A while back, I bid $20 for a brand new, Athearn bluebox, undecorated SD40-2 and got the puppy to boot with no shipping charge. Good things occur now and again.
Well, earlier this year I bought a brass engine on Ebay, that I really wanted at the time. I knew there were errors in the listing, that definitely affected other people bidding on the item, so it was a very good deal as I got it for the minimum bid, which was several hundred dollars below fair market value. I was subsequently able to obtain information that proved it was the correct model and catalogue number in the correct box, and later on when I decided I needed the money I was able to make a couple hundred dollar profit after all Ebay and Paypal fees simply by re-listing the model with more detailed, and correct, information about the box and catalogue number.
Bottom line is know all the facts possible or available when buying and or selling, and you will do fine.
If you want to play with expensive brass "toys" read what has been written about the boxes, history of different runs, and details that distinguish one run year from another. It is rather easily obtainable information for anyone detailed enough to check and search out. For Santa Fe modelers, for instance, there is a wonderful book, printed twice now, that tells you everything you need to know about just about every Santa Fe steamer ever built in HO brass--what's good, correct, and what was not... A few other similar publications exist, and John Glaab's edition of the Brown Book is invaluable for its information.
Maybe I was just fortunate to know some knowledgeable brass collectors and have a nearly photographic memory as it relates to HO brass models...but know the product or your quarry before you attack (er, bid).
John Mock
ATLANTIC CENTRALMany people sell model trains on Ebay who have very little knowledge about what they are sellng. Again, they simply consider what they have invested, which may be zero, and look for quick turnover......
Speaking of a quick turn over..I picked up a P2K N&W GP30 for BIN $55.00 with free shipping I sold it for $80.00 to a fella in Marion that was looking for one.
He got the engine he was seeking and I made a few bucks to stash in the hobby piggy bank in the deal.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I had a nice thing happen last year when I purchased three log cars for my Shay loco for $60.00 off of ebay. When the cars came in I was surprised to find six cars in the box with a nice note from the seller thanking me for my business.
The earliest Stewart AS-16's actually did use an Athearn chassis - although it was modified to actually fit the shell.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
mbinsewiI had an Ebay deal go the other way,
.
Oh, I have had them go the other way too!
I once bought a "New In Box" Bowser AS-16, what I got was the body, side sills, and most of an Athearn chassis for a GP38 or GP40. The chassis will not even fit inside the shell. No handrails, no cab.
I was able to get a full refund also.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
It is very possible that these sellers simply did not care about the maximum market value, and simply desired to move these items quickly.
If, you come into possession of an item at zero cost, or as a part of a large estate package deal with other valueable items, you may simply consider any quick sale on some items to be a 100% profit win - and a win for some lucky customer.
Many people sell model trains on Ebay who have very little knowledge about what they are sellng. Again, they simply consider what they have invested, which may be zero, and look for quick turnover......
It may not be a "mistake" at all........
Sheldon
I would say you won, Kevin.
I had an Ebay deal go the other way, advertised as a "Genesis 8-40cw" painted lettered for the NS, with limited pictures, for real cheap, turned out to be an Athearn BB 8-40cw, in poor shape.
I did the reply through Ebay/Paypal, and he immediately refunded all money, including shipping.
It's on my project list, as I wanted some power from the NS. I've been gathering the detail parts, from photos of the NS prototype.
Mike.
My You Tube
Wierd you should post this... I just had an eBay surprise arrive today.
The description said "Lot #10 Code 83 #5 LH Switch Shonohora (SIC) Wolthers (SIC)". Also a seller who obviously knew nothing about trains.
I paid $12.00 including shipping.
Today I got a box of 10 brand new, old style, power routing, Shinohara code 83 turnouts!
It was not lot number 10, it was a lot of 10! The description did not say what style they would be, but they turned out to be the older ones I prefer.
$1.20 each. I feel like I won the lottery!
Yea, $85 for a non-sound Genesis loco is a good deal. With unexpected sound thrown in - it's a terrific deal. Hopefully you can tweak the Tsunami to get it to start out at something less than 5sMPH; my major complaint with their decoders.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Hi, I know that these things happen often on Ebay, but I just wanted to share it anyways. I just bought an Athearn Genesis Santa Fe Gp9. The pictures were kinda sketchy, since it only had one picture of the enginner side of the engine. All the other pictures were of the fireman's side. In the description it claimed to be DCC ready. The seller seemed to not know much about trains since that was the only item in his shop that was modeling related.
Anyways, I just arrived today! The thing was poorly wrapped in a paper towel, and bubble wrap - I was surpised when I didnt find any broken parts in the shipping box! After inspection, I found one piping detail missing. When I put it on the track, that's when I was shocked - IT HAD TSUNAMI SOUND!!!!Considering I payed only $85 for this - which is a pretty good deal for the engine w/o sound alone, I'd say that was a neat surprised http://www.ebay.com/itm/Athearn-Genesis-G62485-GP9-Phase-II-Santa-Fe-747-Diesel-Engine-HO-Scale-Model/292254616278?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Anyways, yeah...as they always say: High risk = high gain!
Charles
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Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440
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