So beings I am downsizing I shouldn’t be doing this lol. I have an idea for a Connie to Logging Mikado kitbash. What is considered a good price for a Connie these days? I found a basketcase on Fleabay with no tender, and pretty beat up. It would be enough to do what I want if the drive can be put back together, but it is almost at $80 with shipping already. Is that a fair price? Really only need a chassis, but having the rest would definitely be a plus lol Any thoughts?
If the chassis and running gear are functional (with exception of the axle gear that regularly cracks) them I think that price is on the high side of fair. A excellent condition Connie is going for around $250 last I looked. Makes me realize what a great deal I got on mine NIB for $125 5 years ago.
I have a friend who bought a NIB Connie from Todd Brody about 2-1/2 years ago and he paid $250 for it. He has since added Barry’s drive to it along with Airwire and Phoenix sound.
If it’s the one on there right now that ships from the UK, I’d say go for it. The description says it runs well, and the photos appear to show it in very good condition. If it’s not that one, let me know and I’ll bid on it! (Not that I need another project, but at that price…)
If all you need is the chassis for a project, any price less than the full price of the loco saves you money when you’re likely going to chuck the rest in your parts bin. You may be able to recoup some of the cost by selling parts off, but probably not enough to make up the difference in cost between new and parted out.
Later,
K
Thanks for the tip Kevin 
didn’t see that one 
This is the one I was looking at, but at least 3 of the axles are loose, and currently not running. probably repairable for what I need, but a lot to spend not knowing for sure.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111812904006?_trksid=p2060353.m1431.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
was outbid on this one, but current high bidder on the UK chassis, we’ll see how long that last (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)(http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)
You’re right… the first one you looked at certainly generates a lot of questions. It looks like it’s missing the bearing block retainers at the bottom, and likely missing the springs at the top. It looks like the running gear isn’t bent, but that’d be a concern as well. I don’t think it’s anything that can’t be fixed, so I’d certainly keep it as a “plan B” if the one in better shape doesn’t pan out, but I don’t know how much higher than the current bid of $66 I’d go without some assurances.
Good luck with your project. I’ve always liked the Backwoods Miniatures On30 conversions for a logging tank engine for the 2-8-0, but I’ve never seen anyone do that to the large scale one. It’s been on my “would be neat to do” list, but I can’t really justify it on my roster. (Though I’ve managed to justify a center-cab diesel and two galloping geese, so I’m not sure that excuse holds a lot of water.)
Later,
K
Yea, probably could be repaired, but would feel better if I could actually see the frame without the shell on it. Definitely a viable plan b, but not for much more than current without some clarity.
And its funny you mention Backwoods Miniatures saddletank conversion for the connie, cause that’s exactly what I had in mind I also thought of a K-27, but by the time I put all that into it, I could just buy the Bachmann K.
Would love to see what you could do with one of these drives
But oh, which one to build lol the sidetanker would fit with the porter and lynn I have, but the saddletanker would definitely have the beefy look I’m going for
I’m thinking the saddletanker with a double stage compressor and switching pilot would look pretty sweet
The saddle tanker, without question. I’ve long admired Jim Haddon’s “Frank the Tank” conversions of the LGB “Frank S” live steamers.
The 2-8-0 with a saddle tank is this on some serious steroids; brute strength all the way. I can see that with a string of 10 - 15 log-laden flat cars. That’d be an impressive sight.
Later,
K
I too have admired this loco for some time, didn’t know who it belonged to though. It is what first put the thought into doing an outside frame saddletanker into my mind
Well, someone wanted the UK drive a lot worse than I did (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)I ran it up to US $140, and another 30 to ship it, just to rich for my blood, another 100 and the rest would come with it (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)I threw another bid at the basketcase, and someone wants that one bad too lol looks like this project will be a while yet, which is probably a good thing hahaha (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)