I’ve met a gentleman getting out of model railroading and while he’s sold off most of his equipment already he has an F7A/B with 2 matching sets of passenger cars he’ll let go for $50.
As of now I haven’t purchased any locos or rolling stock since I haven’t even got any track laid yet, but I’m approaching that point and will need something to test with. Thing is, I have no intention of running a passenger train!
With my limited budget I’m wondering if this would be a case of being “penny wise and pound foolish.”
Also, I know nothing about Kato other than that they seem to be reasonably priced compared to some of their competition.
IF it is in unbroken running condition - especially if it has the original boxes - BUY IT NOW!
Either you will end up using it and getting enjoyment out of it - or - when you decide its not what you want, you can sell it on Ebay and very likely make money on it.
Yes it’s N scale, and looks new to me anyway! There’s no signs of wear on the wheels but otherwise I wouldn’t be able to tell. However everything’s in it’s original box and this guy doesn’t appear to be the type who’d pull a scam…but I’ve been wrong before.
He did say it’s incomplete in that it’s missing passenger sets C and D, but I’m assuming those are add-ons as each box holds 4 cars and nothing’s missing.
edit: I was responding while you were Kevin, so my apologies for missing your post. I didn’t know Kato was considered top line so I think I’ll go ahead and pull the trigger.
Top of the line means different things to different people. My top considerations are how well it runs and how reliable a locomotive is. Kato excels in these two areas.
Based on recent eBay history, that stuff would sell there for $300-$400. Before I bought it, I’d want to know why he’s selling it for so much less than it’s worth.
If he is an honest person that just doesn’t know what it’s worth, I’d feel morally obliged to explain it to him before buying it.
There are many less kosher explanations that are possible.
Something is up here and I’d want to understand what before buying.
I suspect the seller may not know or don’t want to fool with e-Bay but, more like he’s been told “you’ll only get pennies on the dollar at best” after all we have read that on this and other forums when it comes to questions about selling our models…
Well, from another viewpoint…several of the other responders have suggested that it is a good deal and you can always sell it for a profit. Maybe so. But then we’re getting away from the train hobby and into the speculation hobby.
Be cautious on the estimated values provided here. Kato has made this type of set for many years and at different quality levels. If this set is very old or made specifically for the toy market, the value may not be as high as suggested. Does it has lighted numberboard or stickers? What type of couplers? etc, etc. Lots of variable between the high end locos and the version often sold in sets. If the owner has had these for many years and purchased them as a set, they will not be as valuable as a current production loco only item. However, they could still be very useful to you as you get started.
I am not aware that the reputed manufacturer Kato has ever marketed cheap toy train like quality. Kato locomotives are among the most reliable, best performing engines in the N scale market.
The F7 A&B was first released in 1988 and has seen a number of revisions and improvements since. Up until 1999, the engines were equipped with the Rapido-type coupler, from 1999 onwards with the MicroTrains knuckle coupler.
At all times, the locos were and still are good performers.
See Spookshow´s N Scale Locomotive Encyclopedia: F 7 A &B
Correct. I should not have used the reference to toy. However, there is a huge difference in a loco from 1988 and those produce today. If this loco is a circa 1990 loco with stickers for number boards and other less desirable details, then it has far less value on the market vs a current production that is DCC ready, lighted number boards, etc. My point was that some of the value claims here were tied to the latest production locos with have a far higher value than the older production.
Sorry, but so far as I’m concerned it is speculation. The OP has already stated that he has no idea what it’s worth, he has a limited budget, and no one responding to his post have seen the item(s).
For $50.00 bucks you can’t go wrong… I say go ahead and buy it. Even if it’s a dud you can always sale it on ebay. The empty shells alone are worth $50.00 and the passenger cars (if in good condition) are worth another $75.00 per set of four cars if not more so you can’t lose. I would however explain to the guy that they’re worth more than $50.00 just to be honest.
Don’t see the moral problem with paying $50 for the set. OP stated the seller is getting out of MRR and has sold off most of his equipment. This is not a widow selling her husbands trains with no idea what they are worth. It is a former model railroader, who in all likelyhood bought the set at one time. He wants $50, sounds like a deal to me.
When I plan to retire my Kato models (In the future). Which is it in excellent condition, except two that needs new motors.
I’ll sell them for exactly what I paid for it. Instead of rising prices and making a profit margin. Those passenger 4 car sets can rise up to $200 dollars which I believe is a stupid price that no one will pay for. Unless you’re extremely desperate!
You never said what railroad paint F7A-B and passenger car wear?
Allow me this…What’s the going price for a used Walthers P2K Ohio Central GP7 or a Indiana & Ohio HH GP30?
I know because I want the I&O GP30…That’s not speculation because the prices is based on the rarity of these locomotives…The Atlas Aberdeen & Rockfish GP7 fetches a high price.
Anything Kato fetches good price on the use market as does a complete passenger train set because these was marketed as named trains.