I recently attended my first train show and without much knowledge of pricing or product, basically went to observe and have fun. I had a blast and can’t wait to attend more of these events.
I’d like to purchase some post-war locos and rolling stock at future events, but was wondering if there was a good time of the year to do so. Are more bargains found in the summer, or right before the winter holidays? Is spring the time to buy low?
Jim
I don’t know Jim. Maybe with closeout trainsets from dept. stores ( a rare find nowadays) you might get a good deal after Christmas. As far as individual items, I don’t know if the time of year has much to do with it, if you are talking post-war items.
When you have a price guide available for an order-of-magnitude value in one pocket and cash in the other. Generally, when the new items come out some of the larger retailers will have blowouts on their older stock.
With shows I don’t know that there’s any time of year that’s necessarily much better than another. Dealer prices generally don’t change much through the year, as far as I can tell. Here in the midwest the selection of shows is pretty limited: GATS rolls through a couple of times a year, TCA puts on a show in December, and a couple of the local clubs put on swap meets. That makes it hard to pick and choose the times you buy.
At individual shows themselves, you get the best selection at the beginning of the show (but expect to pay sticker price, unless you’re buying a lot of stuff). You can find bargains at the end of the show, when some exhibitors would prefer to sell than cart the stuff home. Also look under the tables for fixer-uppers. You won’t get collectible stuff there but often you can get something that with some work will be just fine for layout duty.
On Ebay, prices are definitely higher around Christmas than they are the rest of the year. Prices seem pretty soft to me right now.
The most important thing is to get an idea what you like and what it’s worth, and when you see items on your must-have list at a price you’re willing to pay, buy. During the times when selection is bad or prices seem too high, concentrate on other aspects of your layout, such as buildings or figures or vehicles or scenery.
I’m at a point now where I’ve realized I have a nice selection of trains but my layout isn’t something I’m excited to show anyone. So I’m trying to resist the temptation to buy still more trains and instead get the layout to a point where I’m willing to let people see it.
How about before York or after York? I figure right now any hobby shop going to York to sell isn’t going to offer much in discounts or sale prices at the store or online but after York will they be dropping prices to clear out stock?
For Post War stuff there is no good or bad time at train shows. You never know when someone shows up who wants to sell off his/her collection. On the auction sites from now until October is good time to buy . Starting around October folks start getting interested in their trains again and prices go up. Bookmark all the web sites of online train stores and check them once a week or so. Closeouts and specials can appear anytime.
Pete
Hello All: On ebay, definitely the summer, especially auctions that end after midnight EST. The Hobby Stores, keep your eye on how long the stock has been there, when it starts to collect dust the owner will usually cut you a good deal. Regards Steve
The best time to buy trains is before you spend the money on something else that’s less important…like a roof leak or a busted furnace/ refrigerator/ washing machine etc. Joe
NEVER!!! Once you’ve bought one, you can not stop. [;)] I check the hobby shops for stock taht has been there for years. Some will discount it to get it off the books. As i travel around the country, I look in the yellow pages for hobby shops and try to stop by. Got some good deals in Memphis on two cars at one shop, the other was one of those RETAIL priced stores.
Summer is the best time to purchase PW trains at shows. Some dealers are willing to turn a quick profit rather than carry around their goods and are willing to deal. But there are always the guys who won’t deal at all.
Buy a price guide and keep in mind that it’s only a “guide.”
You may want to locate someone in your area who is experienced in PW trains, someone you can trust and go to a show with him. That way he can guide you in the right direction, for pricing and desirability.
BillFromWayne
www.modeltrainjournal.com
Unfortunately, us working class heroes don’t often have the extra $$$ to buy train stuff, considering how inflated the prices are.
The only time I can afford stuff like that is after getting my income tax return back…
Maybe one of these days I’ll hit the lotto. LOL
Hi Jim,
You’re in a pretty good area for train collecting. There are lot’s of retailers and collectors in the Boston area, as well as some great auction houses.
The new England chapter of the TCA has a meet coming up in June. They’re usually in Shresbury or Hudson NH.
http://www.netca.org
There’s a couple great retailers, and Charles Ro, in Medford, has some post war locos. A little expensive, but serviced and tuned to run. Plus they have a layout to see on Saturdays, and displays of almost every post war train Lionel made.
http://www.charlesro.com
If you have an entire day to spend, check out some of the auction houses in Connecticut. If you’re just “getting in” that means you’re looking for fairly common pieces, and they tend to go cheap at these things, I’ve otten a few decent sets for $125-$150. Plus you can see the serious collectors throw some money around.
http://www.newenglandtoytrainexchange.com/
http://www.lloydralstontoys.com/index.html
And don’t forget, we’ve got Dr. Tinker close by to keep 'em rolling.
http://www.drtinkertrains.com/
As for best time to buy, I agree with BillFrom Wayne, Summer is pretty good time on ebay, less bidders in front of the computer. Just after Christmas is good too, if you’re one of the few who has some dollars left.
If there’s anything you’re particularly looking for send me an email. I may be able to point you the right direction.
One more thing…check out the Bostone Metro Hirailers open house this weekend.
http://www.bmhrc.com/
Good luck in the hunt.
Tim
I find bargains different times of the year…depends on a lot of things. Sometimes I find my best deals when I’m not looking.
underworld
[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]
I always look for bargins, spring, summer, fall and winter. I buy alot of used cars and clean them up. I just bought three cars for $15. I saw the Lionel red satelite car the other day at the Springfield train show for $55. Now that was a real deal.
For Ebay, the week before, during, and after York is definitely the best time to buy trains. Half the train buying population is either saving for, buying at, or has spent all their money at the largest show in the country.