One of the most important figures in post-war American OO gauge was Frederick E. Schorr of Hazelton, PA. A very active OO modeler, to keep OO supplied with new equipment he imported brass models from Japan beginning in 1955, previously produced one new model domestically, and bought and sold a great deal of used OO. His son Ed was also active in OO and assisted with the business.

The F-3

The only model in the line not imported from Japan was the F-3, available as an A or B unit. This model, introduced in 1949, is normally seen in sand cast bronze, although runs of the B unit were also produced in aluminum. This model was later produced by Ultimate Screw Machine. This particular model in the photo has had Kemtron sideframes substituted for the original Schorr sideframes and weighs more than two and a half pounds! For a view of the general process of sand casting a similar model, see this article.

The Brass Imports

Imported from Japan, the locomotives are highly desirable models.

Locomotives

Ma and Pa 2-8-0
DL&W camelback 4-6-0
Alco RS-2 diesel
PRR A3 0-4-0 (very limited run imported)

Passenger

Another unique model was the RDC in three versions. This contemporary self propelled passenger car was imported as an RDC-1 (coach), RDC-2 (coach-baggage), and an RDC-3 (coach-baggage-mail). The model in the first photo is an unpowered RDC-1. More on that model here.

Freight

Next we get to their great freight cars which are among the best looking ever produced in OO. These imported brass models rode on the best trucks ever manufactured in OO, which were either spring arch bar trucks or sprung Bettendorf trucks.

Cement hopper (two bay)
Gondola
twin and triple hopper cars (ribbed side)
CV wood caboose

And more

Finally, they also imported a great passenger truck, which was available for separate sale only.

Schorr advertised his products in Railroad Model Craftsman in the middle 1950s. One model that is sometimes associated with Schorr is a brass OO GP-7. This was actually a Kemtron product, but Schorr sold it and mentioned it in his advertisements without noting that it was a Kemtron model. See for example the ad in the October, 1954 issue of RMC, which is right next to a listing for another OO postwar classic, the Johann 2-8-2.

Back to Schorr, these were wonderful products! The freight cars are light cars but they look great and on the Schorr trucks they are incredibly free rolling and track well. Certainly a line for the OO collector to be aware of.

UPDATED 2021-22. For much more detail on Schorr see my book