Water Level Route richhotrain When I review my current and past loco roster, I have sold more locos than are currently on my layout. As you suggested, it was more than tempting to purchase a lot of equipment early in my model railroading pursuit that were not a great fit later as I discovered more about my preferences and interests. So the urgency that I felt when just starting out turned out to be inefficient. But did you have fun doing it? With all do respect to financial efficiency, one must be able to enjoy themselves along the way. If you don't, the financial efficiency aspect will take care of itself. You'll buy nothing further for model railroading.
richhotrain When I review my current and past loco roster, I have sold more locos than are currently on my layout. As you suggested, it was more than tempting to purchase a lot of equipment early in my model railroading pursuit that were not a great fit later as I discovered more about my preferences and interests. So the urgency that I felt when just starting out turned out to be inefficient.
But did you have fun doing it? With all do respect to financial efficiency, one must be able to enjoy themselves along the way. If you don't, the financial efficiency aspect will take care of itself. You'll buy nothing further for model railroading.
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrainWhen I review my current and past loco roster, I have sold more locos than are currently on my layout. As you suggested, it was more than tempting to purchase a lot of equipment early in my model railroading pursuit that were not a great fit later as I discovered more about my preferences and interests. So the urgency that I felt when just starting out turned out to be inefficient.
Mike
cuyama Not directly related to your question, but just an observation that it can be tempting to purchase a lot of equipment early in our model railroading “careers” that might not be a great fit later on as we learn more about our preferences and interests. So the urgency that one might feel when just starting out is understandable, but can be inefficient. Starting with a small number of locomotives and pieces of rolling stock can allow one to get their feet wet while learning about the hobby. And eventually most equipment is available again, often improved over the last time it was offered.
Not directly related to your question, but just an observation that it can be tempting to purchase a lot of equipment early in our model railroading “careers” that might not be a great fit later on as we learn more about our preferences and interests. So the urgency that one might feel when just starting out is understandable, but can be inefficient. Starting with a small number of locomotives and pieces of rolling stock can allow one to get their feet wet while learning about the hobby. And eventually most equipment is available again, often improved over the last time it was offered.
When I review my current and past loco roster, I have sold more locos than are currently on my layout. As you suggested, it was more than tempting to purchase a lot of equipment early in my model railroading pursuit that were not a great fit later as I discovered more about my preferences and interests. So the urgency that I felt when just starting out turned out to be inefficient.
AS far as markets discussion, you left out timing and since we do a lot of just in time and the chain broke their are many items NA and many that are over supplied. Then you can throw in a plot twist or two, Example: I bought all the frog juicers I needed because I knew of the chip shortage, fine but something happened to the owner and they decided to shutter a lot of the buisness, now lucily they decided to keep the juicer part going but they could have and still could shut down compleatly like what happened with Jordan.
Mark Kuhn I'm just getting around to posting an update here. Well, I had to return the Kato set I bought. After running the train at a slow, break-in speed for about 20 minutes in forward and reverse, I increased the speed and the locomotive started making a whiney-grinding noise and it was fairly loud. I haven't bought anything new yet, since I was a little miffed and disappointed by this, especially since it was a Kato and supposed to be top of the line.
I'm just getting around to posting an update here. Well, I had to return the Kato set I bought. After running the train at a slow, break-in speed for about 20 minutes in forward and reverse, I increased the speed and the locomotive started making a whiney-grinding noise and it was fairly loud.
I haven't bought anything new yet, since I was a little miffed and disappointed by this, especially since it was a Kato and supposed to be top of the line.
Mike... Our hosts have asked us not to discuss eBay policies on their forums. No need to "Spike" this thread. The OP is a newbie here and does not need this in his thread.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Mark Kuhn I was a little miffed and disappointed by this, especially since it was a Kato and supposed to be top of the line.
That is terrible news. Kato is top-of-the-line for running quality in N scale, but everyone does make a dud every now and then.
I hope this one experience does not spoil model railroading for you.
Please continue to post here.
Lastspikemike Buyers rule any market, that's axiomatic.
Buyers rule any market, that's axiomatic.
But that is not the issue here. The issue is, who does eBay favor, the buyer or the seller.
Trainman440 Ebay's MBG heavily favors buyers, sometimes I want to quit selling on ebay.
Ebay's MBG heavily favors buyers, sometimes I want to quit selling on ebay.
Many online shops simply havent updated their inventories, and not removed discontinued items.
mobilman44 I've heavily bought and sold HO MR equipment on Ebay since 2000. I've found that anything I wanted would come up for sale sooner or later. Check the feedback and transaction quantities of the seller, and go from there. Actually, Ebay is better than ever these days, especially for the buyer.
I've heavily bought and sold HO MR equipment on Ebay since 2000. I've found that anything I wanted would come up for sale sooner or later. Check the feedback and transaction quantities of the seller, and go from there. Actually, Ebay is better than ever these days, especially for the buyer.
seconded. Ebay's MBG heavily favors buyers, sometimes I want to quit selling on ebay. But there's really no where else to sell....
Charles
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Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440
Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
PRR8259:
I've noticed that any Rivet Counter ET44's and Dash 9's in BNSF's Phase 3 Scheme fly off shelves very quickly.
Modern Era BNSF is very popular.
It is best not to be in a rush.
At times, I have been in somewhat of a rush and then accumulated items that I later decided I did not need, and sold them at a modest loss, far too often.
It has taken me many years to know exactly what it is I want to have on my layout. I tried many engines from everybody, and now have gone modern with Scale Trains modern units in BNSF.
When new releases first hit my LHS, I try to be the first person to see them. Some locomotives and cars may sell out through there, but tend to linger around for awhile on evilbay and various online hobby shops.
Just don't wait too long.
If you are looking for Santa Fe, UP, or PRR, etc...., sure. Take that chance of not pre-ordering. Probably find a few laying around somewhere.
If you are looking at, say Rapido's new RS-18M in the WNY&P paint like is in my avatar? If you didn't pre-order that, your chances at finding that just laying around somewhere are slim to none.
Oh look - Slim just walked out the door. Bye Slim!
(I will show myself out now while ducking the flying tomatoes.....)
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
And if you don't have a LHS, many of us don't anymore, there are a lot of great online vendors such as Lombards and Spring Creek Hobbies, both of which tend to have more stock than many other suppliers. Lombards has a real time inventory you can search through but Spring Creek, you can call them or email them to see if they have what you need.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
ATSFGuyNowadays, if you want a certain locomotive, building or rolling stock, you must pre-order with your dealer, Otherwise you'll be left out. While older releases do show up on the secondary market throught the year, certain items can be very rare and hard to get.
Must? No. I've rarely pre-ordered a loco and always managed to get what I needed.
But you do have to be aware of when items are arriving at dealers and be Johnny on the spot. It helps to have a list of good dealers and be ready when items ship. In some cases I reach out to the companies offering the items for updates to track when they will be arriving at vendors.
Nowadays, if you want a certain locomotive, building or rolling stock, you must pre-order with your dealer, Otherwise you'll be left out. While older releases do show up on the secondary market throught the year, certain items can be very rare and hard to get.
If you can find an engine at your local LHS before someone else claims it, consider yourself very lucky.
Hello All,
Mark KuhnHi Folks, I'm really trying to get into model railroading. I'm leaning towards N scale right now due to available space. Here's my frustration. When I go to retail websites looking for locomotives (especially) almost everything says SOLD OUT, especially the really cool stuff I want to buy. It is very frustrating. Is this part of the hobby? Or a great demand for trains? Will these retailers re-stock or when something is sold out it's gone for good? Getting into a new hobby should not be this frustrating. Even local hobby dealers have limited stock on hand. Any thoughts, folks?
Here's my frustration. When I go to retail websites looking for locomotives (especially) almost everything says SOLD OUT, especially the really cool stuff I want to buy. It is very frustrating. Is this part of the hobby? Or a great demand for trains? Will these retailers re-stock or when something is sold out it's gone for good?
Getting into a new hobby should not be this frustrating. Even local hobby dealers have limited stock on hand. Any thoughts, folks?
to the greatest hobby in the world!
Consider the delay in your purchases a curse and a blessing...
John Allen the “Wizzard Of Monterey" on planning:
"A model railroad should probably start with a concept. Why? Because much knowledge about railroading, experience in model railroading, and thought are required before a proper concept for a model railroad can be formed. These requirements are seldom possible on a first pike. Mine was no exception." - -John Allen; Gorre & Daphetid Railroad.
Take this time to refine the concept of your railroad; Prototypical or Freelance and, the track plan given your budget and available space.
BATMANTry looking a little farther afield. When the great Atlas track shortage was on some years back, the hobby stores up here in the great white North were still awash in the stuff. Also, when people were trying to hunt down the Walthers barge and/or apron kits that were no longer available, a couple of friends found some in Germany and promptly ordered them.
I recently switched my DCC control from the Bachmann Dynamis to NCE.
Looking at the NCE website most, if not all items were listed as, "Out of Stock".
I did some searching and found a hobby store with an internet presence that had the complete system, that was listed as "Out of Stock" on the manufacturers' website, and saved $200.00 in the process.
Yes, it can be discouraging to not get those first sections of track down and run some trains.
All I can say is be patient, do some research and planning, search out alternate sources and keep the questions coming.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Just checked out some on line shops and found lots of new locos for sale.
Russell
If there are train shows or model flea markets in your area, they can be a great way to get stuff, if it doesn't have to be the latest and greatest. Stuff that's five years old or so is fairly common. Last train show I got a Stewart HO F unit for $40, and even in this day and age the Stewarts have nothing to apologize for.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
It does depend what you want to do as part of this hobby. When I got back into the hobby (HO scale) about 15 years ago, I had and bought older locomotives and installed DCC in most of them. I also built quite a few locomotive kits. It was fun and I learned a great deal from that. From there, I bought some brass locos and I was not affraid to crack them open, paint them, and do that with confidence.
Would I do that again? Yes for sure. I still resist buying RTR engines with nothing to do on them. I got to have *something* to do on them, otherwise I don't feel I'm getting a lot of fun out of the purchase... And learning is a big part of this hobby, for me anyways.
Simon
ricktrains4824Even "Pre-Orders" were impacted, as a locomotive "scheduled" for release March 2021 I had pre-ordered way back before COVID is still "Pending", and a different one I had pre-ordered simply got cancelled altogether, both due to "factory issues" that have occurred, some issues from the pandemic, some of "other" sources.
[Incidentally, though I still appreciate the lovely curves of the Alco RS-3, I gradually came to like the RS-1's no-nonsense lines even more. I love the fact that it looks like such a workbench on wheels, like they just bent a spare slab of sheet metal over the cab for a roof. My next DCC diesel will be an RS-1, but first I'll be lurking on eBay for a Great Northern 2-8-0 Consolidated. My city (Seattle) was short-sighted enough to auction off the one we had over at the zoo during the late '70s to Fred Kepner, who had planned to restore it and use it in a future museum, but in whose care (nay, say rather neglect) it has fallen to rusty ruin on a siding in Oregon. /endrant]
-Matt
Returning to model railroading after 40 years and taking unconscionable liberties with the SP&S, Northern Pacific and Great Northern roads in the '40s and '50s.
Interestingly enough I just received an email from Walthers describing the very thing this thread has been talking about.
I suspect a lot you just received the same email as well.
Pre Ordering is not as essential as being aware of what is being produced and the expected arrival dates. It good to have a year ahead cycle of knowledge.
There is usually a short window of a few weeks or months to buy stuff that's in stock. And of course, some of the less popular stuff lingers longer.
- Douglas
For example, as my own personal interests evolved, much of the roster I acquired in a rush early-on is now surplus to my current layout theme and design and is being sold. If I had started more modestly, it would have saved a lot of time and money.
If the Original Poster would share their ideas for their layout (era, locale, theme, etc.), folks might be able to suggest some equipment to get started.
For all its quirks and faults, eBay is hard to beat for finding specific out-of-production rolling stock, in my experience.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
I do not like Ebay.
However, if you just look on Ebay one can easily find most locomotives made any time recently.
I just bought a brand new HO ScaleTrains BNSF ET44C4 off Ebay, by simply watching for when one got listed and jumping on it when it appeared at a buy it now price that was reasonable. On arrival it was absolutely perfect in every way, and brand new as described. These are "rare" but several are on Ebay right now at prices that would make a nice profit for the owner. I just simply waited for a better price to come along.
Stuff that is "sold out" everywhere else often appears on Ebay. It just takes a little diligent searching to find it.
Over the past couple months I found and bought two of the sold out everywhere Bowser CP Multimark SD40-2's off Ebay (these were earlier versions and not the version just delivered that is common).
It is best to search late Friday night for just listed items, or early Saturday morning. If it is buy it now, you can then grab it before others even see it.
Good luck and good hunting!
Respectfully submitted--
John
Thanks for all the help, folks! It took a couple of days for a mod to post this topic since I'm a new member, I guess.
On Sunday I ordered from Amazon the Kato N scale Silver Streak Zephyr set. Comes with 6 cars, M1 oval, power pack, etc. I really wanted the Amtrak set but that is woefully sold out all over. After watching great reviews on YouTube about the Silver Streak set, and reading about the history of the real train, I was sold.
The set comes tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm partial to passenger trains, but will eventually buy a Conrail locomotive in N scale.
I'm not looking to set up a permanent layout, or build a replica of a city, but will take advantage of floor space in a spare room to expand from the M1 oval very soon.