Remembering Samhongsa

up148OGR Forum Member

Okay, now that I have your attention , I'm trying to learn how many runs of O scale KEY diesels were built by Samhongsa. I know after Samhongsa collapsed in the early 2000's, Sam Model Tech started up with some former employees, but I don't know if they produced any models for KEY. I also know Key switched to F.M. Models after the Samhongsa collapse and was told by a very reliable source there were 4 runs imported from F.M. Models by Key.

I've owned several iterations of Samhongsa built KEY E & F units over the decades (1 FM) and the Samhongsa box labels said either "classic ser #" or "custom ser #" 78 and later "classic ser #" and "custom ser #" 85. I always assumed the numerals represented the year of import, but now I think that is wrong.

I recently purchased an AB set of E8's and the box label says "Custom Ser # 85". Apparently this is a later run of E units than I've ever owned, as the roof paint scheme is mid 60's, has a cab roof (working) flashing beacon, open coupler pocket in the pilot, working red/white flashing lights in the upper hole and shaded lenses over the number boards that hide the numerals, unless illuminated.

So, I'm hoping others here might have some experiences or knowledge that we can piece together, before this history is lost.

Thanks,

3/30/221:30 PM

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StrummerOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I cannot help you, but to say that some of the nicest pieces I have were made by Samhongsa...in HO and O scales... hope you can get some answers here.

Mark in Oregon

3/30/2211:21 PM

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Erik C LindgrenOGR Forum Member

I really love my Samhongsa Key Imports models. I still feel they are the best O scale F units. The overall sculpt and proportions really work for me. They lack the traction motor castings but outside of that on the track they are perfect.

Here are my Grande F7s in 1948 delivery paint (Bumble Bee) coming out of Rainbow Cut at Plainview, shot on location at Plainview.

From the information I was informed, Key Imports made 5 AB sets of these Bumblebee F7s in 1988 with Samhongsa. That’s only 2 matched 4 unit sets produced of this model and a stand alone A/B. They are spectacular I will never sell them, My wife will when I die. My favorite F7s by a country mile.

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3/31/221:50 AM

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mark sOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Have Key Samhongsa Great Northern F7's #309 A and B from the 1990 era. These mesh nicely with my Oriental N3 2-8-8-0's, all of which were in iron ore service in Minnesota in the 1950's. As Erik noted, these F7's capture the contours of the nose perfectly, which I imagine is a tricky undertaking. Highly valued pieces.

3/31/222:18 AM

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Mike CTOGR Forum Member

Early 1990's Weaver brass, was Samhongsa.

Pennsy L1s Mikado.

3/31/227:32 AM

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West Side JoeOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

@Erik C Lindgren posted:
I really love my Samhongsa Key Imports models. I still feel they are the best O scale F units. The overall sculpt and proportions really work for me. They lack the traction motor castings but outside of that on the track they are perfect.
Here are my Grande F7s in 1948 delivery paint (Bumble Bee) coming out of Rainbow Cut at Plainview, shot on location at Plainview.

From the information I was informed, Key Imports made 5 AB sets of these Bumblebee F7s in 1988 with Samhongsa. That’s only 2 matched 4 unit sets produced of this model and a stand alone A/B. They are spectacular I will never sell them, My wife will when I die. My favorite F7s by a country mile.

I don't mean to crash this thread, but I just had to compliment you on the excellent photo. You had me completely fooled. 🙂

3/31/229:33 AM

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NormOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Samhongsa models sure did make for a lot of great reading back in the early days of this forum.

Norm

3/31/229:49 AM

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Erik C LindgrenOGR Forum Member

@West Side Joe posted:
I don't mean to crash this thread, but I just had to compliment you on the excellent photo. You had me completely fooled. 🙂

Thank you Joe! 😊 This is part of the way I enjoy the hobby. 👍🙂

3/31/229:56 AM

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up148OGR Forum Member

I think I confused the later FM built model labels with Samhongsa model labels. I truly can't remember what my Sam box labels said from decades ago, but the two I own now say "Custom".

Below are some photos of my Sam labels and what I believe are FM labels, downloaded from BT's website. Interesting point, is what I believe to be FM Model builds show "Classic" designation, but no series number or the builder name on the label.....just "made in Korea". One label for the CB&Q E9 doesn't show series or builders name. Certainly these were from different runs.

So, it appears the "custom" designation was a Sam built model and the "classic" designation was a FM built model, at which sometime the designation was dropped from the label.

I think we've solved 90% of the mystery and maybe others will jump in and have something to add.

Nice photo of your F7's Erik, but I think your set of Key E7's, that appeared in OST were outstanding. I'm still looking for a set of E7's in UP livery.

One thing is for certain, Key had some of the nicest factory paint of the day or even today and stands up well to anything produced since, in brass or plastic.

This info comes from a friend on another forum.

CS78 is the range of Samhongsa F7s from 1988-89
CS85 is the range of Samhongsa E7, E8, E9, from 1990

There are also (though date is not reported)
CS90 which are Sam PAs
CS97 which are Sam F3s

Photos below:

KEY Custom Series 85 E8's, Samhongsa

Key Custom Series 97 F3's, Samhongsa

Key Classic Series ? F9A, FM Models

Key Classic Series ? E9, FM Models

Key No Series listed E9A, FM Models