Trains on Ebay

[oplholik]

I was looking awhile ago at N scale diesels and saw several in the $45-60 range, and I am continuing to watch to see what the final bids are, listed is an example. I did ask the seller on this one if the engine was DCC ready, since the description didn't say. The starting bid on this one is $42.00.

Up for auction is this beautiful Kato N Scale Union Pacific EMD SD90/43 MAC!

The reporting number is 8242.

This unit is equipped with Kato couplers.

This unit has no track time as it has been in it's case basically since purchased.

I'm wondering if there are normally pretty good deals on ebay, as the loco's I'm looking at in the store seem to run over $100. Thanks.

Paul

 

[Espeefan]

Depends on how long it has been listed. People usually bid more as the auction close date & time get closer.

You can get good deals on E-bay. I have, plenty of times. Paid too much a few times too but it averages out.

"DCC Ready" is pretty subjective term, especially for N scale. Sometimes you just replace the lightboard with a decoder. Sometimes you have to have the frame milled to accept a decoder. Early Katos are notorious for this. It really depends on how old the model is, that is what year is was issued. Isolating the motor is the trick, as most N scale diesels use a split frame pick up, and the older models don't have an isolated motor.

Good Luck!

 

[MRLdave]

If you see something you like on ebay,do some research on the manufacturers website,or at your local shop....that'll help for things like "DCC ready"....if you don't find it, that'll tell you it's an older model. You can always ask here too. You can get some great buys on ebay as long as you know your product......and you're willing to have a little patience. I watch probably 20 items for every one I bid on, and I probably bid on 5 for every one I win. The other side of ebay is finding out of production/hard to find items.....in those cases it's totally who wants it the most...stuff can go for way more than the original price.

 

[UP2CSX]

Paul, it's a good idea to post a link to the aution in question. If has many days to run, the final price will not be $42. Many buyers hold off until the last five minutes and try to snipe the next highest bid. My philosophy is a little different. I decide how much a porduct is worth to me and bid that price right off the bat. If I win, it's many times for less than my maximum bid and no sniper can get me unless he wants to pay more than I think it's worth. This also prevents the tendency to get involved in bidding wars if you're sitting there watching the auction. The best advice I can give you is never fall in love with an e-bay item. Unless it's an extremely rare piece, another one will show up soon.

 

[stationmaster]

I am a notorious "sniper" on eBay. I usually bidearly if the product is priced low and there are no bids then wait until the last 30 seconds or so and place my highest bid. Sometimes I lose but most times I win.

Much good information has been given here. Ask the seller questions too. That way you have verification of the product. If it is misrepresented in the reply, you have grounds for a dispute.

Bob

 

[oplholik]

If you see something you like on ebay,do some research on the manufacturers website,or at your local shop....that'll help for things like "DCC ready"....if you don't find it, that'll tell you it's an older model. You can always ask here too. You can get some great buys on ebay as long as you know your product......and you're willing to have a little patience. I watch probably 20 items for every one I bid on, and I probably bid on 5 for every one I win. The other side of ebay is finding out of production/hard to find items.....in those cases it's totally who wants it the most...stuff can go for way more than the original price.

I only go to ebay for a good deal, or for something I can't easily find at a local store, such as some woodworking planes, old folding wood rulers, I've gotten off ebay. Generally, I want a good deal. As far as the trains go, if I can't get it for about 30% less than from the local hobby shop including shipping, I'll give the business to the local hobby shop. I realize it takes, luck, good timing, and patience on ebay. Alot of times, by the time I want to throw a bid in, the price is already at or more than I want to pay. Then there is the thrill of it all

Paul

 

[bnsf971]

The model you asked about in your original post is what Kato refers to as "DCC friendly". In the case of that locomotive, you remove the body shell, remove the factory light board, install some insulating tape over the frame between where the board and motor contacts are, and slide the DCC board in place.
In spite of having to put a small piece of insulating tape over the frame, it's really easier than, for example, an Atlas SD35, which you have to take the two frame halves apart to get the board out and in.

 

[jtudor]

Another thing to watch for on eBay is the shipping cost. A few weeks ago one seller had several passenger cars listed that I wanted to buy. The shipping was a little high for just one item, but they were combining shipping for multiple items.

When the auctions closed though, unfortunately I only got one of about 6 that I was bidding on so I wound up paying more than I wanted to. Had I won 3 or 4 of the cars that would have been more in line with what I wanted to pay. That's just the way that eBay goes though.

 

[V&AL]

Another thing to make sure of is READ THEIR FEEDBACK. Hunt down the negative and neutral feedback and see if there's a history of problems, or just the occasional "OOPS!", and imposable-to-please customers who gripe over everything....

I'm sure everyone who's been on ebay long enough has been burned or at least singed a littler bit...