Just getting back into model trains and new to HO. I just made my first purchase of new trains so I am pretty excited. I got a Bachmann HO GP40 DC for 26.00. Its used but looks in good shape. We will see when it gets here next week!
If that includes the shipping, not too bad. If there’s another $5-$10 shipping on top of that - well, that’s what it typically sells for, or less. That’s just the standard line, vs the much nicer Spectrum series. You need to be patient with ebay - especially with common items (pretty much ignore the sellers who plaster “RARE!!!” or “VINTAGE!!” all over their ads - something from the past 10-20 years is NOT vintage and if it’s a standard plastic model it’s not likely to be rare, they are just trying to drive the price up. You should be able to pick up any number of quality locos for $40 or less.
–Randy
Thanks for the reply randy. Yeah I paid 5 dollars to ship. I am trying to model the ARR so I figured i would scoop up a Loco when i got the chance to buld my roster and no local hobby shop near my has any.
I wouldn’t get all wrapped up about whether you got a good deal or not. If it’s what you want (and it sounds like it is) and it’s in good shape and runs well (kinda hard to tell from a picture), then you were “close enough”.
Cute little fella,
Ed
The way I look at things, if it runs good, $31 for a locomotive is a good deal, no matter how you slice it.
Nice catch, congratulations on your returning, and welcome back into the hobby.
As Ricky stated, as long as it runs well, you should be happy with the purchase for that price. That said, in the future I would avoid all Bachmann “Standard” Line offerings and spend your monies are better quality diesel locomotives from manufactures like Atlas, BLI, Bowser/Stewart, Intermountain, Kato, and Proto 2000. You’ll be happier in the long-run with the performance and longevity of the product.
Tom
SpartanCook:
BEWARE!!! EBay can get pretty addictive!
Just a bit of advice, some of which others have alluded to:
Low price doesn’t = bargain. If you want to acquire a fleet of reliable locomotives you likely won’t do it for $26.00 per/. What you will probably end up with is a bunch of locomotives that do not run smoothly, have lousey low speed performance and will require work to keep them running. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Without wishing to spend your money, I would suggest that you look for higher quality locomotives. As has been mentioned by others, Kato, Atlas, InterMountain, Bowser and others make decent quality engines. Even older Bachmann Spectrum engines are reasonably decent performers although they have their limitations.
One last point. If you want to get into DCC it will not improve the operating characteristics of a poorly performing locomotive. You have to start with a locomotive that works well or you will be wasting your money on decoders.
I apologise if I have rained on your parade a bit. That wasn’t my intention. I hope your new locomotive proves me wrong by working great, and I recognize that ARR locomotives are a bit rare so there is obviously a justification for grabbing one when you can. I’m just trying to pass on the knowledge and experiences of many, many fellow modellers.
Dave
Seeing the Rio Grande herald in the photo, I have dealt with that seller. I have never bought a loco from him, but have been very happy with several freight cars. He usually tests all his engines. Even though its more of a “train set” diesel, I think you will be pleased.
That’s good news slammin, he had a photo that had a testing sheet, that says it runs well forward and backward, and the lights work. This loco will work until May when I get my Athearn Gensis SD70-MAC for my birthday present
Nice loco! If that’s what you wanted/needed, who is anyone to question the purchase? Buying/selling stuff on E-bay is a crap-shoot. I can see how that site is so addictive! One thing I object to is when the cost of shipping + the item itself is greater than on an online vendor’s site.
Athearn is another manufactuer of good-quality locos. At least that’s what I think of my N&W GP40-2.
And that’s why it’s important to do your homework before bidding on anything on eBay. Know your prices and check to see if it can be bought cheaper online.
I see items sold from the “professional” eBay sellers regularly going for 20-30% above MSRP. Apparently people buy from them because they generally have 10K+ feedbacks.
Tom
Hello all,
If you’re satisfied, you did well!
If you’re not, you learned.
I just bought a Bachmann Spectrum H16-44 for $41.30, including shipping. I’ve been watching these types of locos for months.
I’ve seen lesser quality ones for almost twice the price, not including shipping. I’ve seen NIB ones for more than the MSRP. I was patient and it paid off.
That being said, when the seller marked it down; due to lack of previous sales, I debated and pulled the trigger after only a few minutes of the relisting.
For me, I got the loco at a price that was within my budget and am satisfied that this is a great deal.
Now, tomorrow I’ll probably see more of the same items at a cheaper price.
In fact I did see cheaper ones but they were all “bid-on” items. I could have lost out on the final bid at a “bid fever” price. This item was a “Buy It Now” with others watching.
As an example: I bought a center depressed flat car at a local train show for $15.00. I just saw the same item sell, after “buyers fever”, for almost $60.00 + shipping! Not a great deal in my book.
Hope this helps.
And it is also important when dealing with E-bay to know when to stop.
I wish I had seen this forum thread befor I bought mine, but I was so eager to get started in the hobby it would likely have only frustrated me. I am sure I did not get a great bargain, but I have a loco to run around my basic layout, so that is something.
Can anyone message me about how to put a photo in my profile?
Don’t listen to the experts. My Bachmann DC GP38 has a quality can motor and runs as smooth and quiet as any other premium loco. If yours has the same motor (not saying that it does), it should be as durable as any $150 loco you would buy. Mine cost $24 brand new from a dealer 5 years ago.
Atlas made an ALASKA GP38 back in its MASTER series days…about year 2000. They show up on ebay from time to time and you can get a NOS or barely used unit for probably $60 plus shipping. Much finer detail than the Bachmann…comparable to the Genesis loco you will be receiving.
Scroll down to see the Alaska scheme:
You did fine. I have always liked ARR paint scheme. Now you need one of these
Gotta love a Spartan fan 
- I have greatly added to my collection via E-Bay. I am in the middle of planing a mix of the MCRR and Soo also. Got a few vintage maps of Grayling/Jackson yards I am trying to find out if the Soo had/has an interchange with the LS&I RR? Good luck, Angelo