A 671 Turbine with an $80.00 light bulb

[johnjay2]

Hey Folks

Last night I saw on ebay a great looking 671 "early turbine" (what the "early" significance i have no clue) . There was also the tender for it from the same buyer which also appeared to be in excellent shape so needless to say $220 dollars later there mine. My question however is this. The seller stated that the "turbine has its orignal bulb which still works and that bulb alone goes for $80.00 to $90.00. Of course  the $80 bulb had no im pact on my buying descsion,but I cant belive that claim can any of you? 

JJ.

[CAZEPHYR]

Hey Folks

Last night I saw on ebay a great looking 671 "early turbine" (what the "early" significance i have no clue) . There was also the tender for it from the same buyer which also appeared to be in excellent shape so needless to say $220 dollars later there mine. My question however is this. The seller stated that the "turbine has its orignal bulb which still works and that bulb alone goes for $80.00 to $90.00. Of course  the $80 bulb had no im pact on my buying descsion,but I cant belive that claim can any of you? 

JJ.

 Sounds like you need to trade two forty dollar paper clips for the light bulb. 

Cheers 

[msacco]

I would not be surprised at all if an original working early smoke bulb goes for that amount.

There can't be that many left.

 

Mike S.

[phillyreading]

I would not be surprised at all if an original working early smoke bulb goes for that amount.

There can't be that many left.

 

Mike S.

I might agree with that, however there are reproduction light bulbs that were made and how do you know the differance?

Lee F.

[PhilaKnight]

They probily ment early cause it still had it smoke bulb instead of the conversion kit. But can't see 80 bucks for the bulb alone. Always see ads for repro bulbs ,but good luck with the engine, have a 681 and 2020 good runners. Sad thing is yours won't have the distintive clack when it runs do to the original smokebulb set up.

[msacco]

Well,

I think you could. Most old bulbs were marked GE or have a printed number on them. I'm pretty sure the repro bulbs made overseas wouldn't have this.

 

 Mike S.

[Jumijo]

The bulb refers to the original smoke bulb the 671 came with. Enjoy your new purchase!

Jim

[Anonymous]

JJ,

     The guy that runs the shop in Berlin, MD where I bought my 2020 tried to give me a similar story concerning the smoke bulb.  He said " It took me a year to find this bulb, and it is the last one in the country".  I followed with " How do you know it is the last one?  Unless someone is manufacturing a part, they have no way of knowing how many are left."  He said " But it cost me $40", then I said "So, what is your point?"  He then went on to say that he has put a lot of time into cleaning and lubing the 2020.  I became skeptical when he test ran it for me.  I sounded like a meat grinder.  When I got home, I discovered that there was absolutely no grease in the loco. Needless to say, I won't buy from him again.

[johnjay2]

Jim

Yes I am the skeptical type also but since  The engine just looked like it was in great shape I couldnt  resist althoguh im certain at this piont I paid too much! . I let you know how it runs when I get it.  If it doesnt sounid right I will pray to the "gods of the classic forum" for guidance on what to do next.!!!   

You guys are great thanks for the reponses!.  

[Anonymous]

JJ,

    My 2020 was marked $200, but I talked him down to $175.  It doesn't really matter what you pay as long as you are happy with what you bought. 

[Anonymous]

JJ,

     I just saw your 671 in the completed listings.  It definitely is a beautiful example, well worth your investment.  It blows mine out of the water.  If you have any questions about servicing it, please don't hesistate to ask.

[johnjay2]

Thanks Jim

You just cured my buyers remorse. Now the real question... do you tell the wife or not lol.

 JJ

[PhilaKnight]

If I remember correctly the bulb is kinda odd shaped with a little cup or "dimple" in it right. If it is, I kinda remember always seeing them at shows. But I used to be a used car salesman and I guess people wil say anything if it's gonna make a sale. Thats why I quit ( couldn't lie ) 

I know what you mean I bought a 646 at a auction and it sounded like a blender coming around the track. A little lube works wonders, E-unit is still a little loud.

And  a must at every train show pic up bulb can never go wrong with having extras 

[Anonymous]

We have a 671 at the museum and I love running that engine. I especially love the sound of it! I have a 681 here at home I love to run. (I got it for an incredible price...free. :)

I love these turbine engines, they are absolute tanks and run forever!
Maybe you should sell the bulb for "$80" buy a repo and use the money for more trains. Good luck with your purchase.

[Anonymous]

If I remember correctly the bulb is kinda odd shaped with a little cup or "dimple" in it right. If it is, I kinda remember always seeing them at shows. But I used to be a used car salesman and I guess people wil say anything if it's gonna make a sale. Thats why I quit ( couldn't lie ) 

I know what you mean I bought a 646 at a auction and it sounded like a blender coming around the track. A little lube works wonders, E-unit is still a little loud.

And  a must at every train show pic up bulb can never go wrong with having extras 

 

My 726 has that bulb, and it's original. $40.00, huh? Hmmmmm....

[ezmike]

johnjay2,

 I saw the one you purchased while surfing ebay and couldn't believe his $80 bulb claim either. I have a 681 with a 2046-50 tender and have been satisfied with it in every way. I suspect you will be too. Turbines run sweet with a little lube and oil and TLC. I paid $220 including shipping around early spring. As a wise man once told me when I was shopping for my 736 Berkshire, as long as your happy with your purchases they all will even out in the end.

 Enjoy and post a photo or two if you got'em.

Mike

[johnjay2]

 Hey the 80 dollar light bulb had a great train attached and she runs great.

 

 

 

 

[georgea]

repro bulbs sell for $1.75 to $2.75  

[georgea]

reproe bulbs sell between $1.75 and @2.75 .

[ben10ben]

A couple of years ago, my local shop acquired several NOS smoke bulbs. He ended up getting about $25 a pop on Ebay, if I recall correctly.

[trigtrax]

It's not just the light bulb. The original smoke pellet for that was an ammonium compound that will get you on an FBI watchlist when you try and buy it. 

Original bulbs from that era has the word "Mazda" embossed on the base bulb. This from the Zoroastrian god Ahura Mazda, most knowledgable of their deities. Somebody at GE had a sense of humor, puting the "enlightenment" on a light bulb.

Yes the Mazda automobile is also related as Mr. Matsuda considers his name the Japanese equivalent of this same old Persian god.

Dang!! 

[lionelsoni]

It's even more than figurative enlightenment: To Zoroastrians, Ahura Mazda is the one uncreated Creator of all, to whom all worship is directed, that is, God, and whose energy is symbolized by fire and the sun.  At the climax of Mozart's Magic Flute, when the forces of evil have been defeated, Sarastro (Zoroaster) sings the words, "The sun's radiant glory has vanquished the night."  ("Die Strahlen der Sonne vertreiben die Nacht.")