Newbie needs advice

[Anonymous]

I do not seem to know the right forum to post this too?

I am new to trains (specifically O scale - sort of trying to relive my youth). I am always looking for "deals". As I am still just trying to build up a collection and do not know much, I spend a decent amount of time on ebay. I came across the following seller who is selling a variety of different train cars, accessories and stuff....

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZgotstuffstroud

(a bunch of different things are listed from this person but the train auctions are what I am looking at)

I was wondering if anyone can shed some light on some of these. Any possible "deals" here?

Thanks!

[railfanespee4449]

go for the FM trainmaster. you might win it

[pbjwilson]

They have a long way to go, check it out in 6 days and see whats up.

I tend to buy from people who sell mainly trains and know if the item works or not. But theres some good stuff listed there. Check some other trainmasters that are close to bid ending to see what they are selling for. You can search on FM or trainmaster.

Good luck

[csxt30]

[#welcome] Dennis to the forum!! Yes, the trainmastrers are usually valuable. I'm pretty sure those steamers are American Flyer. They stopped making those when they came out with their 2 rail system. Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Thanks.

I'll keep my eye on these - see what happens.

[brianel027]

Dennis, you say you are new to the hobby, sort of trying to relive your youth and trying to build up a collection.

You don't mention whether you want to run trains or build a layout. Plus the other important question you don't have to tell us, but what can you realistically afford to spend on the hobby.

As a general rule (even on eBay though there are some exceptions there) the postwar Lionel trains you are looking at tend to sell for good prices providing they are in good original visual and operating condition. If they are near mint or mint and with original boxes and paperwork, the prices can sometimes be amazing. That's not to say that you might not on occasion get a good deal on eBay.

With the advent of the new technology (control and sound) and the new pu***owards full-scale proportion trains that are highly detailed, prices are down on many used, more common older train items. Today's buyers have made a decided move towards the improved operating/visual qualities of the brand new current trains.

When I got back into the train hobby 15 years ago, postwar (and even MPC period) prices were still holding on the high side. The Lionel set I had as a child what has become one of the more collectible train sets of the Lionel postwar era. That set was out of my price range 15 years ago; it still is today. I realized if I was going to be back in the hobby I was going to be buying brand new more affordable end product, and not necessarily by Lionel. I've also found out that although I have gotten some deals on older Lionel stuff, it wasn't in top condition and it wasn't anything I had as a kid.

BUT this hasn't stopped me from having fun with the hobby, my trains and also reliving a pleasant part of my youth. Many of today's train companies have reissued counterparts of the classic Lionel trains. Williams Trains has made a name for themselves by making darn nice knockoffs of classic Lionel trains, but at a much more affordable price.

It depends what you want and what you can afford. If original postwar Lionel trains (like the Trainmaster) are your bag, you'll just need to keep at it and keep looking. You many very well find a deal. But you may want to buy yourself a repair guide also. My expereience is that many older trains being sold on eBay are not always prime condition and might need some work.... remember these trains can be up to 50 years old. It's only natural they might need some basic repairs.

Like I said, I have found the new and older lower end trains haven't deprived me not one little bit from any pleasure I get running trains today. Like everyone else, it's the Lionel name that I have the most affection for. But simply put... if it weren't for the basic kinds of affordable trains K-Line was making during the early 1990's, I wouldn't be back in the hobby. Period.

[tjsprague]

The FM deisel could be "a deal", or it may just be junk. No real details, and it has the "sold as is" tag, so If you're new to the hobby, I'd suggest you stay away. The steamers look like prewar American Flyers, with no tenders, also, I'd suggest they may not be real useful to a newbie.

I'd suggest you let us know what your intention is;
are you a "collector"
an "operator"
or like myself, both?
If you'll be operating, be truthfull with yourself as to what size layout you'll be putting together. If it's on the smaller size you'll want to have smaller equipment.
also, what era are you interested in?
Postwar? 1945-69
Prewar? 1915-42
Or modern?
What's your preference, steam, or deisel?

The good news if your looking for vintage equipment, is;
A. As a newbie you'll be needing the more common (inexpensive) peices.
B. Prices are down to levels not seen in a decade or more.
C. There's also a fare amount of new product built for nostalgic styles and tastes.

Let us know what you're looking for and plenty of folks here will steer you right.

Also, consider joining the TCA.

Good luck

Tim

TCA# 02-54465

[pbjwilson]

Dennis,
Welcome to the Forum. This will be sold before I can type this but this is a nice engine at a reasonable price. Check it out

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4146&item=5974436416&rd=1

Well it sold for 99.99, not bad. Onre thing to do if your going to buy off e-bay is to get a copy of Greenbergs price guide from a hobby shop. This will give you an idea of what things should be selling for. For instance on this 2055 steamer the price range for good condition is 105.00 - in excellent condition 220.00. With the minor flaws this one had I'ld say this was a good deal.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice - I am still looking at what I want to start collecting/building. I guess it is best to start slow and see what I really want and can afford.

[Frank53]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tjsprague

The FM deisel could be "a deal", or it may just be junk.

The good news is, it's post war. If it doesn't run, it's easily fixed, as opposed to try to get the gadgetry of today's engines sorted out.

It it's rough around teh edges, it's not hard to restore. If you buy a Lackawanna FM cheap enough, it won't be like you are destroying it's collector value.

[Anonymous]

I fell kind of on the outside looking in, most of you know I am a newbie as well. The reason being, is that I am rather simple. I want to build a cool landscape around a simple outer and inner oval, with some offshoots and whatnot. I don't know squat about post-war, pre-war, during war, thinking about war, etc... periods. I know I want Lionel for one simple reason, had it as a kid, but due to price, if it looks cool and fits in with what I am planning i will buy any brand. Until I found out I was finally getting my set back, I used to hate trains here in columbia SC, they stop me at least 5 times a week, yet now, i watch and think, hey, i want that car. On the cool side, I want the k-line streets horrible bad, lol.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know if the accessories available in these auctions would be worth a try? Are there newer stuff that looks similiar but still pretty cheap? Thanks.

[Frank53]

some post war accessories are very economical - milk platforms, cattle cars, some coal handlers - just because so many were made and everone had one or six.

I remain a fan of the original stuff - even if it is woefully out of scale.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Frank53.

I am really starting to think about the American Flyer stuff up for auction from this guy. I was thinking of sticking to just Lionel to start, but the more I see things, the wider variety of things I like.