Buying engines used ??????

[TurboOne]

Hi guys, I have a chance to buy some used engines.
bachmann I believe spectrum, but not sure, dash 8 40C bought already $30 detailed with working ditch lights and more
Rivarossi Cab Forward, $90 no steam available he says
Spectrum GS4, $45 had steam at one time. Used more track power so disconnected steam ( I don't know what was done for that)
(Athearn) 2 DD40s UP, 1 DD40SP $20 each
Athearn FP45 $45 with added can motor
Athearn F7 A&B $30 for the pair both powered.
Athearn SD9 $20
Athearn GP35 $25 including a bay window caboose
Athearn GP30 $20
Athearn GP15 $20
dummy engine $10
5 UP passenger cars $40
11 SF passenger cars $70
86' boxcar $8

Most work fine, some have missing couplers, he took them to replace with new. 2 DD40s have running issues, he took to clean and lube, they haven't been run for about 6 mo. those engines are huge. [:0]

Any comments as to good deal, bad deal,

I know the guy, he has been fixing my engines since I started back in the hobby, and comes over and is showing me how to fix my trains, how to maintain my trains and such. Most are older, but in decent shape. The cab foward looks cool going round the track. [8D]

Thanks

Tim

[Virginian]

Buyer beware. There is no Spectrum GS-4. What the heck does steam disconnected mean? If he means "smoke", you don't want that mess anyway, and the smoke generator is just a little heating coil that sits in a bath of oil and makes very UN-realisitic smoke. If he was that close on track power I say that's suspicious. My guess is it burned out like most of them do. You can probably tie the steam pricing on ebay, someone else can speak to diesels but they don't look too bad IF they are what you want. Sorry to sound distrustful, but alarm bells go off when I hear someting that is wrong.

[Eriediamond]

Turbo, I buy used rolling stock and engines once in awile myself. If the fellow is repairing them for you, then everything is probabley alright with your purchase. From what I gather from your post, you know the fellow and trusted him enough to make your purchase. I would say you did alright. Did you try operating the locos? I tend to follow Virginian's thoughts on GS4. However, it could be it just needs a good cleaning and proper lube. Anyhow, your satisfaction is what counts here. Best of luck, Ken

[Fergmiester]

Tim:[#ditto]

You may want to look under the hood as this will give you a better indication of how these were taken care of.

As for the Rivarossi Cab Forward, well you maybe in for a disapointment as Rivarossi went through several generations of Bad, tolerable and excellent. They didn't build any Cab Forwards in the last category. If this engine is more then 15 years old then you maybe in for a disapointment and I have a Big Boy that I'll sell you to prove my point. The motors are useless and the electrical pickups poor.

As for the smoke being disconnected. Some of us here would say this is a good thing as steam generators, are for the most part, a pain as they dirty up the track and can burn up on the odd occassional time. I have a shell with a hole in it to prove it!

I bought a used engine a year ago from a dealer. It looked good and ran well on the test track. A week later it started to hobble. It is now in the manufacturers shop being repaired as the gear was worn and the circuit board partially fried.

Looking at the prices though it still isn't a bad deal, even if you get a couple of lemons in the pack.

Regards
Fergie

[tstage]

Tim,

I have to agree with Fergy on the Rivarossis. They are beautiful looking locomotives but they have been problematic over the years. My first locomotive was a Rivarossi 0-8-0 Yard goat, which I returned to the LHS after only 3 days because it stopped working. I picked up the Athearn Geneis 2-8-2 "Mike" below and have been very happy with it.

Check to make SURE that the Bachmann is indeed a Spectrum, and not their "basic" line. Bachmann steam has a much better reputation than their diesel line. Check into the Athearns, too. Genesis is their best line in both steam and diesel.

Tim, I would be very cautious about buying any "used" locomotives. I know you've been following Chip's (Spacemouse's) escapades lately. I'm sure that Chip will chime in with a heartly "Amen" on the above note. I also hastily bought a GE-44 ton switcher off of ebay, without doing enought adequate research, and ended up with a disappointing paper weight. Thankfully, an Inexpensive and good lesson learned.

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REVISION TO ABOVE PARAGRAPH: Tim, I just went back and reread your post. (Sorry. Missed the part at the bottom.) If you know the guy and trust him, it would be a good way to get some addtional locos and rolling stock at a decent price. However, the comments on the Spectrum and Genesis lines still hold true.

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If you want to find some really terrific deals, check out Trainworld.com. (http://www.trainworld.com) I'd rather see you get just a few really good deals than a bunch of disappointing ones.

Hope this is helpful...

Tom

P.S. If you're needing a switcher, the Proto 2000 S1 is a steal at $29.99! (Some are $39.99) Beautiful locomotive and runs like silk. Ask Spacemouse and Randy, they'll verify my findings.

[rrinker]

Yep, the P2k S1 is a beautiful loco and a great steal. I'm sorta half-heartedly looking for the other number to match mine so I have both of them, although wjat I'd do with three small switchers I'd have no idea (I also have a Stewart DS4-4-1000 - if anything, that one runs even BETTER than the P2K), plus I'm trying to concentrate on building the layout rather than building the collection for the shelves.
All but one of my locos came from eBay, all at significantly lower prices that they normally go for (ex, my Stewart F7 and the DS4-4-100 are both $100 locos, I paid $45 for one and $50 for the other).
Just beware on those Bachmanns, if the are not Spectrum then they aren't worth $10, let alone $20-$25, and you will be disappointed with the performance and detailing. The Spectrum ones are pretty nice. Same with Life-Like, there's a 'regular' line that is pure junk, and then there's the Proto 1000 and Proto 2000 that are nice.

--Randy

[BRAKIE]

I buy and sell use locomotives and cars myself..However..I will give a FAIR market price for a used locomotive..IMHO those prices seem to be a little on the steep side for used locomotives.That SD9 for $20 usually sells new at most train shows for around $25-27.00.So my top price would be $12.50.No way is that 86 foot boxcar worth $8.00 used.Use Athearn cars with KDs and metal wheels usually goes for $5.00-6.50 while the Athearn cars with plastic wheels and KD coupler goes for $3.00-3.50..
As the others stated the Rivarossi locomotives can be risky.
As far as that Bachmann GS4..Its more then likely a Bachmann PLUS engine.