I do not understand e-bay and I don’t trust it. Having said that, where would I go to find a “teakettle” 4-4-0? Any road name will do as it will be used as a tourist attraction on my layout.
Maybe try an online hobby shop?
Do you know if anyone makes a model of what you’re looking for? I know Bachmann just released an HO 4-4-0, but it may not be what you’re looking for. I think Roundhouse also came out with one recently. I’m not familiar with what a “teakettle” 4-4-0 is, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for on the web, maybe you could call Walthers or Caboose Hobbies or one of the other well-stocked hobby shops and see if they can order one for you if they don’t have it in stock.
Having failed at that, you could try a train show or swap meet, but your chances might not be as good.
So you automatically don’t trust something you don’t understand? Missin out on a lot I bet!
eBay is simple: Get yourself an eBay account, serch their site and find what you want. Many dealers offer their models on eBay with “Buy it now” prices, which means a direct sale, no bidding involved. I just did a check and they have 31 HO scale 4-4-0’s up for auction now. From the new Roundhouse and Bachmann models to some old time “General” types.
You can browse on eBay without being a member, and it’s a good way to find out what might be available, as I did above. If you still don’t care for eBay, you can search on dealers for one of the models on the auction site.
By performing a quick Google search using the phrase HO 4-4-0 teakettle, I found one instantly, and it’s not e-Bay:
You can join eBay and still look around, plus check the reputation of the sellers. You do not have to buy anything. I had an eBay name and password for over two years and never bought anything. All I did is look in the HO scale section. Now I know what to look for and have found some good deals.
Rich