Look at the link below for a picture of a ripe Brandywine. Also, touch is not a bad idea. Once you've determined what is ripe, just once, you'll have no problem.

George
Tahlequah, OK

Here is a link that might be useful:

The picture looks a bit on the reddish side for a Brandywine, which ripens pinkish purple most times for me.

When they do ripen to softness you may need to cut the stem to harvest the tomatoes. I've had many squash in my hand before the stem releases. But the flavor is best in my opinion if they are vine ripened.

You can harvest a few days early if you are concerned about insects, birds, or overripening. You want quite a bit of pink or red (depending upon which Brandywine you have) to come up the sides of the fruit before picking.

I wait until the skin yields to pressure.

After picking a few you will be able to tell which suits your taste better...I like mine ripe but still just a tad shy of full ripe...taste will tell you after you have tried a few.