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.