newby here advice appreicated

[79harleyguy]

what is everybodys opion is the best place to buy both high grade post war and modern? seems some people dont think much of ebay what about auctions like cho cho or the train station? any ideas? im new to all this and dont want to get ripped off any guidence would be greatly appreicated THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE 79harleyguy

[Anonymous]

Ebay is not a bad place to get stuff. I have bought seveal items and had no problems. I have more concerns about getting locomotives from ebay. I have only bought 2, one was ok and the other had a dead battery. I wound not discourage anyone from buying from ebay. As for the other auctions, I don't have any experience with them.

[Munster518]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM HARLEYGUY79,

If your looking for the best postwar, its all about preference. Myself, I would rather buy a postwar item at a show or at a local hobby shop, that way I can see and look at the quality and possibly make some sort of deal. I know a lot of people purchase trains off of ebay and making some good deals, but I have seen some horror stories that would turn me away from ebay. Thats why I would rather stick to the local train shops and shows, its more personal that way[:)]. The Train Staion you mention that is in NJ has a vast collection of postwar items at a fair price and they ship out items quick from when I've dealt with them before. Good luck and hope this info helps, this is a great forum to learn about toy trains.

Sincerely
John[8D]

[elvisp]

I am not sure where you live, but the Mauer Auctions in Pottstown, PA have train auctions almost every other week. They have post-war, standard, pre-war flyer etc. usually 400-500 lots/ auction. Many are high quality rare items.You can view the items the evening before or the morning of the auction. If you call, they have workers who will give an accurate description of the items. Look on their website for listings.

[79harleyguy]

great thanks for everybodys help excellent info i plan on doing alot of research including spending alot of time on this forum before i go spending a bunch of money thanks again

[79harleyguy]

great mauer looks like hes always has lots of stock thank you

[Anonymous]

Now that you have "train on the brain", here are a few words of advice:
1. If you are unmarried, stay that way.
2. If you hunt or fish, sell all of your guns and tackle (send me a list of what
you have and I'll make you an offer). You'll no longer have time to use
these things and you'll need the extra space for your layout.
3. Don't be afraid to use Ebay. I have been pleasantly surprised with many of
the locomotives I have acquired. However, be advised that some sellers
claim they "have no way to test this item" instead of simply telling you
the loco is a complete basket case.
4. Don't be afraid to enjoy this hobby. If you can't afford the latest must
have doo-dad don't worry about it. Since you're going to stay single, you'll
soon be able to afford it.
I'll stop now and let the other folks have their two-cents worth. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

choochooauctions.com is the local Erie, PA shops online site, I handle all of his repair work on the trains his customers purchase. Real honest and fair guy to deal with, always has better prices and his grading of pre/post war lionel is second to none, so you can feel safe that if he says its mint, then it is. Not everything on his auction site is his stuff, some is from others but most of it is by Train City. Cheers Mike