If you use ebays "Saved Searches" you don't have to watch closely, they will email you a notice when a match to your search is listed.
Good luck,
Richard
Merry Christmas! There is a Facebook group called ho yard sale -- it is a no nonsense group where it is strictly sales. I have made many great deals on this site. Estate sales can be a gold mine as well. The number one location for getting a good deal on freight cars is going to be a train show/swap meet. At the Lansing Model RR Club show last November, I was seeing Athearn BB and Roundhouse kits for $3-$5 each. Accurail kits were in the $7-$15 range, Proto 2000 kits were anywhere from $7-$15. The already built cars were going for a few bucks more. If you don't mind building kits, you can find a lot of older craftsman wood kits for the same price or cheaper than Athearn BB kits. Good luck and good hunting!
Chuck
Modeling the Motor City
I buy a lot of use cars at Train shows and the prices ranged from $3-5.00 with plastic wheels and horn hook couplers to $6-8.00 for cars with metal wheels and KD couplers.
I found great buys for used cars from Atlas,Athearn,ExactRail,IM and Red Caboose for as low as $12.00 under the front of the dealers tables. The dealer's new and higher price goodies was on his tables.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Hello all,
I suggest start building!
Again, you didn't mention how many you are looking at adding to your roster or what road names.
Many National Model Railroad Association clubs produce limited edition runs of cars; primarily box cars, that are available through the clubs.
These cars are advertised in the NMRA magazine. To receive this publication you need to be a member.
Often these club offerings are listed in Model Railroader Magazine.
Yes, train shows might be the best bet. Do your research, make a budget; for all cars or a per-car basis and try not to get buyers fever.
Keep in mind that even train show bargains might need upgrades; trucks, wheels and couplers.
When buying through eBay I suggest looking at the bottom of the item description. Often times they will list alternate options.
You can also sign up for notifications on eBay. They will notify you when an item that you have placed in your Watched list has changed it's status or an item that is cheaper than the item you are watching.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
I've found the best deals are to be had buying large lots of cars on Ebay - bigger initial outlay but lower cost per car.
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site