.
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
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
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
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 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.
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!
@@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.
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
For the 1950’s, this is INSANE!!!!
It was really nice!!
That must have been some set to own back in the day. Still impressive in 2023. Great video thanks.
The kids that would of had this didnt live on my end of town that's for sure ;-)
haha I hear ya! @@classicmodeltrains
Two words: buttery smooth! Man she looks as good as she runs too. Great job, Ron.
Thanks :-)
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.
Yup. I read all this on the website I mentioned. I left it out of the video to keep the video moving.
My great grandpa and grandpa worked with Jack Farris on this. I still have one of the first box cars on a shelf
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.
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.
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 :-)
@@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..
@@michaelquinones-lx6ks I agree with you Sir!
Wow. The designers of the drive train really did deserve your compliments.
Why can't others get it right? 😊
I agree with you Norm!!
Yes, as soon as I saw "Eight Wheel Drive" on the box, I knew this one was well worth reviving.
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!
I'm glad the rabbit hole delivered you to this video Jeff! Thanks for another Sub!!
I'm 53 years old .... I've never seen that before, Thanx Fur Sharrin That!!!!
You bet!
What a neat find! And I agree the finish on those passenger cars looks fantastic.
Thanks
Man thats cool! 56 years old and I’ve never heard of KMT.
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.
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.
I grew up outside of Boston and Eric Fuchs was our local hobby shop. But I missed KMT entirely! @@franktino6676
Ive never heard of them either till this set landed in my hands.
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.
Thanks, It is pretty neat :-)
I wish they still made the drive trains like that today....WOW!! No plastic casings holding the gears in place...all metal!!! Very cool!
I hear ya Ray!
From watching you, and smt mainline I've learned a lot. I've been able to fix some older n scale locomotives I've gotten from ebay. I had ho scale trains to start with, but my 22 yr old son took off with them on me. He now does the same thing works on all the locomotives himself. Anyway I just wanted to let you know how much I love watching your videos. Thank you for all of what you are doing.
Thank you for your kind words. Glad to be helping you and your Son keep these classic loco's running the rails
Love those coach roof's and the build quality of that Santa fe looks great. Can't beat some of that old school engineering 👍
Real nice back in the day
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.
Thanks David!
Hello Rom. This KMT set is really in excellent condition. It was a great find. Great video. Congratulations.
Hey, thanks!
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.
Thanks Mark :-)
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.
Thanks TMR!
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
I think you might have one of everything down stairs there Dave ;-D
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.
A question. Do you have any cast Midgetoy trains from the 60/70s. I have some. They were favorite toys from the dimestore.
Thanks! Never ever have I seen a circus train in real life :( I have no Midgetoy trains
This is amazing, a real estate of the art in engineering, that would be nice to see this days in model trains, thanks Ron
Thanks for watching!!
Amazing Find, Ron!! That set is beautiful ✔❗
It is off the chart for sure!!
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!
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!!
@classicmodeltrains sure I get it. Stay away from the rabbit holes lol!
That is a well-built locomotive!!!💯 I love the shine on the cars. Lol, bouncer duty!!!😂 great info. 🫵👊✌️
Glad you enjoyed it
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.
Thank you for your support and kind words. :-)
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.
Yup! this one has survived the passage of time very well! Thanks for watching :-)
Another great video. Thanks Ron keep up the great work!
Thank you!!
Hi Ron, this episode was a real eye opener. Both for HO and fine O scale which I also do. Many thanks for that.
Glad you enjoyed it
TCA is a good source for model train related questions. A little Atlas Conduct-A-Lube might help with blinky light problems.
Ive been on TCA's site a lot. Good stuff there also
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.
Herkimer could have bought the milling plans for the KMT cars for their kits
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!!!
Didn’t Mantua do the extruded cars?
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…👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks John for your support!
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.
Thanks Richard! I was Army for awhile.
That set looks fantastic! Nothing like using real aluminum to make aluminum passenger cars. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks and yes! What a interesting concept to use shiny aluminum to simulate shiny cars. Engineers were smart back in the day :-)
What a beautiful train set. I've never heard of K•M•T but they were certainly engineered very well.
Thanks Mark! Yes they were :-)
Thank you for sharing. Beautiful passenger cars, enjoyed the video.👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Museum piece!…..pristine!…great friend that gave you this..
It is really nice. Glad he offered it to the channel
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!
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. :-)
WOW!!! What a nice set!! Great job on the refurb!
Thank you!
Amazing video…first t8me I have seen a KMT Product…love the shine…sounds sweet…
Thank you!
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.
Greetings Lynn! I was excited getting another video out and on time :-)
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
Thanks. That smell is ben gay and butterscotch hard candies (ha ha ha........ I 'll let myself out)
@@classicmodeltrains With a soussant of PBR reduction and Lucky Strike smoke....
Hi, Ron. Thank you for your research and ‘histories’.
You betcha Bart, Makes my videos stand out a bit :-)
you can use conductive lube oil on the axle tips to help light flicker.
I agree, lots of little tweaks to eliminate that problem
Very nice! Never saw this train set before now!
Me neither. Glad I got to see one and work on it
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!
Thanks Darren, Yup she makes me buy my own polishing cream :-)
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
Capacitors would definitely smooth it out
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.
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. :-)
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. 👍👍
I'm sure it could be modified, but then it would take away the value as a collectible.
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.
@@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
@@SantaFeBob oops. I read it a bit fast. Looks like we think alike!!
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!
Yup!!
Much jealousy! It's like a non-brass brass engine. Sweet loco. Polish up those streamliners. Love it.
A non-brass brass quality loco..... I like the saying!!!!
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.
Thank you for supporting my channel. 45% finish rate would be awesome. Belt drives, have not come across any to fix up......YET!!
That’s Why I Love Model Railroading!👍.
Thanks
Watched from start to finish. Great job on this One.
Thanks for your support Dan!
That's definitely a great find
Thanks!
Another successful revival! Those passenger cars look sweet, I wonder why they aren't lighted? Edit- I posted too soon. 😉
They didnt look lighted to me either. Designed very well!!
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!
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
@@classicmodeltrains Ohh, that makes sense! Apologies for my confusion
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.
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!
Yes a Capacitor would fix that issue. Thanks for your kind words Stephen :-)
Very nice set. I love your layout. First time I seen it.
Thank you
Excellent video as always sir thoroughly enjoyed it! what a neat set, especially those cars
Thank you kindly!
that would make me smile, lovely vintage ho pieces!
Yes it is!
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.
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!
In the USAF, I was a computer repairman. So on your dime I learned a bit about electronics.
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!
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
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!]
@@lynnwilliams2871 ooh. Ok I’m hearing you now. Great information . Thanks :-)
That is a very nice set. And I detect that, like me, you're a fan of thrust washers. Keep up the good work!
When I see a thrust washer it makes me feel better that the engineers cared enough to include them in their product.
Wow! You have a really good friend!
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.
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!
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!
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!
Thanks for supporting my channel! There is lots of interesting pieces out there
Beautiful Train!
Thanks Joseph
Rear and wonderful set.
It is a really nice one :-)
what a sweet ride. stay well.
Thanks :-)
Love your videos and the commentary.
Thank you Bill
What a gem! I love the sixties, Hated the seventies!
I love the 60's also. Wasn't there but I can pretend. Small town 60's like early on.
@@classicmodeltrains Thank you for responding to my comment.
TY
:-)
I havent bn to the VFW in along time im a life member mayb now il fit in im no kid no more love that train set keep up the good work
Thanks! Time to support the VFW again. fit right in!!
Very entertaining!
Thank you
Very nice..quite engine. Waiting for the room to set up my old Tyco. I have an Air Force F7.
Thanks! Time to stop waiting and make it happen. Switching yard?
@@classicmodeltrains Could make it portable. Question have you ever made a layout for one of your RVs?
@@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
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
Thanks for your support MC&R! Yeah, now I know why the "Old Guys" are always kinda crabby....Everything hurts :-D
@@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
Wow what a beautiful set!
Nice work. 😊
Thank you Henry 🤗
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👍🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲
Back in the 50s the ' Sante Fe ' was the ticket for model railroaders and kids,grandkids ...
Thanks 4ever. I agree, I want different liveries :-)
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.
Ooooh! towel with custom stitching on it......GREAT IDEA!!!! Thanks Jerry
Wow, nicely built old kit!
It sure is!
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...
:-)
What a beautiful find....
Thank you!
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
Glad to help ya out there Lawrence!!
Great video Great set
Thanks Norman
"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
Thanks for the information Tony!
Beautiful train ❤
Thank you!
Ron I really enjoyed thia video. Thanks my brother.
Hello Dennis! Thanks Sir
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
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
That is a sweet looking train.
Thanks, It seems "top shelf" for sure :-)
Once again Good Job.
Thank you!
Even if I didn't like trains I'd buy that set.
LOL!! mantle piece?
Great Set. Great VFW story.
Thanks Joe :-)
Enjoyed it... again!
Thank you!!
That is an early F 7 made by Ather. I had one.
Right on!!
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.
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 :-)
@@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.
@@michaelmorgan7893 Wow! Big bucks for that G stuff.
@@classicmodeltrains true. But I've noticed HO and N scales are getting just as bad. And I don't do DCC, either.
K-Line didn't take their name
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.
Well I hope you find all you are looking for John!
There was a recent YT video about a rebuild of THAT locomotive by SMT Mainline.
:-)
Hi Ron, maybe a simple in line capacitor, may fix the light flicker.?
Many have suggested that
Neat! But the "flicker" is impossible to stop. Beautiful aluminum cars!
Thanks!
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!
that IS a globe athearn shell. KMT subbed out for that set. passenger cars are by herkimer .
No, the passenger cars are not Herkimer, I believe. They appear as KMT designs....
@@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.
Very well made for sure!!
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