Athearn Blue Box Kits on Ebay

[Paul3]

Other than Sheldon, no one has really mentioned Bowser yet. 

They still sell kits. 

The kits are still made in the USA.

The kits are mostly under $15 ea.

Sure, they are PRR-heavy, but they have other things, too.

http://www.bowser-trains.com/In%20Stock%20Pages/In%20Stock%20hocars%20Index.htm

Paul A. Cutler III

[riogrande5761]

ATLANTIC CENTRAL

Keep this in mind, In 1970 or 1998, the Walthers catalog was likely a good comprehensive "guide" to what was available in the market.

But after their parting of ways with Athearn and MDC, and the growth of direct marketing by other companies, the Walthers catalog has lost its status as the comprehensive list of what is or will be made.

Yep yep, agree.

One this topic of modeling eras and available product of each era - This is a problem for the manufacturers - as each new decade passes, more prototype exist to be modeled, and interest in older eras remains strong - so what does one choose to make?

True, there are more and more things to model as the time of trains moves on, more years go cover, but the manufacturers seem to do well enough.  I suppose that all comes down to understanding the demand like anything else if a manufacturer has to chose.  Thats their job, why the get paid the big bucks or whatever.

And everyone's idea of "modern" or "old" is different - I model 1954, everything after that is "modern" to me.

It seems irrelevant what any individual thinks, what matters more is what the true definition is of "modern".  Common sense tells me that "modern" does not include 1960 anymore, even if it is too new for you,1960's was more than 50 years ago for Pete's sake.  You can call a white horse purple if you want, but if everyone else sees a white horse, then your not going to be taken seriously.

More logically, modern probably includes something like the last 20 years, but if someone wants to post an authoritative definition, I'll happily go along with it.

And I realize that some of you have become rather fussy about small details of prototype accuracy and exclude some of the more "generic" models from your modeling - regardless of era.

As modelers do.  It's all about what folks enjoy out of the hobby.  Some folks could be happy with a characature of a train, as long as it ran on flanged wheels and rails, and others are into that Proto 87 or whatever it's called.  Most of us are somewhere in the middle, but for sure what jazzes me is to collect models that look like the trains I remember watching in the 70's and 80's.

As some others have suggested, I too buy RTR, easy Blue Box type kits from various manufacturers, and craftsman kits of all sorts (plastic, resin, wood, metal) in an atempt to fill my roster with thr desired equipment.

We have never had it so good as we have for the last 10-15 years - the only question is were in the model train industry going from here?

Sheldon

Reminds me of a song by Alan Parsons Project "Where do we go from here..."  But seriously, it depends alot on the economy recovering just like many other industries, people have to be doing well enough to spend the cash.  But if the trend of prices spiking like they have, and the manufacturers can't move to countries where it is less costly, it will have a chilling effect and slow things down.  Certainly the past 15 years, maybe 20 have been IMO a golden age of the hobby, and the last 5-10 years have seen some really nice stuff made.  I think we will continue to see nice stuff made but not at the same pace.

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

And everyone's idea of "modern" or "old" is different - I model 1954, everything after that is "modern" to me.

I realize few if anyone today would consider the 60's, or even the 70's "modern", but my point is that one modeler may casually say he is looking for "modern" rolling stock and mean stuff from the 90's, while those reading his post may think 2005, or the latest thing to hit the rails - even your "last 20 years" is a wide ranger range than I would consider modern when talking to others.

I know several of that type of modeler who are constantly updating their layout (especially their locos and rolling stock) to present day - maybe only they should be allowed to use the term "modern".

Personally, the early 70's was the last time I paid close attention to the prototype - I don't know one present day diesel from the next - I have spent the last 40 years learning about railroading before I was born.

My comments about detail are not to detract from the idea of wanting or building correct and well detailed models. As you pointed out, they are all compromises to one degree or another. My comment is just to point out that the level "correctness" that some seem to "require" these days becomes their own limiting factor in finding a reasonable selection of REASONABLY representive rolling stock for their era.

Maybe not a big deal if you are just collecting stuff, but building a layout with a specific era and theme requires all manner of cars and locos that theme may require - are you going to do without a common and necessary item because some small detail that few know about and few can even see is not correct?

And the expectation that the high end RTR manufacturers should make everything they are interested in is unrealistic. That "close enough" Athearn RTR car may be as good as it is going to get unless you build it yourself.

Trust me, I have lots of "close enough" generic cars on my layout, and lots of very accurate well detailed models - some RTR - some craftsman kit built. But it is very likely that very few people, even experianced modelers, will see any really "glaring" misfits. And amittedly I am more about overall impression and effect than specific car by car correctness.

With all this fantastic product made in the last 15 years it is still almost impossible to build a complete B&O passenger train without serious kit bashing or scratch building - or buying brass. But I would bet only one out of 100 people on this fourm would know at a glance if the average B&O passenger train on the average layout is reasonably correct or not.

Sheldon

[steinjr]

rrinker

 Dunno about the BB kits on eBay - there seem to be plenty when I search for just one road name, mostly unbuilt. I am of course counting in the Bev-Bel variants.

 Of course there is plenty of kits on eBay - at the time NP was complaining that there hardly was any to be found, I did a search and found 770 items under Model Trains, H0 scale, condition new, matching the words Athearn kit.  Of those 770, 220 were listed for less than $10, 92 for less than $7.50 and 47 for less than $5.

 So it is not so much that kits are not available. I think it is more that the OP wants kits to both be available and still be listed at prices he considers reasonable - i.e. low prices by current standards.

Smile,
Stein

 

[rrebell]

E-bay is always hit or miss. When I needed a certain brand and code of track, I would look one day and three would be listed, the next 25, two weeks later 25 or so as a lot and a few more listings.

[NP2626]

The Walthers Catalog was used as an example of what is available simply because there is no other catalog like it, that I know of!  I love Bowser kits also and know that Accurail and Bowser are US manufacturers and I believe whole heartedly in supporting and do support them.  

As I've stated many times before and will again, my interest is in kits.  Others can be in love with RTR and I'm fine with that; however, I'm not O.K. with the fact that RTR has supplanted kits to the detriment of kit availability!

Certainly someone will now chime in that Kits are doing fine and I will only say that we will simply have to agree to disagree.

[NP2626]

steinjr

 

rrinker:

 

 Dunno about the BB kits on eBay - there seem to be plenty when I search for just one road name, mostly unbuilt. I am of course counting in the Bev-Bel variants.

 

 

 Of course there is plenty of kits on eBay - at the time NP was complaining that there hardly was any to be found, I did a search and found 770 items under Model Trains, H0 scale, condition new, matching the words Athearn kit.  Of those 770, 220 were listed for less than $10, 92 for less than $7.50 and 47 for less than $5.

 So it is not so much that kits are not available. I think it is more that the OP wants kits to both be available and still be listed at prices he considers reasonable - i.e. low prices by current standards.

Smile,
Stein

 

 

So, your findings simply negate these facts: Blue Box Kits are no longer being made and once something is no longer made the supply of those things will dwindle?

Smile;.)

Mark

[steinjr]

NP2626

 

So, your findings simply negate these facts: Blue Box Kits are no longer being made and once something is no longer made the supply of those things will dwindle?

 Does your trivial observation that stuff that no longer is being made will some day become extremely scarce (since relatively few things last forever and car kits, once built, cannot easily be un-built) negate the fact that Blue Box kits are still relatively easily available now, or that companies like Accurail currently are producing kits - also easily available ?

 Your original complaint was that it was hard to find available kits now. Not that there will be few Blue Box kits for sale in 20 years or 50 years.

 By all means - in 50 years there likely will be few Blue Box kits on eBay.

 Grin,
 Stein

 

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

steinjr

NP2626:

 

So, your findings simply negate these facts: Blue Box Kits are no longer being made and once something is no longer made the supply of those things will dwindle?

 

 Does your trivial observation that stuff that no longer is being made will some day become extremely scarce (since relatively few things last forever and car kits, once built, cannot easily be un-built) negate the fact that Blue Box kits are still relatively easily available now, or that companies like Accurail currently are producing kits - also easily available ?

 Your original complaint was that it was hard to find available kits now. Not that there will be few Blue Box kits for sale in 20 years or 50 years.

 By all means - in 50 years there likely will be few Blue Box kits on eBay.

 Grin,
 Stein

 

As I pointed out in the VERY beginning of this thread, and as others have commented as well, Ebay is very hit and miss. I will repeate, to both of you, one week Ebay may be loaded with what you may be looking for, the next week pickings may be very slim. Dispite the number of "full time" sellers, it remains largely a nationwide yard sale.

I looked up "B&O Athearn" last night, I got 207 items - mostly unbuilt blue box kits - it all depends on what you are looking for and when you look.

Kits, be they easy to buld or craftsman type, have become more of a niche than mainstream like they once were - no question.

But Atlas seems to be willing to carry on with the Branchline kits so far, and Accurail and Bowser seem to have filled in moderately well well Athearn/MDC left off.

The short lived and limited selection of Proto2000 kits are still out there to some degree, and F&C and other craftsman kits are still in production. One important note here - the craftsman kit makers are all small family operations, and as such have generally moved to direct sales - so you have to seek them out.

http://www.fandckits.com/

http://www.yeoldehuffnpuff.com/

http://www.tichytraingroup.com/

https://www.labellemodels.com/

Sheldon

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

One more thought:

NP2626,

Repectfully, if you interest in kits is primarily about cost - I suggest you simply get over it.

That horse has left the barn - the low energy prices of the ninties that fueled the flow of cheap overseas production fueled a strong economy here are gone for good. Adjusted for inflation, gasoline and other energy costs are now about the same as they were in the 60's and the price of lots of thngs that were held arificially low are now adjusting to their REAL inflation adjusted value.

IF an Athearn Blue Box kit was worth $2 when gasoline was 30 cents, than that same Blue Box kit (or its RTR equal) is worth $20 now that gasoline is $3.

That simple fact makes many of todays kits (Bowser, Accurail) quite a bargin.

I always seem to end up with at least $25 to $35 dollars invested in nearly every piece of rolling stock I put on the layout - better trucks/wheelsets, kadee couplers, a few detail parts, etc.

There are a number of things in this life where you do get exactly what you pay for.

Sheldon

[riogrande5761]

steinjr

 So it is not so much that kits are not available. I think it is more that the OP wants kits to both be available and still be listed at prices he considers reasonable - i.e. low prices by current standards.

Smile,
Stein

Right.  The problem with people selling stuff on Ebay or anywhere really, is that some seem to have more time than sense, and they price items a rip taking prices.  I suppose they are counting on someone coming along who has more money than sense, but for the most part the stuff just sits and sits.  I know such people exist because my wife is a caretaker for a disabled child and the mother spends money like water, buys all that frozen food from those Swan Frozen food trucks, thinks nothing of spending 2 or 3 times what we would normally spend on most things, but her husband makes the big bucks. 

But yes, on Ebay, I think people just have all the time in the world and list things at prices I wouldn't ever consider paying, just trolling.  An example as a D&RGW fan I've seen the old Life Like Proto 2000 PA diesel (HO) yellow/silver with 4 stripes (I own one of those) listed for $169.95!!!  buy it now price.  I paid around $65 for mine at a GATS show which was the modest discount at the time when it was first available.  I think the seller is counting on the fact that P2K D&RGW yellow/silver 4-stripe are rare and compared to what MTH is selling theirs, they may seem a "bargain" but I'm not fooled, and yes, they have been sitting on ebay for quite some time now, many weeks - no surprise, but I suppose they are counting on some "dafty" will come along - so far no dafty!  But I digress... 

The problem with buying the cheap kits on Ebay is the shipping kills the price unless you can group the purchases and get several or more in one box shipped.  Certainly the train shows have lots of kits for prices that were good for 10 years ago and quite good now.

[cuyama]

Visiting eBay in July and proclaiming that BB kits are about to disappear forever has about the same value as visiting a hardware store in July and declaring that snow blowers have gone extinct.

It seems a moot point as the Original Poster himself has noted that he doesn't even want BB kits and can buy available kits from other manufacturers.

[riogrande5761]

cuyama

Visiting eBay in July and proclaiming that BB kits are about to disappear forever has about the same value as visiting a hardware store in July and declaring that snow blowers have gone extinct.

True, there is a seasonal rise and fall to items for sale in stores and in Ebay, and summer has always been a "slow time" for model railroading.  I imagine there is less stuff put up for sale in summer - I've noticed fewer items or no items of certain types available right now that I saw during the fall, winter and spring.

To that extent, and more, I feel that the original poster set up a "straw man" to knock down, to make his point.  I personally feel the argument was weak to begin with.  The only real valid point the original poster had, was that he lives out in "Tim Buck Tu" , and because of that, his access to the cheap model train kits is lousey.  Well, duh.  But don't complain to us that the stuff isn't available.  Heck, if I chose to live in Eely Nevada then I'd have a lousey access also.  This in no way, invalidates what those of us who live closer to high population area's have observed, there is lots of kits available, and many for cheap prices.  End of story.  Whats the old saying?  You make your bed, and then you have to sleep in it.

It seems a moot point as the Original Poster himself has noted that he doesn't even want BB kits and can buy available kits from other manufacturers.

Well, thats just another limitation the original poster has placed on himself.  But what is the most confusing thing to me is the original poster has titled this topic "Athearn Blue Box Kits on Ebay".  Why title it like that if he doesn't give a hoot about bb kits? 

[NP2626]

Per Atlantic Central:

Repectfully, if you interest in kits is primarily about cost - I suggest you simply get over it.

 

My interest in kits has a little to do with costs ; but, mostly it has to do with one of my enjoyments in this hobby being the building of freight and passenger car models!

I truly do not understand why this is such a contentious subject!  I also do not understand why many of you seem to think that your ideas are the only rational point of view on a subject.  It's like model railroaders must all be cut from the same cloth!  

I like good discussions and I hope that the topics I post about, are interesting!  However, there seems to be an undercurrent here that makes me feel very unwelcome!  It's like the purpose for many of you is simply to show your far greater mental prowess  For me, anyway, this forum isn't a very fun place because of this! 

I can easily find better things to do with my time, than spend it here!

[richhotrain]

NP2626

I truly do not understand why this is such a contentious subject!  I also do not understand why many of you seem to think that your ideas are the only rational point of view on a subject.  It's like model railroaders must all be cut from the same cloth!  

I like a good discussions and I hope that the topics I've post about, are interesting!  However, there seems to be an undercurrent here that makes me feel very unwelcome!  It's like the purpose for many of you is simply to show your far greater mental prowess  For me, anyway, this forum isn't a very fun place because of this! 

I can easily find better things to do with my time, than spend it here!

NP, hang in there.  The topics you raise are not controversial or contentious.  But, you do seem to be wearing a target on your forehead.  LOL

I think the problem with threads that become contentious are the ones that talk about older model railroading topics: DC, brass, kits, etc.   That brings out the worst in the "old timers" who seem to have a hard time accepting the advances in the hobby like DCC, RTR, built ups, etc.  And, I am thinking of no one in particular when I say that.  So, no one should take offense.   It just seems to be the case.

Rich

[mobilman44]

Hi again!

There were tons - literally - of Athearn kits produced over a good half century or more.   And as they are no longer produced, at some point in time they will be gone.   But I seriously doubt that will be in my lifetime.

Many of us "old timers" built up a collection of BB kits, and built a lot of them.   And, I am sure a number of old guys still have a bunch in kit form - as I do.

At some point in time, a good percentage of these will end up on Ebay or other market place.   And I know from many personal experiences that whatever you are looking for will sooner or later make its appearance - especially on Ebay.  

Yes, the winter months are the prime time for train hunting on Ebay (and selling), but "on any given day", the car/loco you want could appear.   In my experience, its often feast or famine, but persistance pays out over the long run.

  

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

NP2626

Per Atlantic Central:

Repectfully, if you interest in kits is primarily about cost - I suggest you simply get over it.

 

My interest in kits has a little to do with costs ; but, mostly it has to do with one of my enjoyments in this hobby is building freight and passenger car models!

I truly do not understand why this is such a contentious subject!  I also do not understand why many of you seem to think that your ideas are the only rational point of view on a subject.  It's like model railroaders must all be cut from the same cloth!  

I like a good discussions and I hope that the topics I've post about, are interesting!  However, there seems to be an undercurrent here that makes me feel very unwelcome!  It's like the purpose for many of you is simply to show your far greater mental prowess  For me, anyway, this forum isn't a very fun place because of this! 

I can easily find better things to do with my time, than spend it here!

That's fine, I and others have provided a long list of sources for kits of all types.

I too like to build models, so I build a lot of kits........of all types.

That's why I listed those other sources - but, craftsman kits can be pricey - actually they always have been pricey. I remember in the 60's and 70's craftsman kits were two to three times the price of a Blue Box kit - sometimes more - same is true today.

While I enjoy building kits, I also am building a large layout with a large roster requirement for operating sessions, so "easy" kits and RTR - both the more afordable like Athearn Ready to Roll, and the higher end, higher detail stuff, are also on my radar to build a suitable roster.

I have about 800 freight cars, but still have dozens of unbuilt kits - and I buy more all the time when I find the stuff I'm looking for.

No body seems to be picking on you, they just seem to want to understand your needs, wants, views, etc.

In that process they will, just like I have, make suggestions and express their views.

If I may say so, structuring every sentence one speaks or types around some sort of neutral, self deprecating, politicly correct, no chance of offending anyone method of speaking is non sense - people should (and many on here do) just say what they think - straight out.

Because I express some view you do not agree with in a direct simple statement, that does not mean I am picking on you or do not respect your right to your opinion - it simply means I am straight forward and direct.

Example - It is my personal believe that prices in this hobby are just fine - some of them are too high for me, many are not, but I understand the economics of both this hobby and the world, and have worked in this business in the past. There are a great many people who disagree with me, and they are intitled to their opinion. That however will not moderate how I express my opinion.

I did not read anything in this thread that you should take offense to in my view. Again, it sounded more to me like several posters simply did not understand your view clearly enough.

In fact, in my first post, I agreed with you in many ways and offered a number of explainations, some aspects of which I have first hand knowledge of because of where I live, as opposed to where you live, and because of some of the people I know/have contact with in this hobby and this business.

Some people expressed disagreement with my thoughts, some agreed - None challenged me directly, called me (or you) stupid, or attacted you or me - they simply expressed their views and reasons.

Sheldon 

[NP2626]

Sheldon, you really love to hear yourself speak, don't you!

Your criticism of me and my points of view are not appreciated and I'd like to ask you what the above post has to do with the topic of this thread? 

Here in the America I live in (and the one I spent my time in the military, protecting), people are entitled to their simple to understand opinions and shouldn't need to suffer the bombastic ravings of people like you!

[doctorwayne]

 

NP2626

Sheldon, you really love to hear yourself speak, don't you!

Your criticism of me and my points of view are not appreciated and I'd like to ask you what the above post has to do with the topic of this thread? 

If you find Sheldon's last remarks anything but conciliatory, I'd suggest that your skin requires a little thickening.   Kits for that are apparently in short supply, too.

 

NP2626

Here in the America I live in (and the one I spent my time in the military, protecting), people are entitled to their simple to understand opinions and shouldn't need to suffer the bombastic ravings of people like you!

Bombastic seems rather an overstatement to me, but if you consider it so, what exactly were you expecting?

NP2626

.......I truly do not understand why this is such a contentious subject!  I also do not understand why many of you seem to think that your ideas are the only rational point of view on a subject.  It's like model railroaders must all be cut from the same cloth! ....

 

You started this thread, then not too far into it we got this:

NP2626

My personal choice in kits is really not Athearn Blue Box, although I've built plenty of them.....

When one starts a thread, it's generally in hopes of getting responses.  If several respondents refute your original findings or express their own feelings and opinions on the subject, it hardly makes the subject contentious.

NP2626

I like good discussions and I hope that the topics I post about, are interesting! ....

Obviously the topic was interesting enough to generate four pages of responses.

 

NP2626

However, there seems to be an undercurrent here that makes me feel very unwelcome!  It's like the purpose for many of you is simply to show your far greater mental prowess  For me, anyway, this forum isn't a very fun place because of this! 

I can easily find better things to do with my time, than spend it here!  

The only undercurrent which I sense is of a lot of people responding, only to be dismissed because their replies aren't what you wish to hear or because the responses are coming from the 'wrong' people.  Making this a "fun place" is a lot like those elusive kits:  we each make it so in our own manner.    
At this rate, I'm sure that you can "easily find better things to do with my time, than spend it here!", but I would respectfully suggest that you stick around and put a little thought into making this a more fun place for all of us.  Our common interests are a good place to start.

Wayne

 

[richhotrain]

doctorwayne

 

The only undercurrent which I sense is of a lot of people responding, only to be dismissed because their replies aren't what you wish to hear or because the responses are coming from the 'wrong' people.  Making this a "fun place" is a lot like those elusive kits:  we each make it so in our own manner.  

  
At this rate, I'm sure that you can "easily find better things to do with my time, than spend it here!", but I would respectfully suggest that you stick around and put a little thought into making this a more fun place for all of us.  Our common interests are a good place to start.

Well said, Wayne.

NP2626, you certainly are as welcome here as any of the rest of us.  Some topics are just more contentious than others.  In this case, it is the topic, not you.  Hang in there.

Roch

 

[BRAKIE]

I am currently  repairing a BB PS covered hopper and I'm within a angry mule's kick from taking a hammer to it even though I built dozens of these hopper kits over the years.

Comparing this old BB car to its RTR counterpart I find there is no real comparison and I suspect the only reason I'm repairing this car instead of scraping it is because its one of my favorites.

Working on this car has once again proven my point why I won't be missing BB kits.