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The Merle VanSteenwyck Premier Brass Train Collection
The Merle VanSteenwyck Collection Premier Brass Train Auction Sunday, November 16, 2025 | 1:00 PM Live Simulcast Auction Bid In-Person or Online Burgess Auctions Gallery | Knightstown, Indiana Preview the Collection Friday, November 14 | 10:00 AM 5:00 PM Step into our gallery and experience this remarkable collection firsthand. Our knowledgeable staff will be available to answer questions and provide detailed information about individual pieces. A Lifetime of Passion: Museum-Quality Brass Collection Burgess Auctions is honored to present the distinguished brass train collection of Merle VanSteenwyck of Fishers, Indiana. This exceptional single-owner estate represents decades of careful curation and deep appreciation for America's railroad heritage, assembled by a true connoisseur of fine brass model railroading. Mr. VanSteenwyck's collection showcases over 230 lots of the finest HO scale brass craftsmanship from the most respected names in the industry: Featured Importers & Manufacturers: Overland Models The gold standard in brass model trains since 1976 Challenger Imports Samhongsa-built masterpieces known for exquisite detail Oriental Limited Highly sought-after limited production runs The Coach Yard Premier passenger car specialists with a tradition of excellence Aurora Shops Ltd. Quality Dae-Ki manufactured brass passenger equipment Brass Train Depot, Westside Model Co., Key Imports, Precision Scale Co. and other distinguished importers Each piece was selected for its historical significance, manufacturing excellence, and authentic representation of America's great railroads. Collection Highlights Historic Passenger Service Experience the golden age of American rail travel through Mr. VanSteenwyck's curated selection of over 50 meticulously crafted brass passenger cars. The Coach Yard articulated diners from the legendary 1938 City of San Francisco streamliner showcase revolutionary engineering. The Overland Models "Ferdinand Magellan" presidential railroad car from the Truman era represents a piece of American history. Aurora Shops Railway Post Office cars, Oriental Limited observation cars, and countless other gems capture the sophistication of transcontinental passenger service. Legendary Locomotives Challenger Imports Burlington Route steam and diesel power, including Texas-type 2-10-4 locomotives with Elesco feedwater heaters and streamlined E-5A/E-5B diesel sets. These Samhongsa-built masterpieces feature factory paint, intricate detailing, and the precision that made Challenger Imports legendary among collectors. Premier Railroads Represented Burlington Route (CB&Q), Union Pacific, Southern Pacific, Pennsylvania Railroad, New York Central, Santa Fe, and many more legendary carriers that built this nation. Why This Collection Commands Attention These aren't ordinary model trains. Brass imports from Overland Models, Challenger Imports, and Oriental Limited were produced in extremely limited quantities often just 200-500 pieces worldwide. Many in the VanSteenwyck collection date from the 1980s and 1990s golden era of brass importing, when Korean manufacturers like Samhongsa, Dae-Ki, and others were producing their finest work. Mr. VanSteenwyck preserved these pieces in climate-controlled conditions for 30+ years. Factory details remain crisp, finishes are excellent, and many appear virtually unused. This level of preservation is increasingly rare in the brass collecting world. What Makes These Importers Special: Overland Models: Limited production runs with unprecedented detail and accuracy Challenger Imports: Samhongsa-built models prized for smooth operation and fine craftsmanship Oriental Limited: Highly collectible pieces that rarely appear at auction The Coach Yard: Specialists in premier passenger trains with "striving for excellence" as their mission For collectors, this auction offers a rare opportunity to acquire pieces that seldom come to market. For historians, these models preserve railroad heritage with museum-quality accuracy. For modelers, they represent investment-grade additions to distinguished layouts. How to Bid LIVE IN-PERSON BIDDING Join us at our Knightstown gallery for the excitement of live auction action. Inspect items during preview, meet fellow collectors, and bid in real-time. ONLINE BIDDING (Simulcast) Can't make it to Knightstown? Bid live from anywhere! Our simulcast platform lets you participate in real-time as the auctioneer calls each lot. Watch the action, compete with floor bidders, and win from the comfort of your home. Register to Bid Online: BurgessAuctions.com Registration recommended in advance Absentee/Pre-Bids Also Accepted: Submit maximum bids in advance and we'll execute them on your behalf during the live auction. Auction Details Bidding starts at just $10 per lot an accessible entry point for collectors at every level. 230+ Lots of Premium Brass Including: Overland Models premium brass locomotives and rolling stock Challenger Imports Samhongsa-manufactured steam and diesel power Oriental Limited limited-production passenger equipment The Coach Yard articulated passenger cars Aurora Shops brass passenger cars And dozens of other distinguished pieces Plus: Additional HO trains, Lionel O gauge, layout materials, buildings, accessories, and more from Mr. VanSteenwyck's estate. Lot Numbers: Starting at 501 Complete Catalog with Photos: BurgessAuctions.com Bidding Platforms: In-person & live online simulcast Terms: Standard auction terms apply Plan Your Visit Auction Gallery Location: Burgess Auctions 45 W Carey Street Knightstown, Indiana Preview Day: Friday, November 14, 2025 10:00 AM 5:00 PM Highly recommended inspect Overland, Challenger, and Oriental brass models in person Auction Day: Sunday, November 16, 2025 1:00 PM Start Time Live in gallery + Simulcast online New to Online Bidding? Our platform is easy to use! Register in advance, browse lots with full descriptions and photos, and bid with confidence. Our technology ensures fair competition between floor and online bidders. Need assistance? Our team is here to help walk you through the process. Questions About Specific Pieces? Our team can provide detailed information about manufacturers, production runs, condition reports, and provenance. Contact Burgess Auctions: 765-445-7814 sold@burgessauctions.comwww.burgessauctions.com Keywords for Collectors: HO Brass Trains, Overland Models, Challenger Imports, Oriental Limited, Samhongsa, The Coach Yard, Aurora Shops, Brass Train Auction, Model Railroad Collection, Burlington Route, Union Pacific, Vintage Brass Imports, Online Train Auction, Live Simulcast Auction Honoring Legacies, Delivering Value. Burgess Auctions Where tradition meets opportunity in Central Indiana.
Auction lots (231)
The Coach Yard Southern Pacific SP7229-48 Horse
Express Catalog#0927
Challenger Imports Ltd. Chicago Burlington & Quinc
Challenger Imports Ltd. Chicago Burlington & Quincy Zephyr 9902 Complete Train. Raised Headlight Version. Lighting Including...
Oriental Limited HO Burlington 4-8-4 Open Cab Wort
Oriental Limited HO Burlington 4-8-4 Open Cab Worthington F.W.H. train, made in Korea by Samhongsa. Oriental Limited HO...
Burlington Route CBQ 16 52-Seat Coach
Burlington Route CBQ 16 52-Seat Coach. Made in Korea. Burlington Route CBQ 16 52-Seat Coach. Made in Korea.
The Coach Yard Union Pacific Pullman HW Car
Red box containing 'The Coach Yard' Union Pacific Pullman HW passenger car. Plan #3973A. Pullman HW (10Sec-1DR-1Cmpt). Red box...
Challenger Imports Rebuilt Pullman Plan 4084
Boxed train car set of Rebuilt Pullman Plan 4084 by Challenger Imports. Includes 6 sections, 6 double bedrooms with Pullman...
Shoreham Shops CBQ 16 Burlington 52 Seat Coach
Shoreham Shops Limited CBQ 16 Burlington 52 Seat Coach with Burlington Route logo. Shoreham Shops Limited CBQ 16 Burlington 52...
The Coach Yard Streamliner Baggage-Dorm Car
The Coach Yard Streamliner Baggage-Dorm Auxiliary Power "LA-101"/"SF-101" (original version). From P.O. Box 7309 Van Nuys, Calif....
Challenger Imports Great Northern Railway Heavywei
Challenger Imports, Ltd. Great Northern Railway Heavyweight Empire Builder 3-Pack 'A' featuring a 58-Seat Luxury Coach, a Tourist...
Oriental Limited CB&Q 'EA' Pass. Locomotive
Oriental Limited CB&Q 'EA' Pass. Locomotive, Made in Japan. Oriental Limited CB&Q 'EA' Pass. Locomotive, Made in Japan.
Shoreham Shops Limited CBQ 16 Burlington 52 Seat C
Shoreham Shops Limited CBQ 16 Burlington 52 Seat Coach, Burlington Route, Made in Korea Shoreham Shops Limited CBQ 16 Burlington...
Santa Fe Regal Series Pullman Sleeper Car 1947
Santa Fe "Regal" series 4-4-2 Sleeper Pullman Car from 1947. Lot 613 The Coach Yard. Santa Fe "Regal" series 4-4-2 Sleeper...
Challenger Imports, Great Northern Railway Heavywe
This lot features a Great Northern Railway Heavyweight Empire Builder 3-Pack 'B' from Challenger Imports, Ltd., catalog number...
Shoreham Shops Limited CBQ 16 Burlington 52 Seat C
Shoreham Shops Limited CBQ 16 Burlington 52 Seat Coach. P.O. BOX 22011. EAGAN, MN 55122. #4703, 04, 07-15. Made in Korea....
The Coach Yard "George M Pullman" 20th Anniversary
This listing features a The Coach Yard 20th Anniversary Model. It's a limited production "George M. Pullman" 1-1-3 Lounge...
Shoreham Shops Limited CBQ15 Chicago Burlington &
Box of Shoreham Shops Limited item CBQ15, described as Chicago Burlington & Quincy Sleeper 10-6 #429-436. Box of Shoreham...
The Coach Yard Santa Fe 1933 "El Capitan" Baggage-
The Coach Yard Santa Fe 1933 "El Capitan" Baggage-Dorm-Chair. Box labeled with Santa Fe logo, and includes PO box of 7309 Van...
Oriental Limited EMD E5A 2000HP Phase I Model
Oriental Limited EMD E5A 2000HP Phase I Model. Made in Korea by Samhongsa. Oriental Limited EMD E5A 2000HP Phase I Model. Made in...
Shoreham Shops Limited CBQ14 Sleeper 6-6-4 #460-46
Shoreham Shops Limited model train car, CBQ14 Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Sleeper 6-6-4 #460-465. Shoreham Shops Limited...
Great Northern Railway Heavyweight Empire Builder
Challenger Imports, Ltd. Great Northern Railway Heavyweight Empire Builder model train set. Includes 70 ft. Baggage-Mail-Express...
The Coach Yard Streamliner 1938 Articulated Sleep
The Coach Yard Streamliner 1938 Art. Sleeper 4 compartment - 3 drill and 12 section. Located at P.O. Box 7309 Van Nuys, Calif....
The Coach Streamliner Buffet-Lng-Ol "Sun Valley" o
Original version "Sun Valley" or "Nob Hill" Streamliner train car. The Coach, P.O. Box 7309 Van Nuys, Calif. 91409 Original...
Oriental Limited HO Brass CB&Q E5A Silver King &
HO scale brass locomotive set by Oriental Limited, representing the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) E5A Silver King...
Shoreham Shops Limited HO Brass CB&Q 6-6-4 Sleeper
HO scale brass passenger cars by Shoreham Shops Limited, representing Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) 6-6-4 sleepers...
Shoreham Shops Limited HO Brass CB&Q Vista-Dome Do
HO scale brass passenger cars by Shoreham Shops Limited, representing Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) Vista-Dome...
Challenger Imports HO Brass Great Northern Heavywe
HO scale brass passenger car set by Challenger Imports, Ltd., representing the Great Northern Railway heavyweight Empire Builder....
Shoreham Shops Limited HO Brass CB&Q Vista-Dome Do
HO scale brass passenger cars by Shoreham Shops Limited, representing Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) Vista-Dome...
The Coach Yard HO Brass ATSF 52/60-Seat Chair Car
HO scale brass passenger car by The Coach Yard, representing Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (ATSF) 52- or 60-seat chair car...
Challenger Imports HO Brass Rebuilt Pullman Plan 4
HO scale brass passenger car by Challenger Imports, Ltd., representing a rebuilt Pullman Plan 4036F sleeper featuring 8 sections...
Shoreham Shops Limited HO Brass CB&Q BaggageMail
HO scale brass passenger cars by Shoreham Shops Limited, representing Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) baggagemail...
The Coach Yard HO Brass ATSF 52/60-Seat Chair Car
HO scale brass passenger car by The Coach Yard, representing Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (ATSF) 52- or 60-seat chair car...
Shoreham Shops Limited HO Brass CB&Q 50-Seat Coach
HO scale brass passenger cars by Shoreham Shops Limited, representing Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) 50-seat coaches...
Challenger Imports HO Brass Rebuilt Pullman Plan 4
HO scale brass passenger car by Challenger Imports, Ltd., representing a rebuilt Pullman Plan 4046 sleeper with 12 sections and 2...
The Coach Yard HO Brass 1938 Articulated Sleeper,
HO scale brass articulated sleeper car by The Coach Yard, representing a 1938 streamlined 4-compartment, 3-drawing room, and...
Oriental Limited EMD E5B 2000HP
HO brass diesel locomotive. Made in Korea by Samhongsa. Original gold box and label. HO brass diesel locomotive. Made in Korea by...
Shoreham Shops CB&Q 50?Seat Coach #47314734 (CBQ1
HO brass streamlined coach for Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. Made in Korea by Yulim International Corporation. HO brass...
The Coach Yard ATSF 1938 El Capitan Chair?Observ
HO brass chair?observation passenger car for Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe. The Coach Yard streamliner series. HO brass...
AHM Union Pacific M?10000 City of Salina 4?Car S
HO brass early streamliner set. Made in Japan. Original blue AHM box. HO brass early streamliner set. Made in Japan. Original...
Challenger Imports Rebuilt Pullman Plan 4046 Sleep
HO brass 12?section, 2?bedroom sleeper with mechanical A/C. Made in Korea by Samhongsa. Cat. #2102. HO brass 12?section,...
Challenger Imports Rebuilt Pullman Plan 3411 Sleep
HO brass 10?section, 3?bedroom (paired windows) sleeper with brine A/C. Made in Korea by Samhongsa. Cat. #2100. HO brass...
Oriental Limited 65?Ton Center?Cab Diesel Switcher
HO brass Midwest Locomotive Works center?cab switcher in Burlington Route scheme. Made in Korea by Daeki Scale Models. Cat....
Shoreham Shops CB&Q 50?Seat Coach #47314734 (CBQ1
HO brass streamlined coach for Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. Made in Korea by Yulim International Corporation. Duplicate of...
Overland Models C&S Wood Caboose #1057610587 (O
HO brass wood caboose for Colorado & Southern. Made in Korea by M.S. Madele, Inc. HO brass wood caboose for Colorado &...
Challenger Imports CB&Q EMD F3A/F3B/F3A Passenger
HO brass diesel set in passenger service. Made in Korea by Samhongsa. Cat. #2282.1. HO brass diesel set in passenger service....
The Coach Yard ATSF 52/60?Seat Chair (Budd 1937)
HO brass chair/coach car for Santa Fe. The Coach Yard. Budd prototype design. HO brass chair/coach car for Santa Fe. The Coach...
Shoreham Shops CB&Q Vista?Dome Parlor Buffet?Obser
HO brass dome?lounge?observation cars for Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. Made in Korea by Yulim International. HO brass...
Challenger Imports CZ Sleeper Silver Dove #450 (
HO brass streamlined sleeper from the California Zephyr consist. Challenger Imports. HO brass streamlined sleeper from the...
Challenger Imports CZ Sleeper Silver Point #423
HO brass streamlined sleeper from the California Zephyr consist. Challenger Imports. HO brass streamlined sleeper from the...
Shoreham Shops CB&Q 52?Seat Coaches #4703, 4704, 4
HO brass streamlined 52?seat coaches for CB&Q. Made in Korea by Yulim International. HO brass streamlined 52?seat coaches for...
W&R Enterprises ATSF Baggage?Mail #3400 (Samhongsa
HO brass baggage?mail car for Santa Fe. Built by Samhongsa for W&R Enterprises. HO brass baggage?mail car for Santa Fe. Built...
Bowser / AHM / Cary E?Unit Body & Drive Lot
HO diesel body shell and conversion/drive components (E3/E6/E8 type). Mixed manufacturers (Bowser/AHM/Cary). HO diesel body shell...
Coach Yard 1938 Articulated Sleeper City of San F
Brass HO scale articulated sleeper by Coach Yard. 1938 Streamliner design, City of San Francisco paint scheme. 4 compartments, 3...
Spectrum EMC Gas Electric Doodlebug Santa Fe M.1
HO scale powered model by Spectrum. Factory painted in classic Santa Fe green and red scheme, lettered M.131. Includes original...
Overland Models UP 'M10005' 10-Car Train Set HO Sc
Overland Models, Inc. UP 'M10005' 10-Car Train Set. Original Version 1936, Yellow/Brown. HO Scale. This HO scale model was made...
Challenger Imports Chicago Burlington & Quincy Bag
Challenger Imports, Ltd. Chicago Burlington & Quincy Baggage car w/o 4 Small Letter Board #903, Stock No. 1082 Challenger...
Challenger Imports Chicago Burlington & Quincy Bag
Challenger Imports Chicago Burlington & Quincy baggage car, without the 4 small letter boards, stock number 1082 and #903....
Oriental Limited CB&Q G-8 0-6-0 Single Phase Air P
This offering features an Oriental Limited CB&Q G-8 0-6-0 Single Phase Air Pump model train, catalog number 0896. The train...
Oriental Chicago Burlington & Quincy Modernized Co
Oriental Chicago Burlington & Quincy Modernized Coach #4520-4527 Model Train Oriental Chicago Burlington & Quincy...
Shoreham Shops Limited Chicago Burlington & Quincy
This listing features a Shoreham Shops Limited Chicago Burlington & Quincy Business Car. The car is presented in its original...
Coach Yard 1938 Articulated Sleeper City of San F
HO scale brass passenger car set by The Coach Yard. 1938 articulated Pullman sleeper, 11 double bedrooms and 12 sections. Factory...
Coach Yard Santa Fe 52/60 Seat Chair Car
HO scale brass passenger car by The Coach Yard. Santa Fe 52 or 60 seat chair car, road numbers 30723101, built by Budd in 1937....
S. Soho & Co. Santa Fe #1339 Dormitory-Lounge Pass
S. Soho & Co. Santa Fe #1339 Dormitory-Lounge Passenger Car. Includes box. S. Soho & Co. Santa Fe #1339 Dormitory-Lounge...
Santa Fe 1950 Chair Lounge Model Train Car
You are bidding on a Santa Fe 1950 Chair Lounge Model Train Car. Comes in original packaging. You are bidding on a Santa Fe 1950...
S. Soho & Co. Santa Fe Palm Haven Pullman Sleepe
HO scale brass passenger car by S. Soho & Co. Santa Fe stainless steel streamlined Pullman Palm Haven sleeper. Factory finish,...
S. Soho & Co. Santa Fe Regal Gorge Pullman Sleep
HO scale brass passenger car by S. Soho & Co. Santa Fe streamlined Pullman Regal Gorge sleeper, stainless finish. High-quality...
S. Soho & Co. Santa Fe Pine Ridge Pullman Sleepe
HO scale brass passenger car by S. Soho & Co. Santa Fe streamlined Pullman Pine Ridge sleeper. Stainless finish with factory...
S. Soho & Co. Santa Fe #1485 Diner
HO scale brass passenger car by S. Soho & Co. Santa Fe streamlined dining car #1485. Stainless finish with illuminated windows,...
S. Soho & Co. Santa Fe #1485 Diner Train Car
HO scale brass passenger car by S. Soho & Co. Santa Fe streamlined dining car #1485. Stainless finish with illuminated windows,...
Santa Fe #3660 Baggage (Unskirted)
S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car
Santa Fe DENEHOTSO Observation
S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car
Santa Fe #3072 Coach
S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car
Pullman WACO Sleeper (12-1)
S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car
Pullman WACO Sleeper (12-1)
S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car
Pullman Chief Black Bear Sleeper
S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car
Pullman Walter Reed Sleeper (14 Section)
S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car S. Soho & Co., brass HO scale passenger car
CB&Q 48 Seat Diner
Shoreham Shops Limited HO scale passenger car Shoreham Shops Limited HO scale passenger car
Rock Island Rocket with TA Diesel
Nickel Plate Products HO brass set Nickel Plate Products HO brass set
Hospital Cars (2)
Walthers HO scale passenger cars Walthers HO scale passenger cars
NPP RI Rocket Set
Nickel Plate Products HO brass set Nickel Plate Products HO brass set
NKP Riveted Steel Express Reefer
Quality Craft Models Quality Craft Models
REA Reefer
Lambert Associates brass HO Lambert Associates brass HO
Pullman Car
Lambert Associates brass HO Lambert Associates brass HO
Pullman Car 'Indian'
Lambert Associates brass HO Lambert Associates brass HO
Pullman 810
Lambert Associates brass HO Lambert Associates brass HO
Observation Car
Lambert Associates brass HO Lambert Associates brass HO
HO Scale Santa Fe Railway Post Office Car
This listing includes an HO scale Santa Fe Railway Post Office Car with its original box. The box is labeled 'Lambert...
Lambert Associates Santa Fe RPO-Baggage-Diner
HO scale brass passenger car by Lambert Associates. Santa Fe Railway RPO-Baggage-Diner car in black paint scheme with crisp white...
Lambert Associates Pullman Sleeper
HO scale brass passenger car by Lambert Associates. Pullman heavyweight sleeper in black paint with gold lettering. Fine rivet...
Shoreham Shops Burlington CBQ 28 Silver Mail Bag
HO scale brass passenger car by Shoreham Shops Limited. Burlington Route CBQ 28 Silver Mail Baggage-Mail car. Fluted stainless...
The Coach Yard City of Los Angeles 1941 Articulate
HO scale brass passenger car set by The Coach Yard. Two-car articulated Pullman sleeper set, lettered City of Los Angeles....
Oriental Limited Pullman Solarium Observation CB&Q
HO scale brass passenger car by Oriental Limited. CB&Q (Burlington) Pullman Solarium Observation, Cat. No. 01002. Factory painted...
Oriental Limited Pullman Solarium Observation CB&Q
HO scale brass passenger car by Oriental Limited. CB&Q (Burlington) Pullman Solarium Observation, Cat. No. 01002. Factory painted...
The Coach Yard Santa Fe 52 or 60 Seat Chair Car
HO scale brass passenger car by The Coach Yard. Santa Fe 52 or 60 seat chair car, Budd 1937 (CY #1232). Factory finished in...
Oriental Limited Pullman Solarium Observation GN
HO scale brass passenger car by Oriental Limited. Great Northern Pullman Solarium Observation James J. Hill, Cat. No. 01003....
E8/9 Locomotive Proto Series 2000
E8/9 Locomotive from the Proto Series 2000. The box includes drawings and specifications for the locomotive. E8/9 Locomotive from...
HO Scale Proto 2000 Series E8/9 Locomotive
This is an HO scale Proto 2000 series E8/9 locomotive. The model accurately represents a specific prototype unit and features...
Oriental Limited EMD E5A Silver Bullet Phase I
HO scale brass diesel locomotive by Oriental Limited. Burlington EMD E5A Silver Bullet, Phase I, 2000 HP. Unpainted factory...
Precision Scale Company Heavyweight 8-3-2 Sleeper
HO scale brass passenger car by Precision Scale Company. Heavyweight 8-3-2 sleeper, Plan 3973A, unpainted brass construction with...