There are some things you can't ignore.

[Anonymous]

For instance, the first thing I wanted to get when I got into this hobby was a Rock Island freight scheme Athearn Genesis F-7.

Then I started getting interested in the Burlington, and eventually got to be the owner of an A-B set of CB&Q Genesis Fs.

Now, I would really, REALLY like to own the Proto 2K Heritage 0-6-0, I've wanted to since I saw the Life-Like ad in the April 2003 MR.

My experience in steam locos is limited to a Spectrum Consolidation, one of only two engines I own.

Now to the point-what are the chances I could find this locomotive at the Galesburg Railroad Days train show this June? And what price are they usually offered for at train shows? If you have buying experience only from mail-order and internet (E-Bay), thanks anyway but your help won't benefit me. I am a little suspicious of buying a product without being able to test it to make sure it runs ok. Note though, I really want that engine and will get it, one way or another![:D][:)]

Thanks for any help,
Christopher

[AggroJones]

Well, this can vary greatly. Depending on how large is this show? Is it mostly a "swap meet" kinda thing? The odds increase if there are more serious sellers. There might be one or two at the show. How it works out is, somtimes you find the locomotives you're lookin' for, but its the wrong road name. Check the venders that are from a store. Thats your best chance.

Proto engines you buy mail order usually run as fine as any you test in person.

[Anonymous]

I have never been to the show in Galesburg, but I have heard it is a good sized one.
Right now if I can't find it at the Railroad Days show, I believe I will buy one from Train World, since I haven't heard anything bad about their service. Or, if my LHS would be willing to lower their discount on Heritage 0-6-0's from $35 off to $75 off (I doubt it will happen though) I'll just buy it off of them.

[orsonroy]

CJM,

Look, but plan on keeping your hands in your pockets at the Galesburg swap. It's about the same size as our Rockford show, with most of the same vendors (they do a circuit every year). They're prices usually aren't bad, and you can always find some bargains, but you won't really find many bargains for high-end stuff like engines. Trainworld is probably your best bet (too bad you didn't have the means when Model Expo went out of the train business, I got my P2K 0-6-0 for $90!). Nowadays, I generally buy all my engines (all steam) online, considering LHS' usually can't come close to beating online prices.

[Anonymous]

Why did Model Expo go out of the train business? With those kind of prices you'd think they couldn't keep their shelves stocked enough, they'd be selling so much.

[AggroJones]

http://store.yahoo.com/internethobbies/model-railroad-clearance-sale---ho-locomotives.html

HEY! They've got a CBQ Proto 0-6-0 there for $160 right now. The sale ends tonight!