Just got an email that they scored a big collection. Looks like LGB and other stuff.
Mike, sounds like they’ll have a sell-off. I buy my model paint and plastic strip there, so I know Mr. Arnold (that’s where the Arnie’s appelation comes from) to talk to. Also, I “know” two of his regular clerks. But the store sells mostly Z through O scale/gauge, so if you’re looking for something large, strike while the iron is hot. The guy does have a knack for landing estate-sale stuff and things like that. You know, where some lady walks into the store and says, “I have all this stuff in my garage and don’t know what to do with it.” Wish someone like that would ask me. 
Quote:Joe, Your turn will come, (when you get a bit older maybe?)
Wish someone like that would ask me
Make sure you have a train-related item in your living room, and hold a Xmas party for your neightbors. One said “Oh, you like trains?” and proceeded to ask for help with disposal of her father’s trains. They were a lot of pre-war Lionel train sets, with some accessories like a Hell Gate bridge that were worth money. My son and I had all kinds of fun setting them up in our basement, and I took several locos apart to get them working. I eventually found her a dealer who pressed lots of cash in her hand, and she donated the 616/617/617/618 Zephyr train to me, and it sits on a shelf over my desk.
Recently, my daughter was helping her fiance clear out his attic (looking for old quilts, I think) and they stumbled on a box of trains. Again - Lionel, pre-war, but this time a depression era “Winner” set. She’s moved it to her place for me to look at when I visit.
We have picked up a number of great values from their “estate and collection” sales at Arnies. I was hoping there was an LGB 2080S on the latest list.
Let us know what happens with this. Never know when I might find my self down there.
Arnie’s is hit or miss. Last G-scale sale they had, John and I scored big. I bought a boat load of USA etc cars that had metal bearing trucks for $20 each plus a loco for $35. I looked up everything I bought and paid $320 for $1400 worth of rolling stock and diesel…(13 freight cars and loco)
If you are in Socal, you need to go to their website and get on the “mailing” list.
Yes they have a running “ad” 0n Craig’s List looking for all scales.
I got a good deal on a Lionel locomotive at one of these blow outs but like Mike says, it is hit or miss depending on what they get.
Like I said (wrote, actually), I buy my hobby paints and Evergreen Plastic strips there and find the prices competitve, i.e. MSR. I bought a Zona saw and Chopper from them for market price, which is OK by me. I like being able to go to a brick and mortar store–for the atmosphere (hangin’ with model train geeks) and to get inspired (looking at trains running and stuff). And while I’m guilty of shopping on-line (can you say, Amazon?) I love shopping in a place where I can see, touch, and feel what I’m buying. Granted, I live nearby and not out in the sticks (not that there’s anything wrong with that), so getting to Arnie’s or say, a camera store (my other money pit) is no problem. But near or far, I’m glad we have “brick and mortar.” Hmm, that’s a goofy appelation. What if the store is in a tin building?
Just got another email heads up! Just in at Arnie’s! Massive G Scale Collection!
Over 200 cars, 10 engines, lots of LGB, USA, and more!
Rolling Stock starting at $14.99 like-new!
I still haven’t discovered who left the box of lionel/tinplate on my porch several months ago … but I’m still very grateful, even if it’s not “my scale” …
Matthew (OV)
Can we buy via shipping, or is this a local sales only?
In store only…First come first served… was in the email I got. They never publish a list…
Mike et all, they had a whole bunch of LGB stuff stacked on tables right outside the door, yesterday. Mostly rolling stock, but I didn’t really check it out because it’s not my brand. Plus I’m too busy building my model house.