In Need of Help

[TrainFreak409]

I am looking for a Bachmann 2-10-4 Texas steam locomotive, but I can only find one. ([censored]) On eBay, there is a 20 year old set, that has only been used once, but I cannot afford it (plus, the price is increasing). I would love to get this set, but my part time job [2c] limits my spending [sigh]. So, I was wondering, does anybody knows where I might be able to purchase one for around $50? I tried looking on Google, HotBot, Yahoo, and AskJeeves, but found nothing.

[soapbox]
Can anyone help?
[8]TrainFreak409[8]

[AggroJones]

W'sup. There is a LHS here in Sacramento, CA with a guy who owns lots of old and rare items. He's called "The Train Doctor". He sits in a room in the back of the store fixing Lionel and other toy stuff. He may have a Bachmann 2-10-4. Last time I checked, he had 2 of them. He may be able to ship it to you.

Store is located 2752 Marconi Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821. The number for the shop is [phone]. Ask to speak to the Train Doctor.

The store is called Bruce's Train Shop.

[Jacktal]

Turning to eBay to obtain rare out-of-production items can be a rewarding experience,but can also be very frustrating.Rules of auctions are simple...one who wants an item so bad and can afford to bid like crazy is almost sure to obtain it.For some,money is no object,so for someone like you with a limited budget it can be very tough if not impossible to get what you desire.

Sellers aren't to blame for this however.They offer an item knowing that most likely,it will find taker,sometimes at their loss but most times at the market value of the item.Once in a while,a much desired item will show up at an auction and will create frenzy amongst bidders and that's when you'll see items go for two,three,four or even more times their real value.It is up to you to join the nonsense or not.

The big steamers usually are in short supplies,and as such,call for hefty prices.Their original sale price is generally a starting price for a worn model,and mint condition ones will fetch 150/200% of that value easily,sometimes a lot more.I suggest you stick with mint condition,or "like new" in the case of out-of-production and dating models,as finding parts to repair them probably is close to impossible,so that a low priced used item may not be much of a deal anyway.

Unfortunately,it may be impossible for you to find your Bachmann 2-10-4 for the price you suggest,but if you are willing to pay a fair price for it,you may have a chance.I'd ask Bachmann...I've requested from their service dept. in the past and got great response.Could be that they have a distributor who has your set dusted on a shelf,and that they'd be willing to locate it for you.Who knows?...when asked gently...you'd then have a brand new set.