Prices on athearn products

[stang_crazy]

Im going to be going to a train show/swap meet in feb.

Im gonna be looking for engines and rolling stock


what is a fair price for most athearn 4 axle & 6 axle diesels? Im thinking older stuff/used nothing really new.

Same question goes for rolling stock fair prices on built or still in box needing to be built.

I wont be looking at just athearn products so can ya recomend anything thats comparable and not gonna break the bank.

most likely everything ill be looking for will be used or if its new(er) something i know is decently priced.

thanks Mike

(the asks alota questions guy)

 

[UP2CSX]

Your first challenge will be finding much BB stuff unless this is a real MR swap meet. Assuming you do, the wide hood Geeps should go for about $25. The later narrow hood models probably $30-35 depending on paint scheme. This assumes an engine with maybe the handrails installed but not much else. If it's been detailed at all and weathered, $60-$100 isn't unusual depending on the quality of work.

BB cars still in the box have a pretty wide price range. Something like a common flatcar or boxcar could go for $10. Tank cars and mechanical reefers usually are more like $15-$20. Ice reefers are really in demand, especially Santa Fe map cars, so don't surprised to see them at $25 or more. The strategy I've always used to find a seller that has five or six of the same car and offer to take them off his hands at a lump sum. You can sometimes get the individual car cost down to $5 or $6 if the seller want to move them. It all depends on how many guys like you show up compared to how many want RTR and snub their noses at those "old' BB kits.

 

[diburning]

BB rolling stock kits can range from $3 to $20 each. BB locomotives can range from $10 to $50 each.

The ready to runs can be a little pricier. The Blue Box engines will be difficult to convert to DCC since the old style motor draws way too much current. The Blue box stuff will also be lacking in detail compared to the Ready to Rolls.

 

[UP2CSX]

...The Blue Box engines will be difficult to convert to DCC since the old style motor draws way too much current...

That has not been my experience unless the brushes need replacing. An Athearn BB motor with good brushes and a clean armature will consistently draw .3 amps on my layout on level track with a 10 car train.

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I've gotten good 4 axle BB locos for $10 - $25 and six axle for $15 - $35. Many were still new and in the box.

 

[stang_crazy]

thanks for the answers guys, yes it is a true RR show/swapmeet. Its the first time i will have ever been to one so itll be something new