Need your opinion - 12 wheel loco

[chrismay]

On average, are 12 wheel locomotives typically high quality (ie not from a toy train set). I am looking at picking up a used loco but am unable to tell the manufacturer and am also unable to dismantle to try and tell from inside.

Thanks in advance for your help. [:D]

Chris

[Don Gibson]

NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION.

Steam or Diesel?
Brand nameplate on the bottom?
Engine model?
A LHS can probably tell you.

"12 Wheel locomotives" were offered by all but one or two mahufacturer's.

I wouldn't buy anything without knowing BRAND and condition - else HOW would you know what it's worth? Bad move.

[cefinkjr]

[#ditto]

and, since this is your first post,

[#welcome]

Chuck

[ndbprr]

If it has four little plastic buttons in the bottom of the fuel tank it is an Athearn. A very rugged long running engine that is now at the bottom of the acceptable engines only because others are providing much more detail and guts. If it says made in Slovinia or Yugoslovia it is either AHM or IHC and I would avoid it. If the handrails look like a scale one foot thick I would avoid it. If it is noisy other then Athearn I wouldn't buy it. If you can find any mark on the bottom it would help identify it for us. IS it a streamlined cab or does it look like a hood unit used in freight?

[chrismay]

Sorry about the lack of details I am very new at this. [B)] There were no marks on the bottom that I could see however I will take a closer look now. It is a diesel. SD-40, GP38, something along those lines.

I know that is still pretty vague but I will take a closer look next chance I have. Also I haven't bought it yet. That would simply be stupid. [:D]

I am hoping to get someone from the local model club to come with me to have a look but I thought I would see if anyone on the boards had anything to say first.

Sorry again for the lack of details, I am still becoming familiar with my newly chosen hobby.

[CP5415]

Chris, welcome to the club!

Why not ask the seller what make it is?
Never be afraid to ask questions! Especially around here. There is no such thing as a stupid question when asking about hobby stuff.

If the seller is genuine, he should tell you what it is you are looking at to buy.
Why not take a picture of it?
Show it to people here in the forum. We should be able to tell you what it is then.

Just my 2 cents.

Gordon

[chrismay]

It is being sold by a local museum - and unfortunately they don't know anything about it. I think it was donated or consigned to them. I will have to get someone from the local club to meet me there and take a look at it with me.

Thanks for all the help.

[IRONROOSTER]

[#welcome]
If you haven't seen it run, I would recommend that you take a power pack and some track and try it out before you buy.
Enjoy
Paul

[Don Gibson]

No run - No sale.

Keep in mind 'used' equipment -' is buyer beware'. There are no Warranties to protect you. 2. There are more 'dogs' out there than good product's.