Worthless Stewart F7s?

[Anonymous]

I decided to change eras from laet 1960's to present-day. I have 8 Stewart F7's that are custom-painted in the B&O's dark-blue scheme of that period. I figured I could sell them to anybody who models this era, and almost did on several occasions until they asked the fatal question:

"Are they decoder-equipped?"

So let me get this straight - if I want to sell these things, I need to go out and buy and install $40 decoders in every one of them? Can I do this and still expect to recover the cost of the decoder[s] and the 'sweat equity' of installing them, or is it pretty much a lost cause? I do NOT want to attempt to auction them on eBay - I've heard too many horror stories about that.

[Anonymous]

Do you have experience in installing decoders? If so perhaps you could offer to install decoders provided by the buyer. Whether or not you will be able to recover the cost of brand new decoders is iffy. Perhaps you could purchase some used or opened decoders (I hate to say this, but ebay is a possiblity to obtain decoders at somewhat of a reduced price sometimes).

I don't know if ebay is a big a horror as you may have heard, but it is a way to advertise what you have for sale to a pretty wide audience. You may also want to contact Mitchell's in Delaware. I believe they sell things on consignment.

[Anonymous]

Don't be too afraid of eBay! You'll probably get more of thier value out of them by listing them there than you will by installing decoders and selling them...just my .02 though

Good luck

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: I do NOT want to attempt to auction them on eBay - I've heard too many horror stories about that.

Amazing - the biggest market place in the world and you don't want to try it!

I won an undec Kato C44-9W in an area model contest earlier in the year. I did not have a use for it, and offered it for sale at a local show this fall. No one wanted to pay my asking price of $125 (Canadian). Last week I sold it on eBay for US$96.00, which is just about $125.00 in Canadian funds. Works for me and thousands others!

I inherited some rolling stock after a friend passed away a few years ago. It was all lettered for Lackawanna, his favorite road. Since they were of no use to me, I offered them on eBay. Sold each and every one without any problems at all.

I've been eBaying for over five years now and really only had one problem bidder, who refused to pay for the two auctions he won (non model railroad stuff). I relisted them and sold them for more than he would have got them for!

Give eBay a try, I'm sure you will have a good experience.

Bob Boudreau

[Anonymous]

Digitrax sells their DH 123 D decoders for less than 20 bucks, however, don't put decoders in them as no, you will not recoup the cost and labor. I sell lots on Ebay and feel it is the best way to get rid of stuff you no longer need. Selling the items on ebay is easy! You don't need Pay Pal, just set the auction up stating you will only except money orders and you are done with it.

[cacole]

I would not go to the expense and trouble of installing decoders. If someone really wants them, they'll purchase them "as is" and not insist on a decoder. The potential buyers you have been dealing with might just be looking for an out, or are trying to get a better idea about the age and condition of the locomotives. Decoders are not $40, either, unless you have been looking at a decoder with far more functions than those locomotives need.

[andrechapelon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by KenLarsen

I decided to change eras from laet 1960's to present-day. I have 8 Stewart F7's that are custom-painted in the B&O's dark-blue scheme of that period. I figured I could sell them to anybody who models this era, and almost did on several occasions until they asked the fatal question:

"Are they decoder-equipped?"

So let me get this straight - if I want to sell these things, I need to go out and buy and install $40 decoders in every one of them? Can I do this and still expect to recover the cost of the decoder[s] and the 'sweat equity' of installing them, or is it pretty much a lost cause? I do NOT want to attempt to auction them on eBay - I've heard too many horror stories about that.

Have they had detail parts put on them (grabs, lift rings, cut levers, etc.) put on them as well as the close coupling kit from Kadee? If so, I'm surprised you'd have trouble selling them with or without decoders. They're good looking, fine running engines, needing only some detailing to make them superb.

Too bad they aren't SP Black Widow units. I'd have asked you how much you want for them.

Andre

[METRO]

If I was there, I'd probably have taken em. I love those Kato-drive F7s.

Tons of my locomotives come from the resale stock at the LHS, I really don't care if they come with decoders. In fact I'd rathe buy one without and install my own.

By the way, how much do you want for those F7s?

~METRO

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by METRO

If I was there, I'd probably have taken em. I love those Kato-drive F7s.

Tons of my locomotives come from the resale stock at the LHS, I really don't care if they come with decoders. In fact I'd rathe buy one without and install my own.

By the way, how much do you want for those F7s?

~METRO

I'll second the question - How much do you want for them?

Bob

[rrinker]

If you repaint them in Reading I'll take them [:D][:D][:D]


Who cares if theyhave decoders, all it takes is 5 minutes and a TC T-1 for $14. Runs great witht he TCS decoder, at least mine does.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FundyNorthern

QUOTE: I do NOT want to attempt to auction them on eBay - I've heard too many horror stories about that.

Amazing - the biggest market place in the world and you don't want to try it!

I've been eBaying for over five years now and really only had one problem bidder, who refused to pay for the two auctions he won (non model railroad stuff). I relisted them and sold them for more than he would have got them for!

Give eBay a try, I'm sure you will have a good experience.

Bob Boudreau

Yep I've sold all my used unwanted stuff on eBay (over 207 total transactions ) and never had a problem. I find in general the model railroad eBayers to be rather reputable and most sellers are hobby shops.

eBay it.

[bogp40]

Anyone interested that knows the quality of the Stewart/Katos would not care if they are already decodered. By the way, did you have these painted(custom paint) in B&O Royal and what font. I may be interested in 4, if not all 8. You could always contact me of line.
Bob K.

[tomwatkins]

The Stewart Funits are excellent. Installing decoders is no big deal, neither is repainting. How much do you want for them as is?
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins

[Anonymous]

I am thinking of getting new F7s to beplace my old Athearns. Gave me a email for a price.
[e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Thanx everyone for all the replies. I don't want to commit to a price just yet, what I plan to do is setup a 'white elephant' table at the next Great Scale Train show in Timonium, MD, where there are likely to be many late-sixties-era B&O modelers. They will be more likely to pay for the custom painting. Also, I can setup a demo track so people will see exactly what they're getting (performance-wise).

At least now I know they aren't totally obsolete!

[METRO]

It's pretty hard to make anything obsolete in HO scale. I know people, myself included who've shelled out cash for old Athearns with the rubber band drives.

I mean, sure they take some detailing, repowering and painting to get em up to modern standards, but that's one of my favorite parts of the hobby. It's probably the same with many other people too.

Personally, I think if people are willing to let a good deal go because the units lack decoders then that says something about what part of the hobby they enjoy.

There are some people who just like to run trains, and some who also find reward in working on them. Just a matter of tastes I guess.

~METRO