Not sure if this is the right place…
I am new to trains (specifically O scale - sort of trying to relive my youth). I am always looking for “deals”. As I am still just trying to build up a collection and do not know much, I spend a decent amount of time on ebay. I came across the following seller who is selling a variety of different train cars, accessories and stuff…
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZgotstuffstroud
(a bunch of different things are listed from this person but the train auctions are what I am looking at)
I was wondering if anyone can shed some light on some of these. Any possible “deals” here?
Thanks!
Dennis,
Welcome to the forums. You can get lots of advice here, so be prepared!
Regarding “deals” on E-Bay, my opinion is that if you have to ask, you don’t want what is being sold because you don’t know what it is worth TO YOU. If you are trying to get back into O gauge, visit hobby shops and train shows to get an idea of what is available and what the going prices are. Don’t buy anything until you are sure you know what you want and how much you are willing to pay “to re-live your youth”. After you have done your homework, you will know a deal when you see it. Other folks in the hobby aren’t going to tell you about a deal, they are going to get it for themselves! They might tell you AFTER they have theirs, but if there was only one, guess what? Spend some time going through the archives of this forum about buying on E-Bay. Some folks have had good experiences, others are extremely upset. You would do better finding your prizes in the area near where you live, so that you can see first hand what you are getting - before you make your decision to part with your money.
Good luck in your search. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to spend your money. Believe me, it will disappear fast enough when you figure out what you really want.
Mark C.
I too am reintroducing myself to the hobby. I wanted to go to O gauge at first because of my poor eyesight. After buying and perusing the Walthers “big train” catalog, and found out just how large an area would be needed for a decent layout, I decided on HO.
There are hundreds of items available where O gauge is very limited. The prices are more than double also.
Just my $.03 cents
BB
Thanks.
I guess a little research can’t hurt [8D]
Appreciate the the advice.
Hi Dennis,
What part of the country [or the world?] are you in? Most major metro areas in the US have scale model train shows, basically “flea markets” devoted exclusively to model trains. I would recommend making your initial purchases there, so you can see what you’re paying for ahead of time.
Here in Baltimore we have the Great Scale Model Train Show at the Timonium fairgrounds once every 3 months. The next one is coming up in late June.
my advice is educate yourself before buying anything .
i know nothing about collecting old O scale stuff … but the items you linked to seem to be pretty decent , it really depends what they end up selling for . if nobody bids and you can get them near the prices listed i would GUESS that you got some really good deals . since there are 6 days to go on the auction i’ll bet the prices will be a lot higher by the time they sell . then you really need to know what they’re worth because some people who buy on ebay don’t care what the price is , they just have to have THAT item . i recommend keeping track of prices for a couple of months before bidding on anything , and then don’t get carried away . unless you can afford it 
Welcome to the forum, dennis. I’d have to agreee with everyone else. Research the locale is a good suggestion. Train shows and swap meets are the best bargains. You can pick up some bargains, some pricey deals and some junk. It all depends on what you need at the moment. Also a local club can help you FIND these shows and meets. Your local hoby shop (LHS) will have items of interest posted on a bulletin board, and chatting it up with the owner will give you an idea if he knows what he is talking about or just blowin’ smoke.
Sounds like your getting into the toy train collectors’ market. While you’re certainly welcome here, the Classic Toy Train forum on this site will have more folks knowledgable about old Lionel and other 3 rail trains. The collectors’ market is tricky because you have to know what is rare and what is common. Condition also plays a large part ion the value. Click on Forum index and then Classic Toy Train Forums.
Enjoy
Paul
Welcome Dennis,
You are at the right place to get tips and advice, Like everyone has said find where your nearest LHS (local hobby shop ) is and ask them about O scale items. Also pick up a copy of “Classic Toy Trains” Hope you enjoy,and welcome back to MRXRDING!!
Thanks everyone for the advice - I am gloing over to the toy train area to see what is to be said there. I will need to look up a “LHS” in my area I guess. Good place to get ideas.
Does anyone know if the accessories available in these auctions would be worth a try? Are there newer stuff that looks similiar but still pretty cheap? Thanks.
By all means, if there is a Great American Train Show coming to your area, attend. You can find just about anything you want or want to know at one of these. Try to seek a model railroad club in your area and make some friends. Most of them are happy to help you out. We are a big family, but like any family…
Dennis check out this guy, he’s very honest and occasionally gets great deals:
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfrppZ50QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQrdZ0QQsassZsalunga
If you go with “O” he’s a good source. But you may want to look into Ho or even “S” if you like the tinplate look of yesteryear. I too wanted to go with “O” until I figured I would get bored real quick with the size of layout I would be alotted. So I went with "N and have been very happy. I use Unitrack by Kato, it’s bulletproof. Good luck and there are no dumb questions, I already asked them Dave
Thanks davsachz.
I am still making up my mind on some of this stuff - the seller I mentioned in my original post has some come cool American Flyer stuff - although I am thinking of sticking to just Lionel to start - still not sure really.