The Merle VanSteenwyck Collection
Premier Brass Train Auction
Sunday, November 16, 2025 | 12:00 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
[email protected]
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.