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HUUuuu ... uuuGe ebay estate sale

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Posted by SteamFreak on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 11:59 AM

Those locos with brass wheels on one side and the ones with silver wheels that were made in Yugoslavia are probably responsible for the bidding-frenzy thus far. Dunce [D)]

This auction looks like a bigger scam with every hour that ticks by without another bid. Why did she suddenly feel the need to tell everyone the reserve price? They know the bulk of this collection should be scooped up with a front-end loader and dropped into one of those oversize dumpsters. The only items that look to be of any quality are those 3 Atlas/Roco yellow & blue Santa Fe diesels, and that ain't saying much.

PFS
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Posted by PFS on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 11:40 AM
 csmith9474 wrote:
 PFS wrote:

From the auction....."The next bidder hits the reserve and takes the whole lot. It was only set at 3700.00. I wasn't kidding when I said the reserve was no where near the 18,000 insurance paper. So if interested, it can be yours on the next bid. Thanks, Bonnie"

 

 

Looks like shill bids, if you ask me.

That is what I was saying before. At least I ain't the only one with this "train of thought". Like I said before, if you could see the "bidder's" IDs, there would be a lot of zero IDs that were created years ago and just as many golden boys. If you look at that other large lot up right now, you can see just what I am talking about.

Edit: After looking at the auction again, there definately is something "fishy" going on here. The reserve, and now winning bid will be at $3,700 and all the aggressive and fast bidding mysteriously stops at $3691. Hmmmmmmm................

All of a sudden nobody is going to bid the extra few bucks to win the auction and take it all home.

 

Yes, magically all the feverish bidding stops just shy of the reserve and no bids for a day.....hrm

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Posted by csmith9474 on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 9:09 AM
 PFS wrote:

From the auction....."The next bidder hits the reserve and takes the whole lot. It was only set at 3700.00. I wasn't kidding when I said the reserve was no where near the 18,000 insurance paper. So if interested, it can be yours on the next bid. Thanks, Bonnie"

 

 

Looks like shill bids, if you ask me.

That is what I was saying before. At least I ain't the only one with this "train of thought". Like I said before, if you could see the "bidder's" IDs, there would be a lot of zero IDs that were created years ago and just as many golden boys. If you look at that other large lot up right now, you can see just what I am talking about.

Edit: After looking at the auction again, there definately is something "fishy" going on here. The reserve, and now winning bid will be at $3,700 and all the aggressive and fast bidding mysteriously stops at $3691. Hmmmmmmm................

All of a sudden nobody is going to bid the extra few bucks to win the auction and take it all home.

Smitty
PFS
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Posted by PFS on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 12:58 AM

From the auction....."The next bidder hits the reserve and takes the whole lot. It was only set at 3700.00. I wasn't kidding when I said the reserve was no where near the 18,000 insurance paper. So if interested, it can be yours on the next bid. Thanks, Bonnie"

 

 

Looks like shill bids, if you ask me.

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Posted by Master of Big Sky Blue on Monday, July 16, 2007 11:44 PM

 Cederstrand wrote:
James, thank you for admitting your own numbers. I was affraid if 100 cars makes one a hoarder, I'm in big trouble. I still don't have a layout, but it does look promising to finally start one by the end of this year. And I did sell off most of my diesels when I decided the future layout would be steam era. Then again, I have sinse bought a few new diesels because I could justify them on a "transition era" layout. Cowboy [C):-)] Rob ps: 125 engines...it is safe to say I will NEVER have that many.LOL

 

No problem. I always feel that if you are going to make claims, that you should be willing to back them up with facts. My grandmother does think I have a problem. But then again. When your modeling a Railroad thats going to go from Wyoming to Oregon, and be on at least two, probably 3 decks, 125 engines, and 600 cars is no where near eneugh. The V&O was just one deck, and it had 1500 cars. The theme for my freelance Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon &Pacific railroad is a fiscially conservative Railraod that dieselised late, Only recieving sets of FTs During WWII, after which they were equipped for Passenger service  for the Chicago-Denver-Portland "Oregon Trail Zypher"  which was joint run with the CB&Q. This arragement being a compromise measure figureing that the Q would want to project a modern image all along the route, and the WIOP managment not wanting to invest in expensive new passenger power.

This I figure would let me enjoy a Modern Steam Railroad with the only hint of the pending Diseaselization (Yes I itnentionaly spelled it that way) being the FTs on the Modern Zypher. THe cars for which to are a fiscially responsable measure, being rebuilt from heavyweights into "Streamliners" with fluted sides. the only new cars being purchased being Domes.

As for what to do with my more modern vintage items, I am not sure. Everyone in my family tells me not to sell them but at the same time, they aren't going to see very much use. Perhaps if my railroad lasts long eneugh that the model steamers completely wear out I can move the era foward wth my diesles.

By the way, My new layout I am building is going to be 9X12 feet out of woodland scenics modules, with a staging yard made from recycled components of my current layout in the 2.5X8 foot closet and will depict a branch of the WIOP running north from Casper to Midwest WY to service the oilfields in the area around the famous "Teapot Dome."

James

"Well, I've sort of commited my self here, so you pop that clowns neck, I will shoot his buddy, and I will probably have to shoot the bartender too." ----- William Adama upon meeting Saul Tigh Building an All Steam Roster from Old Tyco-Mantua, and Bowser kits. Free Drinks in the Dome Car
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Posted by JON168 on Monday, July 16, 2007 11:23 PM

Snagletooth wrote:''Yoo-Hoo! Throw in some cheap traction tires and a rubber band drive and I'm back in the bidding!''Laugh [(-D]Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

 I'm right there with ya!!Tongue [:P] and if you add some of those quality plastic wheelsets...I'm in for 20k! 

  I'm sure now that it's going to be a dealer that buys all that mess, and I'm also sure a lot of it will show up back on EBAY in the coming months.   Even if the bidding goes to $5000+ I think the buyer will make back a good portion of the money he spent.......has anyone seen the prices for that old stuff when it sells piece by piece? and the shipping???

  As for 3000+ cars and locos being ''excessive''?   depends on how you look at it.....I consider people who have 3,4 or more cars to be ''excessive'', and fishermen? [of which I am one]  hundreds of lures and 30 poles? yep, thats ''excessive'', how about folks with more than one house?  very ''excessive''. I have 40+ locos[powered] and 30 or so unpowered and 200 or so cars.......sure I can't run them all at the same time.....but I grab deals when I can...and it adds up.

  This auction is certainly entertaining, I would like to know who wins, too bad it's private.

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Posted by vsmith on Monday, July 16, 2007 11:21 PM
Yeap, lot of low end stuff, but as I described, if its seperated into related box lots and sold off as such, you could still make a profit on it, maybe not much but still.

   Have fun with your trains

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Posted by Cederstrand on Monday, July 16, 2007 10:43 PM
James, thank you for admitting your own numbers. I was affraid if 100 cars makes one a hoarder, I'm in big trouble. I still don't have a layout, but it does look promising to finally start one by the end of this year. And I did sell off most of my diesels when I decided the future layout would be steam era. Then again, I have sinse bought a few new diesels because I could justify them on a "transition era" layout. Cowboy [C):-)] Rob ps: 125 engines...it is safe to say I will NEVER have that many.LOL
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Posted by dinwitty on Monday, July 16, 2007 10:24 PM

If I were to aquire this I would pick and choose what works for my layout then sell off the Reeeessssstt..

looks like the kind of stuff I find at train shows, some goodies, the usual and the toyish stuff.

 

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Posted by Mailman56701 on Monday, July 16, 2007 10:15 PM
 tstage wrote:

 Mailman wrote:
  He who dies with the most toys, wins !Big Smile [:D]

Corey's right.  He who dies with the most toys...still dies!

 

  That's why it's important to get a LOT of toys, before it's too late Big Smile [:D]

"Realism is overrated"
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Posted by snagletooth on Monday, July 16, 2007 8:03 PM
 Railphotog wrote:

There are more notes added to the description, including:

"Finally, there are about 8 or so 50' tank car kits NIB Santa Fe's, marked 7.25 each, there are some engines with brass wheels, there are rock island engines with half of the wheels brass and half just like the others. One of them even has silver like wheels, says made in yugoslavia"

Wow, engines with BRASS wheels!  And one made in Yogoslavia!  The mind boggles!

Probably a whole lot of horn-hook couplers too!

 

Yoo-Hoo! Throw in some cheap traction tires and a rubber band drive and I'm back in the bidding!Whistling [:-^]
Snagletooth
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Posted by Railphotog on Monday, July 16, 2007 7:53 PM

There are more notes added to the description, including:

"Finally, there are about 8 or so 50' tank car kits NIB Santa Fe's, marked 7.25 each, there are some engines with brass wheels, there are rock island engines with half of the wheels brass and half just like the others. One of them even has silver like wheels, says made in yugoslavia"

Wow, engines with BRASS wheels!  And one made in Yogoslavia!  The mind boggles!

Probably a whole lot of horn-hook couplers too!

 

Bob Boudreau

CANADA

Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/

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Posted by Master of Big Sky Blue on Monday, July 16, 2007 6:35 PM

 tatans wrote:
I also get a kick of some responses on the mental state of this individual who would collect 3000 cars, there comment is "I only have 800 cars" what could anyone possibly do with 800 cars ! ! is there a contest somewhere?? ----800 ? ?   a 100 cars would be excess.

I would tend to take your numbers with a bit of salt. For the average modeler that has a spare bedroom layout, 100 is probably an adaquate supply. Given two conditions. A. He does not rotate cars off the layout. And B. His ambitions stay relativly constant. The First prize winner of the track plan contest that was recently held in Model Railroader was a 9X11 foot (I think) model railroad that was crammed full of big city switching. The car estimate for that railroad was 200 cars. More if you fiddled cars off the layout at the two interchanges.

The old V&O Afton Division is I think everyone will agree was the definitive of what we expect a big home basement layout. In the Jan 2004 Issiue of Model Railroader where he talks about his new V&O plan, he reveald to keep the Afton Division fluid required a supply of close to 1500 cars.

So while cars in the thousands seem like a lot. When viewed in relation to the guys modeling objectives, The case for large supply of cars makes sense. However in this guys case, it seems like he just kept buying and buying without any regard a cohiesive model railroad. That is when you have a problem.

I admit that I have a lot of trains. Over 600 cars and around 125 engines total. But I am building the initial sections of what will eventially a Grand multi deck layout in my future basement. I have gone for the Woodland Scenics Modules due to their light weight, relative compactness. and recognition of the fact that my living accomodations while somewhat long term, are not permananent. So I have decided to start things off with a branch line of my future model rairlaod to keep me going stir crazy. What I will probably do is go through a rationalization. Sell a train I have that doesn't fit my needs, and then buy one that does with the proceeds.

James

"Well, I've sort of commited my self here, so you pop that clowns neck, I will shoot his buddy, and I will probably have to shoot the bartender too." ----- William Adama upon meeting Saul Tigh Building an All Steam Roster from Old Tyco-Mantua, and Bowser kits. Free Drinks in the Dome Car
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Posted by Texas Zephyr on Monday, July 16, 2007 6:33 PM

 tatans wrote:
I also get a kick of some responses on the mental state of this individual who would collect 3000 cars, there comment is "I only have 800 cars" what could anyone possibly do with 800 cars ! ! is there a contest somewhere?? ----800?
 Mailman wrote:
  He who dies with the most toys, wins !Big Smile [:D]
No, no, no, it is supposed to be, "He who dies with the most trains, wins!"

Only 3000 cars! what a rank amature hoarder he must have been!Shock [:O]

I can't belive how high the bid has gotten.  $3691 at this point. Maybe if these were all at least Athearn blue box level.....   You know this means that he really had no one he shared this with.  Seems extremely lonely to me.

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Posted by Mark R. on Monday, July 16, 2007 6:28 PM

 Mark R. wrote:
The seller makes mention of the $18,000 insurance rider a couple times. Based on that fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised the seller has the reserve set somewhere between 7,000 and 9,000 !!!  I know, I know, it's not worth anywhere near that to us .... I just got a feeling.  

Ok - I'll admit I was off. Reserve has been set at $3700.00 !!!

Mark. 

 

¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ

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Posted by Driline on Monday, July 16, 2007 6:17 PM

"Also, I stated there were about 25 transformers, I was waaayyyy off. There are "72" of them. Plus, a box of extra parts to make more.. There are 33 tycos, 6 bachmann, 1 model power, 5 life-like, 1 atlas, 9 lionel, 7 no name that I can find, 6 ahm, 1 kf, and 3 aurora.<"

The quote listed above is from the auction.

OOOOooooo 33 tyco's and 6 bachmann engines and some really cool AHM"S! I can't wait to bid $10,000 for those premium engines!

And extra parts to make MORE Transformers! What dork would waste their time doing that LOL.

Crap

Crap

Crap

Modeling the Davenport Rock Island & Northwestern 1995 in HO
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Posted by snagletooth on Monday, July 16, 2007 5:32 PM
 tstage wrote:

 Mailman wrote:
  He who dies with the most toys, wins !Big Smile [:D]

He who dies with the most toys...still dies!

Yea, but he dies with the MOST toys!
Snagletooth
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Posted by tstage on Monday, July 16, 2007 5:31 PM

 Mailman wrote:
  He who dies with the most toys, wins !Big Smile [:D]

Corey's right.  He who dies with the most toys...still dies!

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by secondhandmodeler on Monday, July 16, 2007 5:28 PM
Have you ever seen a Uhaul behind a hearse?  You can't take it with you.
Corey
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Posted by Mailman56701 on Monday, July 16, 2007 5:00 PM
  He who dies with the most toys, wins !Big Smile [:D]
"Realism is overrated"
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Posted by tatans on Monday, July 16, 2007 4:57 PM
How pathetic this story is, and it is far more common than anyone can imagine, there are all kinds of people out there that think the more "stuff" you collect the happier you are---surprise folks ! ! I also get a kick of some responses on the mental state of this individual who would collect 3000 cars, there comment is "I only have 800 cars" what could anyone possibly do with 800 cars ! ! is there a contest somewhere?? ----800 ? ?   a 100 cars would be excess. There seems to be a problem with a lot of model railroaders that should be referred to as "hoarders"  there is a BIG difference. I hope some individuals learn a great lesson from this sad story.
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 16, 2007 3:00 PM

 

Look at it this way,  If some Insane Billionaire, such as my hypothetical self, were to

try to Model the Entire USA railsystem and Rolling stock,  well, this would give you a

two percent Start give or take a few percent.    Let see at HO scale that would mean

A space of  36 miles x 20 miles or so.    I hear Land in Nevada is still cheap.

But hey, that Stuff for sale is not DCC convertible so BOLLOCKS on that.

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Posted by Mark R. on Monday, July 16, 2007 2:27 PM

The seller makes mention of the $18,000 insurance rider a couple times. Based on that fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised the seller has the reserve set somewhere between 7,000 and 9,000 !!!  I know, I know, it's not worth anywhere near that to us .... I just got a feeling.

Mark. 

  

¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ

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Posted by SteamFreak on Monday, July 16, 2007 2:25 PM
You guys just aren't thinking clearly. Imagine all of the kitbashing opportunities here, the stirrup steps that will need replacing, and the hours fun you'll have toning down the day-glo paint with weathering chalks. It's Christmas in July! Big Smile [:D]Yeah!! [yeah]
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Posted by Railphotog on Monday, July 16, 2007 2:23 PM

Whoever wins the auction is going to have a LOT of work to do in order to dispose the stuff.  They'll have to check the condition of all models, making sure everything is included, not broken, cleaned, and in running order.  Selling the stuff on eBay could be a major project, even if models were offered in groups of ten or more.  Not something I'd be interested in spending several months to do!

 

 

Bob Boudreau

CANADA

Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/

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Posted by slow train Ed on Monday, July 16, 2007 2:13 PM

 you need help bns it could be an early christmas. To  get back to the topic I didn't see any engines except the one box that had decels. You would think if its that big it wouldn't fit in a small u-hall trailer ,beings it was a three day salvage, and not all taken out.It looks to be only one car garage to.Yes it would be nice to see it on person. and be able to talk the wife out of the mc for the trip. still got several days left to bid . will be watching and wishing .

slow trin Ed

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Posted by rrebell on Monday, July 16, 2007 1:19 PM
To me a bunch of junk, not even worth reselling, but the price goes up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 16, 2007 11:33 AM

Yeah pretty sad family not want.

I showed my wife this e bay page, she drop! and read the story on e bay, pretty sad she said..

that would have happen to her father's train set!! Mother did not want nothing to do with it so. other sons did not want any too. AND told ME!! IF I dont want any it's going all out in TRASH!! Haaaaaa!!

so I took all and box it all up. yeah it's still in box no place to set to look at yet till we have our own house. am trying to remember what's there Ummm it's going be like chirstmas again.

 steve

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Posted by Master of Big Sky Blue on Monday, July 16, 2007 11:10 AM
 loathar wrote:

TYCO my Precious!

GET OUT OF MY BASEMENT!!! AWAY FROM MY PRECIOUS TYCOS!!

 

I have a feeling that isn't to far from the truth. However that is just priceless LMAO

"Well, I've sort of commited my self here, so you pop that clowns neck, I will shoot his buddy, and I will probably have to shoot the bartender too." ----- William Adama upon meeting Saul Tigh Building an All Steam Roster from Old Tyco-Mantua, and Bowser kits. Free Drinks in the Dome Car
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Posted by One Track Mind on Monday, July 16, 2007 11:03 AM
 vsmith wrote:

I'm at a disadvantage as I cannot access evilbay from where I'm at but if this collection is as enormous as it sounds it could still be a small gold mine depending on how you approach it.

The thing is that if you have the patience to sift thru all this and seperate the wheat from the chaff, you can still make alot more than you spent for it by selling it off the crap in lots of say 10 cars each, and selling the better items off individually.

Its been my experience even if you think the buyer bought a basement full of junk, when one parcels it out and sells it, even on the cheap on e-bay, they usually still come out ahead as they can sell the smaller lots for alot more relative than they could a large mass lot like this. People are more willing to bid higher on a smaller lots than they would relative to a single large lot.

Assuming 1000 crap cars; at 100 boxes of 10 cars at $30 each box ($3 a car?) = $3000

Now add 100 crap engines at $10 each = another $1000

Now add just 10 good engines at $50 each = $500

Total $4500

Anyone care to guess how much 'stuff' there really is here?

 

PS I would also be worried about shill bidding as well, its a real problem on Evilbay

 

 

You are on the right track here vsmith! I put in a bid for it, and I based my bid pretty much on the very same figures you provided.

I took into consideration that whether I went and picked it up, or had them deliver it, it was going to cost about 600 - 700 dollars either way for delivery. I considered that as part of my bid.

Then I asked myself if I could reasonably expect to double my money, which is better than I can do with new items.

So I put in my bid and it was apparently not close to the reserve price, but I can guarantee that it was not a shill bid.

This is not a bad deal for a train shop or train show dealer IF they were willing to put the time in to make the items presentable...I believe "coatings of dust" was mentioned several times...and IF the price was right...

But at over 3600 dollars and still the reserve has not been met...they are now way out of the range where a re-seller could realistically expect to make any money off of this...especially now that I read the updated information.

Glad I got outbid immediately...but a trip to Michigan might have been enjoyable!

 

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