Need some opinions on a couple of eBay buys...

[Wask]

Ok, I'm new and I've been doing a lot of research into this hobby, and as with anything new, I get impulsive and can't help bidding and buying. haha.

Just need some honest opinions on these two, did I do Ok, or did I throw $50 down the drain?

Thanks guys.

Auction 1

Auction 2

 

[jbaakko]

I have to admit, they're cheap trains, but you might find them useful. They look like Tyco and/or Life-like (non-proto).

 

[SpaceMouse]

Bachman is a tad better than what he mentioned. Hey it might get you started. It will help you figure out all the things you don't want in train equipment--at least I learned the same way you did.

 

[jbaakko]

There's nothing "wrong" with the stuff you bought. My dad has TONS of Like-like stuff, I got for him at a Charity auction.

 

[CP9302]

Anything that gets you started in this hobby is a good investment. Just keep in mind that those sets are low-end kits, if you have problems with them, remember that there are better, more reliable kits out there that will run better.
Some metal wheels, kaydee couplers and some weight will make most of those cars run perfectly, but you may want to look for a cheap Athearn engine to go with them.

 

[UP2CSX]

The second Bachmann set is definitely the better deal, However, the first set doesn't even give you the shipping costs - do you know how much you are going to pay yet? The second Bachmann set is $10 shipping, which is at least twice what it should be and will probably bring the price up to what you would have paid at a swap meet or train show. In addition, I have no idea from those pictures what kind of condition either of those sets are in. You can certainly make all of them more usable and reliable with things like metal wheel sets and Kadee couplers but now you're getting near the cost of buying a new freight car.

I don't now how these will work out for you - I hope they do. My one piece of advice is never bid on an item without a stated shipping cost. You will almost always be ripped off for shipping once you get the final bill.

 

[MRLdave]

If everything works and is in decent condition, you didn't do too bad. But you have to be REALLY careful buying on ebay....there's a lot of crap, and a lot of so-so stuff for way more than it's worth. Research anything your looking at. I frequently find stuff selling for more than I can buy it for in my LHS, and that doesn't include shipping! I've gotten some really good buys on ebay, but you have to know when to say no.

 

[rlundy90]

If you are planning on doing lots of buying on ebay I would suggest getting a Walthers catalogue. It is a great tool for finding out prices of the stuff you are bidding on. Alot of stuff may be listed as "rare or collectors items" but may still be produced and at a much lower price than what they are asking. And like the others said always email the seller ahead of time to find out shipping costs if they are not listed. Don't be afraid to ask the seller to send you better pictures or to ask questions.If they refuse don't bid on the item.No matter how much you want it another one will usually come up sooner or later. I have waited over a year to find a certain kit only to find that after I buy it three more come up for sale the next day and go for half the price.

 

[CBCNSfan]

If you are planning on doing lots of buying on ebay I would suggest getting a Walthers catalogue.

or at the very least use heir online catalog http://www.walthers.com/

That was good advice, for example I seen a model loco on ebay of a type I wanted, description was vague but I bid anyway. Since no one else bid on it I decided to check it out further. By enlarging the photo I could read the Athearn part number on the box, and with the catalog, discovered that it was a dummy and certainly not worth the the starting bid, let alone what I bid for it. Thankfully someone else thought it was a good buy and won the auction by out bidding me. On eBay, be careful and check out what you plan to bid on

cheers Willis

 

[GandyDancer]

One good measure in e-bay is to find a completed auction for something similar and see what else someone was willing to pay.

I had the opposite issue. I was watching the auction below, but didn't get a bid in. The person who won this one got a good deal.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270183903600&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017

 

[Larry]

I sold a friend of mine about 60 freight cars for $2.00 each. He sold them on Ebay for $4 & $6 dollars a piece. I also sold him some old heavy weight AHM passenger cars for $4 ea. & he got $16.00 ea. on Ebay.
I've never bought anything on Ebay. I do buy stuff at Train Shows & get excellent buys.
When I started my 4th layout here in Arcadia I bought some stuff I wished I hadn't, but you learn from your mistakes. I still make a few mistakes now & then. I try to stay away from kits of rolling stock & engines. I have some of those(kits)now that I wished I hadn't bought. Kits are OK for you young guys that have plenty of time. When I buy something I don't need I take it to the next train show & try to trade it off for something that I can use.
So, Ebay needs to make money too & so do the train shows.
Have FUN.
That's what it's all about.

Larry

 

[OldGettysk]

Listen don't let everyone bring you down . If it works for you and your happy then you made out . Next time though I would really watch the shipping cost . That is how alot of these guys make extra money by pumping up the shipping .