I am looking into buying a steam engine for my standard gauge layout. I will be going to the York train show in April. Will I be able to find a steam engine there?? I really like the #384, 384E, 385E, and 390E steam engines. I think these are in my price range. I am looking to spend about $300 to $400 on a steam engine with tender. Is this about how much these steam engine run for at York?? Or are they more?? I would like one with smoke and whistle or chugging sounds but have no idea which ones have that built into them. I am looking for an all original steam engine and tender. they are getting hard to find like this. Let me know how much, if you seen these at a train show in the past they run for. thanks.
None of the original standard gauge steamers ever came with smoke units. The only one on your list to come with a chugger is the 385e. These engines are expensive, and with your budget at a show you should expect to find only a decent 384e. Also expand to look at the 1835e which was identical to the 385e except it had painted trim, and no chugger, although they have whistles in some tenders. I have never been to a York show, but you will pay less on ebay if the prices are as ridiculous as some of the shows i’ve been to lately.
ives,
I’ve been to a number of shows, including York, and yes you will find the outlandish prices - but you can also find some real bargains. I have found, from personal experience, that the people asking outlandish prices are really not serious sellers, they either have had the item for a long time and have attached sentimental value to the item, or they are simply in it to make a buck. IMHO, the serious sellers are the people who are interested in the hobby and not the almight dollar. I have also found, since ONLY trains are sold at the York meet, that the prices are very reasonable, and the selection is well… HUGE.
For $400, you may find an MTH reproduction 384 or a halfway decent origional Lionel 384. The larger steamers such as 390’s start at around $700 for a halfway decent origional. You may find an MTH 390 for around $500 or $600.
I really like the #390E the best, the most common one TYPE I is the one I like. Black with the orange stripe. But, i just started getting into Standard Gauge and I have never really looked at or for a Standard steam engine. Now, if i was looking at a 390E in good condition with the 390-T tender, with no boxes, how much would they be. A friend told me about $600 to $700 for a decent looking one, I just want one that is complete and original and runs both directions. My books say $400 for good and $550 for excellent condition for the 390E. But, my other book says $460 for good and $690 for excellent. So, I would guess around $600 for a pretty nice 390E. Anyone know how long the 390E with the tender is?? thanks.
Here’s my 390E/390X tender.Runs like a champ.