groundeffectsI model in N scale and would have serious reservations about buying a used loco online without having tried it first. In the past I'd rather go to a local train show and buy there, after first checking the loco's performance (assuming they have a test track onsite). You might want to look at one of those online retailers and compa
I take part in club displays at a few shows a year. Being smaller shows many vendors will let you ask a nearby layout operator to run your nearly purchased loco for a few minutes.
Without a specific model cited, pricing is kinda hard to answer.
A GP35 in HO for instance, could go from anywhere below $40 to upwards of $300, depending on the manufacturer and the specifics involved. (DCC/Sound, Brass, Manufacturer, Vintage, etc....)
Best advice I can give on eBay Train purchases - Know well the product you are ordering. That way if something is "off", you see it right away and can handle appropriately. (Either not bidding, or opening a dispute if already purchased.) And, you will know the value and not grossly overpay for something. (I recently saw a listing for a old Athearn BlueBox HO Locomotive with a starting bid of $200.00..... Stock!)
Majority of my eBay train purchases have been excellent. So I would not be shying away from eBay options, unless price or condition were an issue.
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.
Incidentally, I'm tempted to add 'research how to fix problems and issues on used engines, if cost is a concern in purchasing them'.
You're likely to find that some things you buy don't run well, or are damaged. Part of 'the hobby' can be working on them -- see the recent thread on a HO ATSF locomotive for an example.
I'll leave it to others to discuss available fair options for dealing with sellers when a purchase disappoints you in some way -- but you should be at least aware of the options. That's an eBay issue, not a 'model railroading' one, but as it materially affects both your pleasure in the hobby and your ability to get working material to pursue it, I think it's an appropriate thing to discuss in a thread like this one.
Just curious, why are you only looking for 'used' engines? You can find good prices on new engines through a number of online sellers (including some ebay stores). Getting a new engine with a manufacturer's warranty can bring some piece of mind knowing you're not out of luck if there's a problem.
Regarding the quality, or otherwise, of N scale locomotives, check out spookshow.net
Cheers, the Bear
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Also check out the items that are listed on Facebook as there a couple of vendors that list n-Scale items.
I agree with Simon regarding what he wrote about the use of online retailers. One of these online retailers I use (they are located in Yuba City, CA) lists in their website what is currently available. Their website is updated everyday.
I model in N scale and would have serious reservations about buying a used loco online without having tried it first. In the past I'd rather go to a local train show and buy there, after first checking the loco's performance (assuming they have a test track onsite).
You might want to look at one of those online retailers and compare prices with those used engines on Ebay-it may be worth buying new instead.
Jeff
All good points above. Is there a specific loco you are interested in? Diesel? Steam?
Unfortunately, you get pretty much anything on Ebay, the new and the old. In my experience, the new stuff is often overpriced. You might want to check some online retailers like Trainland and ModelTrainStuff if you want to buy new. There are "deals" on Ebay, but patience is required. When I see a model, I will typically do an online search to see if the loco got any "bad reviews". There are duds that were produced in the 60's, 70's and 80's.
Simon
My initial advice is to do your research carefully on what locomotives you want, the kinds of problems they have or acquire over time, and what their actual 'street' price is.
Then carefully watch some of the auctions for these, including the bidding patterns, to get some idea of what your desired items actually sell for. Read the sellers' feedback critically.
Remember the usual listing issues: watch for shipping issues, and factor tax into your bidding even though it doesn't appear there as it should (I'm still dubious of the legality, let alone morality, of charging tax on the cost of shipping, but that might just be me being last-century)
Look at the pictures carefully, compare them against the description, be sure to ask the seller specific questions and keep the replies in your messages 'just in case'. Sometimes details in the pictures are your only indication that there is something important; I recently bought one of the Kato N-scale UP FEF-3s for $218... with the factory ESU sound decoder installed, something noted on the box but otherwise unmentioned in the listing.
It varies and there are no guarantees. Been very lucky over the years but have got some lemons. Best bet is to get the best deal you can and deal with someone who has good feedback, and look at the feedback, sometimes people are unreasonable. Read the ad very carefully.
Hi folks, I'm new to model railroading and need some advice and tips.
When buying used N scale locomotives online, like on Ebay, what is a good price, what should I stay away from?
Thanks.