Lambert Associates Brass Model Trains – History and Legacy

Lambert Associates was a respected importer of HO scale brass model trains during the 1970s. Known for their finely crafted locomotives and rolling stock, Lambert partnered with some of the most skilled brass builders in Japan, including Kumata and CAB. Their models were produced in limited runs, which makes them highly collectible today.

The History of Lambert Associates

Lambert Associates began importing brass trains in the early 1970s and continued through the end of the decade. This was the golden age of Japanese brass model manufacturing, when small builders hand-crafted locomotives and cars with precision soldering, brass castings, and fine detail not found in mass-produced models.

Types of Brass Models Imported

Lambert Associates offered a wide variety of HO brass trains, including:

• Steam Locomotives – Examples include Pennsylvania Railroad H-6sb 2-8-0 Consolidations, Baltimore & Ohio Class E-24A 2-8-0s, and Colorado & Southern Moguls. These models featured open-frame motors and fine brass detail.

• Passenger Cars – Lambert imported classic heavyweight Pullman cars, observation cars, and Santa Fe passenger equipment, typically delivered unpainted so hobbyists could finish them to match their layouts.

• Freight Cars and Cabooses – Limited-run brass cabooses, boxcars, and transfer cabooses were part of the lineup.

• Specialty and Maintenance of Way Equipment – Unique pieces like Bucyrus-Erie 250-ton railway cranes gave modelers realistic equipment beyond standard locomotives.

Craftsmanship and Quality

Most Lambert Associates models were imported unpainted, allowing collectors to custom paint and letter them. They were built with open-frame motors and designed for DC analog operation. While early brass models often lacked lighting or interiors, they stood out for their craftsmanship, soldered brass construction, and accurate proportions.

Collectibility and Value Today

Because Lambert Associates produced trains in small runs, surviving models are considered rare brass trains and are sought after by collectors. Their vintage appeal, combined with the reputation of Japanese builders, makes them valuable additions to any brass model train collection. Whether it’s a steam locomotive, passenger car, or unique maintenance-of-way piece, Lambert Associates brass trains remain highly collectible and historically significant.