phillyreading wrote:Just went to mapquest and found Crystal River FL, it is across from Wildwood FL or across from where the FL turnpike meets I-75. That is if I got the right info from mapquest, never heard of this place other than on this post. I do a lot of vacation driving in Florida and have not seen any signs for Crystal River, so I am assuming that it is a small city.
Just went to mapquest and found Crystal River FL, it is across from Wildwood FL or across from where the FL turnpike meets I-75. That is if I got the right info from mapquest, never heard of this place other than on this post. I do a lot of vacation driving in Florida and have not seen any signs for Crystal River, so I am assuming that it is a small city.
Your assumption is correct, Lee, Crystal River is a small town. It's located on U.S. Highway 19. You would never go through it unless you were going there or driving between Tallahassee and the Tampa Bay area. Homosassa Springs is just south of Crystal River on 19 and is famous for its underwater fish tank where you can view fresh and saltwater fish together, as well as manatees. The manatees hang out in the Homosassa and Crystal Rivers in the winter time because of the warm springs that are the source of the rivers. Of course, 20 miles further south is Weeki Wachee, which is famous for their underwater mermaids. So while there are no good beaches and only one mediocre train hobby shop nearby, there are some things to see and do in the area.
rlplionel, Thanks for the info on Crystal River! Not planning to go there.
Have been to St. Augustine FL, headquarters for FEC(Florida East Coast) railway, seen a small hobby shop on the north side of town but didn't have time to stop as I was on my way to Savanah GA.
Interesting stories about buying on e-bay and on the 'net in general. I will add what I can. I have purchased from Ready to Roll (very nice people and competent) as well as the Lantana store. Since I live between the two (Boca Raton) and there is not a shop in town, I also visit Warrick Custom Hobbies, in Plantation (west of Ft. Lauderdale airport), which is a huge general hobby store with a very large train department. Ready to Roll is a train store only, so you may not be tempted to wander the aisles and spend too much like I do at Warrick!
Regarding online and e-bay, I have purchased over 300 items on e-bay and been burned twice for small amounts of $$. Most sellers take back what you don't want. I buy lots of car parts for my '72 Buick Stage 1 Convertible, which I bought new in '72, and have not had issues yet. However, you must know EXACTLY what you are looking for (part number) and know EXACTLY what condition it is in before you buy. I always contact the seller with questions. If they don't answer, I don't bid, period.
As for stores, I have had no issues with Wholesale Trains (link below). If they have the item in stock, they ship at once. After you spend a reasonable amount with them (I think $200.00) you get deeper discounts on what you buy. The website is massive and not organized in the best possible fashion, but they sell a lot of stuff. I always call after I order to make sure the order has been placed properly and that the item is in stock. So far, so good with them.
I have purchased over 100 train items on ebay and always follow the same process--contact the seller, make sure the item is what you are looking for, and develop a rapport with the person or store. In that way I have built a relationship that I can go back to if necessary.
Just some ideas I thought I would share with everyone who is on this thread. Good hunting! I have gotten some real 'steals' shopping online, but, once again, be an informed shopper.
The S2 experience that started this thread is probably not avoidable until someone tells us about it, so thanks very much for the heads-up on this shop.
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/default.htm
Is this the store you saw on the way to Savannah? I'll be going to a show near there on the 16th. If you wish, I'll scope it out.
East Coast Trains 244 State Road 16, Saint Augustine, FL 32084 (904) 824-3475
I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.I am the venom in your skin --- Breaking Benjamin
rich: Thanks for that excellent advice. I also purchase from Wholesale trains and they have been very good at keeping me informed on my purchase. I have a Lionel Tony Stewart NASCAR add-on set on order with them and they have been great at keeping me posted on it's status. And no...it's not for me My wife is a big Tony Stewart fan and I am hoping the set will be released before Christmas. Me....I'm strictly Jeff Gordon
As far as E-Bay...I've been searching for a 682 Turbine and HOLY SMOKES ! You can sure tell the pre-Christmas madness is in effect. People are having bidding wars that send the price WAY BEYOND any actual value. I wonder if after-Christmas there will be a flood of train stuff available for dirt cheap after these folks get their outrgeous charge card bills?
Dep
Virginian Railroad
The store the post is about is:
ALL ABOUT TOY TRAINS6843 N Citrus AveCrystal River, FL 34429
Dep,
Trainz has one now for $775 and the matching caboose is availible too! Merry Christmas
FEClionel wrote: Dep, Trainz has one now for $775 and the matching caboose is availible too! Merry Christmas
THANK YOU SIR!!!! It's MINE now
I owe you big time for that heads up!
dear deputy-if you are interested, i have a lionel turbine with the die cast caboose and a display case that they sit in for sale-they have never been used-tom
tomtaras wrote: dear deputy-if you are interested, i have a lionel turbine with the die cast caboose and a display case that they sit in for sale-they have never been used-tom
Hi Tom, Thanks for the offer. I really appreciate it. But I bought the one that FEClionel mentioned above from Trainz. As difficult as it was to find one at a reasonable price, I jumped at it. Now if you have a 682 postwar turbine and tender in excellent condition, I sure would be interested.
Glad to help ! I'm looking for a 682 as well - I'd settle for a 681 with the 12 wheel tender. I have a large collection of late 50's stuff but I think the turbines mix well. Let me know if there are any cheap tenderless 681's or 671's out there- I have a lonely 250T tender that I think wold look nice with a S2.
-Geoff
FEClionel wrote: Dep, Glad to help ! I'm looking for a 682 as well - I'd settle for a 681 with the 12 wheel tender. I have a large collection of late 50's stuff but I think the turbines mix well. Let me know if there are any cheap tenderless 681's or 671's out there- I have a lonely 250T tender that I think wold look nice with a S2.-Geoff
Geoff: DOH! I just bought a 671 AND 681 and both came with the 12 wheel 2671 tenders. Paid $208 for each one of them and they're both in excellent condition. Got them off E-Bay. I been following the 682 situation on E-Bay for a couple of months and it's amazing what people will pay for crap. Here's an example that I ALMOST bought...until the price climbed to the ridiculous level:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220056280587&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:US:12
Note that the above loco came with NO tender at all. Yet the buyer paid $178.50 for it and it's only rated Very Good condition from the seller.
Here's a 681 that is in excellent shape and the price isn't bad:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Lionel-Train-681-6-8-6-Diecast-Engine-w-Magnetraction_W0QQitemZ270063880174QQihZ017QQcategoryZ4146QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here's a 682 that's in minty shape. But the seller doesn't take PayPal or charge cards...so I have to pass on it. I'm reluctant to send a check or money order for E-Bay purchases. No protection above $200.
http://cgi.ebay.com/LIONEL-682-STEAM-TURBINE-ENGINE-w-2046-50W-TENDER-OB-LN_W0QQitemZ230059533244QQihZ013QQcategoryZ4146QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Deputy wrote: Here's a 682 that's in minty shape. But the seller doesn't take PayPal or charge cards...so I have to pass on it. I'm reluctant to send a check or money order for E-Bay purchases. No protection above $200.http://cgi.ebay.com/LIONEL-682-STEAM-TURBINE-ENGINE-w-2046-50W-TENDER-OB-LN_W0QQitemZ230059533244QQihZ013QQcategoryZ4146QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemDep
I wouldn't hesitate to buy from this seller & use a Postal money order. This guys father used to run Spoonley the Trainmans Hobby shop in Buffalo N.Y. years ago. Frank Sinatra & Sammy Davis Jr. were a few that purchased trains from him back then. I have been to his shop years ago & he had a room for every gauge train he sold. That was a very famous hobby shop years ago.
It's not that I distrust the sellers. It's the SHIPPERS that I worry about. Especially at this time of year. Things have a funny way of "disappearing" in transit. With a charge card purchase you are covered if someone decides a 682 would look nicer under HIS Christmas tree instead of YOURS. Most of these guys have good ratings as far as customer satisfaction is concerned. Using a charge card is just a little extra protection for the buyer. Insuring an item is okay, but it takes a LONG time for the Post Office or a commercial shipper to come through with that refund. A credit to your credit card is only a phone call away.
Caveat Emptor...I live by it
richopp,
I have been to Warricks (Plantation & Peters Rd) a few times and they tend to be more of all purpose hobby shop rather than just trains, no problems with Warricks. Prefer Ready To Roll because of being mainly trains, just off I-95 & N.W. 135 St. in north Miami.
I have just bought a Lionel frieght car from Train City auctions website and got what I paid for, this was the first time, so far so good.
I am not 100% happy with ebay, sellers do not list things correctly all the time!
Lee F.
phillyreading wrote: I am not 100% happy with ebay, sellers do not list things correctly all the time!Lee F.
Boy THAT'S no lie!!! I just checked a Lionel 682 on E-Bay. God it looks AWEFUL! And it comes with NO tender. Buy it now price...$200!!!! And it's missing the oiler linkage on one side. Looks like rust on the wheels too. These folks must think the 682 = a bar of solid gold no matter what the condition!!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/Lionel-682-turbine-engine_W0QQitemZ160062079129QQihZ006QQcategoryZ4146QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
P.S. Check this description "This engine is a prime unit and will make a great addition to any show case or running display". ROFL!!!!!
re: Boy THAT'S no lie!!! Missing the tender for $200.00 & missing money from your wallet if you buy from the description!
That is one of the reasons I stay off ebay! Also people DON'T know the differance between H.O. and O gauge on ebay. I find ebay way overpriced!!!
phillyreading wrote: re: Boy THAT'S no lie!!! Missing the tender for $200.00 & missing money from your wallet if you buy from the description! That is one of the reasons I stay off ebay! Also people DON'T know the differance between H.O. and O gauge on ebay. I find ebay way overpriced!!!Lee F.
For sure you have to be careful what you buy. I bought two S2 postwar turbines (671 and 681) off E-Bay and just picked them up from the post office. Both were actually BETTER than what was described on their E-Bay ad. My search continues for a 682 turbine at a fair price in at least very good condition. I can take paint wear and stuff like missing oiler linkage. That is a fairly easy fix. But a hunk of rust with NO tender at a premium price....no way hoesay!!!
Well some stories DO have a happy ending I just took delivery of my New In Box 18010 Lionel S2 Steam Turbine. Cripes! That dang thing almost gave me a hernia carrying it inside!!!! I took the outer box off and took off the top foam cover. All the red ribbon ties are still intact. Looks like it hasn't been out of the box. Now I have to be patient and wait till after Christmas to get my permanent layout set up so I can run this beast. Over THIRTY INCHES long!!!!! 072 curves are MANDATORY. HA! I love it!!!!!
Now a new search begins...for the brass caboose that goes with the loco and tender. Here it is on E-Bay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=013&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=230064512941&rd=1&rd=1
Deputy,
According to Greenberg's price guide the price right now is very good, however there is NO MENTION of BRASS by Greenberg's guide!!! The photo looks good on ebay.
If you know that this caboose is a brass production then buy it but I did not say it was Brass!!!!
If you want a true brass caboose try Third Rail Brass, as brass is all they do.
phillyreading wrote: Deputy,According to Greenberg's price guide the price right now is very good, however there is NO MENTION of BRASS by Greenberg's guide!!! The photo looks good on ebay. If you know that this caboose is a brass production then buy it but I did not say it was Brass!!!!If you want a true brass caboose try Third Rail Brass, as brass is all they do.Lee F.
Lee: Yep...it's the real deal. All brass. That's why it's so pricey. But I suspect it's going to sell for a LOT more than what it's at right now. It would make a nice addition to my S2, but I'm not sure I can afford it.
I posted pics of my other two turbines in this thread:
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/2/975964/ShowPost.aspx#975964
Well here is some werid poop. I was checking Brasseur Electric trains (Got my FM ordered from them) and I spotted another S2 Turbine. At first I thought they had the number wrong, but on further searching, it's correct. Item #6-38028.
Looks EXACTLY like my 18010. Only difference (I THINK) are the shields at the front of the engine. Not sure mine have those. Also it has a "wireless tether" while mine has a plug to connect tender to loco. Here it is:
http://traindoctor.com/webstore/shopexd.asp?id=1748
Deputy wrote:Well here is some werid poop. I was checking Brasseur Electric trains (Got my FM ordered from them) and I spotted another S2 Turbine. At first I thought they had the number wrong, but on further searching, it's correct. Item #6-38028.Looks EXACTLY like my 18010. Only difference (I THINK) are the shields at the front of the engine. Not sure mine have those. Also it has a "wireless tether" while mine has a plug to connect tender to loco. Here it is: http://traindoctor.com/webstore/shopexd.asp?id=1748Dep
Not weird at all. In addition to the wireless tether, it is TMCC controlled, if you are into that. Also has a relatively recent version of Railsounds (RS 4.0, I think, but I could be mistaken). According to Greenbergs 2007 list, it was issued in 2001. The release of this engine somewhat lowered what were at the time (in my opinion) extremely high prices for the original one you just bought.
-Dave
Dave45681 wrote: Not weird at all. In addition to the wireless tether, it is TMCC controlled, if you are into that. Also has a relatively recent version of Railsounds (RS 4.0, I think, but I could be mistaken). According to Greenbergs 2007 list, it was issued in 2001. The release of this engine somewhat lowered what were at the time (in my opinion) extremely high prices for the original one you just bought.
LOL...you missed the point. The 18010 is STILL going for the same amount as this loco...many times a lot MORE. As in $1500. Yet this loco is only selling for $974. Better check your Greenberg again. The 18010 in excellent condition is listed at $1350. This newer version with electronic updates in excellent condition is selling for $650. So there is no lowering of the 18010 at all. Trust me, I've been shopping for the 18010 for a LONG time. They are not cheap when new in the box. Even used they command a premium price.
At any rate....I bought this new version yesterday
You are of course correct. I foolishly only looked in the book to see what year the new one was made. I never checked the price on the original.
I was basing my comments on what I used to see at shows in the area. I remember the 18010 priced (not sure I ever saw one sell or not) at or above $1200 before the new one was issued. When the new one was cataloged, it's list was $1200, so if you got through a large dealer it would probably be a bit less.
To my perceived value of these items, the new one was a no brainer over the old one at that time. Seems it still might be. :-) Glad you were able to get both. Now I guess you just need that caboose!
No offense taken Dave. To be honest, if I hadn't already bought the 18010, I probably would have just gone with the newer version. I wish we HAD shows in my area. When I lived in a Chicago suburb, shows and dealers were all over the place. Now, I have neither . I am limited to online sources for trains.
The caboose...so far it's holding at $154 with 2 days left. If it will just stay there until I can snipe it at the last minute, I'll be okay. It seems like a LOT to pay for a caboose, and it IS. But they are quite rare and difficult to find at a reasonable price.
Hey Dave...have you got any S2 turbines in your collection? Just curious. They really are a great engine. Even the MTH and Williams repros are awesome. A really monstrous beast
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month