Received Track Bent, can it be fixed?

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N

number9

Member
I am not sure if this is the correct forum, but I decided to try and move forward with a plan that was given to me. Well, I ordered the most expensive parts, the #8 curved turnouts. They arrived from USPS bent in the box. I took one out, and it is bent.

Is there a way to bend this back, or is this $50 (each!) in the trash? I contacted the seller on ebay, but I kind of doubt I will get recourse there.

Opinions? Thank you.

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Did they come in an outer box? Was IT damaged? If so I would file a claim with UPS. If the outer box was undamaged, I would contact the seller, if no luck there file a claim with eBay. If they were only in a cardboard envelope I would blame the seller for not packaging them adequately.
 
It was in a small outer box, which was crimped. I think USPS only insures to about $50 standard, and I know they did not add insurance, so that is only 50% of my money back.

Looking further, not only does USPS want proof, they want an estimate from a reputable dealer on what it would cost to fix. Hrm. Not sure how I would get that done.
 
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File a dispute with paypal. Let the seller deal with USPS getting the claim.

Paypal favors buyers. If you received the item in damage condition, they will rule in your favor and refund your full amount you paid.
 
There is provision to include photos when you open a dispute on ebay, also mention you have contacted the seller, if you had a reply and what he said. Then let them deal with it.
 
Rails bent sideways can usually be fixed to about 97% if the kink isn't insanely horrible. If they are bent upwards or downwards, it will be all but impossible to fix well. If the rails are torsioned or rotated/twisted, good luck.

The outer box is damaged, and that allowed the innards to be ruined. Ask for a full refund from the seller or go to arbitration.
 
Selector said:
Rails bent sideways can usually be fixed to about 97% if the kink isn't insanely horrible. If they are bent upwards or downwards, it will be all but impossible to fix well. If the rails are torsioned or rotated/twisted, good luck.

The outer box is damaged, and that allowed the innards to be ruined. Ask for a full refund from the seller or go to arbitration.
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That is what I kind of figured... they are bent downwards, so there is practically no recourse.

Of course, these are the most expensive parts, and the ones I need to get started... oh well, no building over the holidays.
 
Man that sucks, those switches are very expensive. Surely you can find something else to work on?
 
Yikes that bites! Good luck and let us know how it goes!
BTW Atlas just announced curved turnouts at a lower price, can't wait to see one.
 
number9 said:
I am not sure if this is the correct forum, but I decided to try and move forward with a plan that was given to me. Well, I ordered the most expensive parts, the #8 curved turnouts. They arrived from USPS bent in the box. I took one out, and it is bent.

Is there a way to bend this back, or is this $50 (each!) in the trash? I contacted the seller on ebay, but I kind of doubt I will get recourse there.

Opinions? Thank you.
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eBay does guarantee that you will get what you pay for in good condition. Contact the seller first, and ask them for a refund for the damaged items. If they refuse to do so, I can absolutely guarantee you that eBay's buyer protection will step in and refund your purchase price plus shipping. You actually get better protection on your purchases from eBay than what you'll get most other places online, you just have to take the steps to make it work. It's not hard to do so, though, and I've been forever baffled by those who would rather complain about a seller ripping them off than just taking advantage of the buyer protection that eBay offers as a matter of course.
 


You could cut the bend out and have two slightly smaller pieces. You would only loose a few millimeters of track where they are actually bent and could salvage most of it. That is what I would do.
 
Well, I am going the normal route and opening a case with ebay. They give the seller a week to respond, so I have to wait and see what happens.

Thanks for all of the input.
 
new guy said:
You could cut the bend out and have two slightly smaller pieces. You would only loose a few millimeters of track where they are actually bent and could salvage most of it. That is what I would do.
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Wouldn't work on turnouts, NG, 'cause of the diverging tracks.
 
number9 said:
Well, I am going the normal route and opening a case with ebay. They give the seller a week to respond, so I have to wait and see what happens.

Thanks for all of the input.
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Just follow the rules and it will work out. Don't get into any arguments with the seller. If he tries to bluff or twist his way out with proposals to you, just tell him that it's in eBay's hands and you'll let them handle it.
 
new guy said:
You could cut the bend out and have two slightly smaller pieces. You would only loose a few millimeters of track where they are actually bent and could salvage most of it. That is what I would do.
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If the seller didn't pack it properly, why should he have to go through the fix it routine?
 
D&J RailRoad said:
If the seller didn't pack it properly, why should he have to go through the fix it routine?
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That's why I stay clear of the bay. Find out who does estate sales in your area, big scores to be had there! I'm getting flex track for 2 bucks a piece and old rollers for a buck, from tyco car haulers to rivaross passenger coachesi! I buy 20 or more bucks worth of stuff and he starts throwing turnouts in the box for nothing! They get overrun with the stuff! If I was doing conversions I'd have as many loco's as rollers, he's got DC loco's by the dozen!
 
new guy said:
That's why I stay clear of the bay. Find out who does estate sales in your area, big scores to be had there! I'm getting flex track for 2 bucks a piece and old rollers for a buck, from tyco car haulers to rivaross passenger coachesi! I buy 20 or more bucks worth of stuff and he starts throwing turnouts in the box for nothing! They get overrun with the stuff! If I was doing conversions I'd have as many loco's as rollers, he's got DC loco's by the dozen!
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Oh come on with the ebay thing already. So this could never happen with any online retailer, using USPS for shipping.
 


Motley said:
Oh come on with the ebay thing already. So this could never happen with any online retailer, using USPS for shipping.
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Of course it could, I know I was very lucky when I was ordering stuff, but the 'ebay horror stories' just never stop!

I have to buy it 'in person', I don't have the money to blow on shipping anymore!
 
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