Is a LL P2K 2-8-4 Worth The Money?

[Anonymous]

I've been watching a few LL P2K 2-8-4's on ebay for a while now. Most sellers start the bidding around the $150 mark with a reserve on them (meaning the seller has a hidden set price they want above $150 before they will sell it). Others on ebay have them listed between $180 and $269. Any one of them below $230 has not sold, either because the reserve was not met, or no one placed a bid.

As a comparison, I checked on-line dealers and they want about $270 for these engines.

My question is, "Is a P2K 2-8-4 worth $220 to $270?"

This seems like a lot of money for this engine when you compared it to a BLI or other newer/used brass engines, which I would argue are better quality and come with better features (sound/DCC in BLI's case). I mean if you're going to spend $230 on an engine, wouldn't you put your money into a BLI unit?

The fact that these engines are not selling on ebay should be an indicator that their not worth that much. The market demand seems to be less than the asking price.

[orsonroy]

I was sort of upset that the engines weren't made by BLI, since they've completely hooked me on steam with sound!

That said, I won't trad in the SEVEN P2K berkshires I own! Being a NKP modeler, they're a mandatory engine to own, and they're the best model of the prototype to ever be released, in either plastic, brass or pot metal (remember Arbour?). At one time or another, I've owned model Berks from P2K, Rivarossi (old and new), Arbour, United, and PFM. The P2K engine beats them all in terms of proto accuracy and performance, especially in the low speed range. I reviewed the engine for the NKPHTS, and my review was similar to that in MR (although I did point out a few inaccuracies MR didn't catch...it helps to have the engine blueprints!). I've only got BLI USRA heavy 2-8-2s, so I really can't comment on how it looks vs. the BLI top of the line engines, but it does perform better than the BLI mike.

So yes, the engine is definitely worth $250. I sold most of my brass Berks to pay for the P2K versions!

Anyone want some never run new Rivarossi Berks, cheap?

[Fergmiester]

Yes. I bought one several months ago and it is definately up there with the new Rivarossi FEF-3 Northerns and Allegheny. I paid $269 Cdn. a very quiet and smooth running engine with excellent detailing.

[Anonymous]

I have one of these. This engine is just flawless. It does not fit my modeling plans but everyone should have at least one engine that looks and runs good.

I too own BLI engines and the quality is there. If I ever sold mine I probably will not take less than 200 for it. Retail was 365- last winter. Keep in mind that the technology and the quality is just outstanding compared to 5 years or more ago.

Not even Riverossi can touch this. However thier Heisler is one of the smoothest slow mo's on the road.

[Fergmiester]

I'm looking at a C&O T1 2-10-4 by BLI However If I go down that road it will cost me a whole lot more than the suggested retail as it will mean new power packs, wiring, and since I'm there, DCC for a fleet of 23 steamers, half of which wouldn't be worth my while. Kind a makes one wonder, doesn't it?

[Anonymous]

I have been seriously tempted by the big BLI 2-10-4's and have debated that for a very very long time. Finally the simple problem of minimum 24" radius killed the idea.

The money involved is quite serious and I would think years ago you would have been able to get good brass engines that runs like a swiss watch for these kind of funds.

[Anonymous]

Got a C&O 2-8-4 together with a BLi Santa Fe 4-8-4.

The 2-8-4 is a perfect engine, worth the money. In the details
it´s better than the BLI.

The BLI 4-8-4 is perfect but not so good in detailing.

[Anonymous]

IMHO, not worth the money until they fix the tire-less drivers. If they do that, and make an Erie version, I might be tempted.