Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Trying to figure out if Walthers is lying to me

6809 views
65 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    June 2007
  • 8,892 posts
Posted by riogrande5761 on Friday, March 27, 2020 12:00 PM

Trainman440
Indeed, I would consider this misadvertising, but it seems not significant enough as no one besides you have brought this error up. 

From what it sounds like, Walthers wasn't intentionally trying to deceive, as the OP seems to assert in the title of the topic.  Rather it's probably a sin of ommission. 

In otherwords, to err is human.  I don't think it was an intentionally deceptive act.  Huh?

Case closed but we'll be still reading the accusatory title for some time to come.

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: St. Paul
  • 823 posts
Posted by garya on Friday, March 27, 2020 11:52 AM

Trainman440
IMO, as the OP, you are responsible for checking up on your own posts. 

Unless Railrdjeff is the same person as Turbine71, he isn't the OP.

Gary

  • Member since
    May 2014
  • From: Pennsylvania
  • 1,154 posts
Posted by Trainman440 on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 11:20 AM

IMO, as the OP, you are responsible for checking up on your own posts. 

Just to end this:

"PRODUCT UPDATE: Walthers was not able to create interior lighting for this model due to the design of interior compartments." 

This quote was found in an old Ebay listing, which was clearly copy and pasted from somewhere, unknown source. Worthpoint has since saved the ebay listing. 

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/proto-9252-prr-broadway-ltd-12-duplex-1816662307

Walthers seems to have indeed left out one or more cars with lighting. Although given that this was a duplex sleeper, adding a lighting kit would only illuminate the top set of rooms, not the lower half. 

If you watch this video of the deluxe set, it seems multiple cars may be missing lighting. 

https://youtu.be/LMQ2dS3Joqk

Indeed, I would consider this misadvertising, but it seems not significant enough as no one besides you have brought this error up. 

That's just my My 2 Cents

Charles

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO

Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440

Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • 34 posts
Posted by turbine71 on Saturday, March 21, 2020 7:40 PM

Sorry but I don’t read these forums on a regular basis

here are the facts

walthers sold the deluxe sets 1 and 2 which,as in their advert,stated they included figures,factory painted names and interior lighting

In both sets the “creek” series cars did not have lights

the standard walthers lighting unit will only fit if you hack away the partions 

when asked by me why the car was not lit I also was told it won’t fit

numerous retailers have been  advertising the Creek cars come with lights even though they clearly do not

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 4:47 PM

mbinsewi
Probably a better direction than where it all started.

I think so. I really don't enjoy threads started that look like they are just to complain about a manufacturer.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 3:39 PM

He did add to conversation once, on early page 1, but hasn't been back since.  For sure he didn't like what he was reading.

Your probably right.  Gone!  

Mike.

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Yorkton, Sk, Cnd
  • 441 posts
Posted by wvg_ca on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 3:19 PM

the OP only posted here twice, and hasn't been on for a month ...

just another spammer, lol

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 3:19 PM

This thread has now officially morphed into "Buying and Selling on Ebay, Methods and the Methodoligy"  

Probably a better direction than where it all started. 

Mike.

  • Member since
    May 2014
  • From: Pennsylvania
  • 1,154 posts
Posted by Trainman440 on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 3:12 PM

As a seller (and buyer) on Ebay, I can concur. I've sold a few items where some minor issue would occur during shipping(such as a wheel pop out, or a loose screw), and the buyer would force return the item, making me loose $20 for the shipping and return shipping...

Ebay and Paypal side with the customer far more than the seller. Take advantage of their money back guarantee, but don't abuse it!

Charles

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO

Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440

Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 1:13 PM

riogrande5761
It is my understanding if an item is not as advertised, then even if the seller doesn't take returns, Ebay will refund you the money. But contact the seller first.

Yes, if you pay through PayPal, and the item is not as the seller represented it, you can still get a refund even if the seller says "no refunds" in their listing.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    February 2017
  • 189 posts
Posted by Deane Johnson on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 10:09 AM

I expect I place around 100 orders a year.  I did 6 yesterday alone.  I've never had a single problem.

Purchasing from anyone on-line calls for some common sense in choosing who to deal with.  I stick to 100% favorable, or nearly 100%.  If slightly below, I check the nature of the negative complaints.  Some are just downright stupid.  Like buying an HO item and saying it was smaller than I expected.  Or purchasing an N scale train set for a 5 year old and complaining about the kid not being able to manage it.  Somehow, that was the seller's fault, right.Sad

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9:01 AM

 I go back probably 22 years now, I started by sellign off all my old Tyco/LL/AHM etc except for a couple of pieces which hold a special sentimental value in the memories of working on the layout with my Dad or trains I ran on the little layout my Grandfather had, as well as bunches of old computer parts. This funded my initial entry to 'modern' scale models, re-entry rather, as I did have a few better quality items I had picked up in the 10 years before then. Never had any issues selling, though as a seller, things have gotten much less satisfying with the changes they've made over the years. 

 I've since built up a large portion of my fleet by being very patient on eBay. There are lots of things that fit my chosen prototype and era that I want - but they key to being successful on eBay is to control that. Most things are NOT that rare, no matter how much the manufacturer plasters "Limited Edition" on their boxes. If the price goes above what you are willign to pay - let it go. Another one will come around. While most of the locos I have were in the $100+ MSRP back 15 years ago, I've gotten them all for no more than $40. 

 And time things - I got a perfectly fine, new in box PCM Reading T1 with sound for less than the original price of the DC only ones, because people started selling off anticipating the new BLI Paragon II release when it came out. And I'll take that to the bank every time I get it out and it just runs, never having needed to be sent back for a failed decoder or a busted smoke unit.

 I do buy more than trains on eBay. As with anything, you need to knwo what you are buying, and it always pays to check the total price plus shipping with other common sites that sell the same items. Check feedbacks as well. Back to trains - there are plenty of places selling detail parts, one looked like a good value, even adding shipping, but I hesitated and checked my usual go-to, Modeltrainstuff - sure enough, MTS was cheaper. Not by a lot, it was like a $5 item, but small bits add up (I'm a cheap PA Dutchman) plus I know what to expect from MTS, and while this seller on eBay had a large amount of all positive feedback, I had never previously dealt with them myself. 

On patience - I've let many many things go I really wanted, because I know what I can get them for, and the bidding quickly rose beyond that. As a seller, that was great - I got $79 for the AHM/Pocher Lincoln Funeral Car, partly because it was still in the orginal box, which had the price tag on it from when my Dad bought it around 1972 - $1.99! I refuse to get caught up in that though as a buyer. So I probably skipped 3 or 4 Proto 2000 Alco S1s. Until I came across one with a starting bid of $25. The listing wasn't misspelled, or have any missing information that someone searching wouldn't easily find it - but no one else bid on it.

Which leads to another tip - when searching, try slight spelling variations. Sometimes sellers, especially if it's just an individual selling off items, won't catch a misspelling in their listing which keeps it out of the most common searches. If buyers don't see the listing, they can't bid on it - which works to your advantage. Doesn't happen too often, but once in a while you will find a gem.

Do not fear the eBay - used properly, you can make out like a bandit. There is no one source for everything, so treat it as yet another palce to look and always compare to get the best value. I've probably made out best on eBay for out of production locos and car kits no one seems to want (got lots of P2K tank car kits - they are quite challenging to build until you learn the tricks, so they sell, the RTR versions go for top dollar). Second best is probably train shows for me. I find train shows actually take a greater knowledge of pricing and value than shopping on eBay, because if you get there early and find a good deal, you need to know if it's a good deal or not because odds are, if you pass and hope to come back later, the item will be sold before you get back. More snap decisions need to be made at train shows than while browsing ebay.

                                   --Randy

  


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    July 2007
  • From: Yorkton, Sk, Cnd
  • 441 posts
Posted by wvg_ca on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:57 AM

i have been on ebay since 1998, and am up to just under 800 transaction ratings [not all transactions were given ratings], and i am satisfied with them ...

other than the fact my nearest 'brick and mortar' store is two hours away, lol ..

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 543 posts
Posted by Tophias on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 8:22 AM

I guess I have really missed the boat all these years!!

  • Member since
    June 2007
  • 8,892 posts
Posted by riogrande5761 on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 7:52 AM

I've been an Ebay customer for about 16 or 17 years and found many things otherwise I would not find.

It is my understanding if an item is not as advertised, then even if the seller doesn't take returns, Ebay will refund you the money.  But contact the seller first.

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 543 posts
Posted by Tophias on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 7:03 AM

Thnx Mike, you and Rich have certainly opened my eyes to EBay.  This is what I like most about participating in this forum.  I have been introduced to many concepts, products and ideas here.  EBay is certainly not a new entity, I guess I've just had my head in the sand.

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 6:29 AM

Other info about the seller that is easy to check out, by using the info in the box that Rich points to:

Look at the amount of transactions, along with their rating.  

You can click on the seller's highlighted name and see an overall view of the seller, with rating, transactions, feedback, etc., etc.

The key is to READ the complete listing, and all info that the seller provides.

Many offer returns.

Mike.

 

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 543 posts
Posted by Tophias on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 11:44 PM

Thnx Rich, good to know.

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 11:23 PM

Tophias

Rich, I guess I am lagging in regard to online purchasing.  I will start to consider EBay.  Is there a quick way to ascertain if the seller is also a brick and mortar vendor? 

Good question. For each auction or Buy It Now listing. there is a Seller Information box on the right side of the listing. If you click on the seller's name, the seller usually has posted a description of his or her business. Those sellers with a brick and mortar presence will almost always point that out.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 543 posts
Posted by Tophias on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 11:07 PM

Rich, I guess I am lagging in regard to online purchasing.  I will start to consider EBay.  Is there a quick way to ascertain if the seller is also a brick and mortar vendor?

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 10:52 PM

Thanks for your reply, Tophias. I was looking back at my eBay purchases over the past three years and most of those purchases were from brick and mortar hobby shops with an eBay presence. For no particular reason, other than the fact that the sellers have in stock what I am looking for, I have tended to buy from the same sellers multiple times. If the forum rules permitted, I would list these eBay sellers.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 543 posts
Posted by Tophias on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 10:35 PM

Rich, I have respected your input here for many years.  So, I will consider what you have to say now.  Maybe I've been too conservative in my thinking.  I do purchase all sorts of things on line, hobby related and otherwise, but I guess I've just never been comfortable with EBay.  Maybe it's time for me to reconsider?  I appreciate your comments.

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: North Aurora, IL
  • 471 posts
Posted by ho modern modeler on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 10:31 PM

The 1060 should work and you may have to trim the tops of the walls near where the circuit board is on the light kit. I only bought the Deluxe Amfleet cars, the other ones I lighted on my own with their kits or my own LED's. I had a similar rift with them on the B&O Domes, even though they made Deluxe versions somehow they failed to make light kits for them and advised me none of the others would work. The Budd Dome kits popped right in.

Mine doesn't move.......it's at the station!!!

 

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 10:22 PM

Tophias, there is probably no point in debating the eBay experience in this thread, but I will say this as an experienced and totally pleased eBay buyer. I limit my purchases to new items from long time sellers with a 100% feedback rating. In my 19+ years as an eBay member, I have never once been disappointed or cheated. You are likely missing out on some good deals as someone who has "not yet ever, and probably will not ever, make a purchase off eBay".

Rich

 

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 543 posts
Posted by Tophias on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 10:11 PM

Rich, I'm not anti-EBay per se.  it's just that I don't know anything about whom I'm purchasing from.  I'm sure many/most are upright sellers.  But over the years here I have read several other posts similar to this one where an item purchased was mis represented.  Probably a minority of all transactions, but nevertheless I don't want to have to take a chance that my experience might be with a questionable vendor. As previously said, for a lesser value purchase, sure, no problem.  But for a more meaningful purchase I would just rather go to a known vendor.  Guess I'm just old school. 

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 9:54 PM

Tophias

And this is why I have not yet ever, and probably will not ever, make a purchase off of Ebay 

You are basing your anti-eBay attitude on 2 posts by a newbie who has not been heard from since? From my reading of those 2 posts, the OP apparently did not bother to contact the eBay seller who may well have had a 30-day return policy. 

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 543 posts
Posted by Tophias on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 9:46 PM

Laugh if you like, but I'm not happy buying anything from someone/someplace I know nothing about.  Sure, a $5 purchase would be no problem/no risk. But a significant purchase like the OP  made makes me turn to trusted vendors.  Just my $.02

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 9:23 PM

Well, good for you!!!  I'm so happy for you!!  Laugh Bow

Leaves more for me.....Pirate Mischief

Mike

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 543 posts
Posted by Tophias on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 9:15 PM

And this is why I have not yet ever, and probably will not ever, make a purchase off of Ebay

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!