Availability of P2K steamers at train shows

[Anonymous]

This summer I'm going to a large (GATS sized) train show in Galesburg, IL. I am looking for either a Life-Like Heritage 0-6-0 or 0-8-0 steam switcher. Any idea on how easy it would be to find one there? If need be I'll mail order one from one of the wholesale model supply stores, but I'd rather buy one that I know has never been out of the box, I can look at before I buy, etc. I'm looking for CB&Q models, which was a roadname in the 1st release of the 0-8-0's (I would think those would be pretty hard to find), and a Burlington 0-6-0 is still in stock at Walthers. I'm trying to find a mint condition model for $170 and under. Model Railroader had an article on a past issue that briefly talked about finding out of production models, but I'm looking for a little more detailed info.

[Anonymous]

I see where a 0-6-0 is listed by trainworld who has a solid reputation. I just bot two new Riv FEFs.
The disadvantage of ordering thru a mail order house is you can't pre-test. Occasionally
you can get a lemon from anywhere and have to return to the mail order firm or the manufacturer.

I have had no problems.

[Anonymous]

I am sure that you will find a plentiful supply. I have no idea at all what I will find when I go to a show.

Ebay has had a steady supply on these engines and they are fine engines. Others have commented on stacks of these engines being sold off cheap at retail outlets.

It has been my experience that if you go to a show the engine may have been run at least once. Ebay sellors usually are truthful and declare it either never run, test tracked, removed from the box for a photo, and run on a club layout a hour or two.

If you feel that this engine will suit your needs, maybe a mail order will be a good assurance of a unopened box.

The bigger question I like to look at is has it been maintained properly, are there any signs of abuse or damage? Is there any binding anywhere or noises not normal when you run it on the show's test track? These are things to consider.

One more item I run into at a show several years ago was a beautiful NYC Hudson for Passenger service was dropped onto the floor. The Dealer's reaction was similar to one having a morning cup of coffee. It surprised me and I asked about it. He winked at me and bend under the table and pulled out mint Hudsons and other engines. It was clear that perhaps his engines are for display for a number of years and it is not a problem to sell a "Good" copy to a buyer.

Best of luck in your engine acquision!

Lee

[orsonroy]

Generally, it's pretty easy to find the P2K 0-8-0s at swap meets. I think Life Like overproduced this model, so there are new models sitting around everywhere (seemingly). I see NIB P2K 0-8-0s at every swapmeet I go to in Illinois and Wisconsin.

One piece of advice: save yourself some time and money and buy from one of the dealers on Ebay, or through HobbiesUSA (who sells on Ebay but is primarily a email-only vendor). You can find brand new, never out of the box P2K 0-8-0s for sale on Ebay for $90-$115.