Large Scale Central

Big Hauler Anniversary loco pricing 250.00 - 350.00

General Discussion
#1

Hi Guys:

I thought possibly I might buy an Annie ( like I need anymore trains ! ).

Have you seen the latest pricing?

250.00 to 350.00 range. That is the former Spectrum pricing for the 4-4-0 loco.

That latest version of the Annie was around the 160.00 range not that long ago.

I got into “G” long ago as it was a bargain compared to the other scales. Now 250.00 to 350.00 range for a Bachmann Annie ? They have to be kidding me.

I am addicted to the toy train hobby. But there is no way that 250.00 to 350.00 is realistic pricing from Bachmann China. At these prices, " G" has definitely had its day which is really too bad as I love this hobby.

Your thoughts ?

Norman

#2

Norman

If you “really” want an Annie I have one I would sell you but the shipping would kill you. I thought you were into the ride on stuff these days???

#3

There is no reason for a well informed person to pay over $200 for an Annie…all you have to do is a bit of “Informed” research, and you can get one.

As far as this “Norman”…he has always been crying about how much LS costs in Canada. If he had done more research he would have found that there are ways to legally purchase stuff a reasonable prices. Shipping is no problem across the border if you make contacts.

If a person doesn’t reach out and meet people, who can offer aid in his quest, then all that is left is bitching and complaining, about self-made problems of pricing and transport.

Recently, several people in the same city as “Norman” lives, have purchased “Annies” at less than $200 Canadian. They didn’t have any trouble at the border, with high shipping charges, because they learned how to avoid them. There were no charges at the border, as the Canadian border security allows for quite high purchases in a short stay in the USofA, without a tax grab, and there is no duty on model trains.

Yes, prices are increasing, on everything, including food, clothes, and even tooth paste. Toys are no exception…

The latest production run of the B’mann Annie, is much improved, with a new pilot truck and all metal gears. It is still the most reasonable, and best looking steam profile, LS loco on the market; although it may not please every-one’s tastes.

“Norman” knows why I will not offer him any assistance.

#4

So Friar or Father Fred (which ever you prefer as a nickname) you were thinking there is only one reason for starting this thread ?

I only ask because that is what I was thinking?

“With Love” Sincerely:

Rooster

Only editing because I forgot to add : With love behind sincerely

#5

I have no idea what Fred and David are talking about . . but my approach would be to wait for a parts sale and buy a chassis for $50. It can be used to upgrade any ten-wheeler. Some came with quite nice detailing.

#6

That is a great option, that many fail to take advantage of…good suggestion, Pete.

A good friend of mine has been working on a great project, using three OLD B’mann ten Wheelers to bash into the three Ten Wheelers that the RGS had. I was able to give him three chassis that I had given to me by B’mann many years ago. They have the up till recently, latest drive. So far he has produced # 20, and I think it’s # 23. There is one more to go, and he has it about half finished. I expect they will be here on display, and operating at this year’s INVASION.

I’ll try to get pictures of all three, when completed, and post them here in the future, under a new thread.

#7

Fred Mills, BSc, BS, SD (Hons) said:

There is no reason for a well informed person to pay over $200 for an Annie…all you have to do is a bit of “Informed” research, and you can get one.

As far as this “Norman”…he has always been crying about how much LS costs in Canada. If he had done more research he would have found that there are ways to legally purchase stuff a reasonable prices. Shipping is no problem across the border if you make contacts.

If a person doesn’t reach out and meet people, who can offer aid in his quest, then all that is left is bitching and complaining, about self-made problems of pricing and transport.

Recently, several people in the same city as “Norman” lives, have purchased “Annies” at less than $200 Canadian. They didn’t have any trouble at the border, with high shipping charges, because they learned how to avoid them. There were no charges at the border, as the Canadian border security allows for quite high purchases in a short stay in the USofA, without a tax grab, and there is no duty on model trains.

Yes, prices are increasing, on everything, including food, clothes, and even tooth paste. Toys are no exception…

The latest production run of the B’mann Annie, is much improved, with a new pilot truck and all metal gears. It is still the most reasonable, and best looking steam profile, LS loco on the market; although it may not please every-one’s tastes.

“Norman” knows why I will not offer him any assistance.

Hi Fred:

You are always most welcome to post a reply to any topic I post.

We have not spoken for well over 15 years, and I will not speak with yourself in person till the day I pass away, so you could not know as to my opinion as to the cost of LS in Canada.

My post referred to the cost of LS in the US in US dollars which I believe will mean the end of the low cost entry level hobbyist.

I know all there is to know as to importing product from the United States and so I do not require your assistance which you are not offering.

Is everyone bored yet as to this personal exchange of barbs? I know this “Norman” is and “Fred” knows why I will never personally speak with him again.

Maybe one day the movie of the Hatfields and the McCoys will have a sequel:

Norm and Fred !

Hi David:

Yes, I am also into ride on live steam and Gauge 1 live steam and a larger than Gauge 1 electric powered “steam” NYC Hudson J1 locomotive. Basically addicted to this hobby in many of its forms.

I bought into this hobby during the more affordable days.

I bought all versions of the Annie and had at one point 9 Annie locos of the latest version but simply became bored with the look of the model and sold 6 of them off at the Algonquin train show and three to a friend at a low price, all boxed and unran.

The current Annie was a good deal at 160.00 US. Definitely too expensive at 250.00 to 350.00 US which brings me to the point of my original post as to will these very high Bachmann prices eliminate new entrants to LS ? At 350.00 US for an Annie, I would place those funds towards a brass O Gauge model instead.

My current interest of the Annie was for a specific paint scheme which did not previously exist. At 250.00 US , Bachmann can keep their product.

I will buy high end brass models of Gauge 1 or O Scale when the money value is there, but I will not pay high dollar value for a Bachmann Annie as the present pricing equals the Bachmann Spectrum 4-4-0 former pricing.

My belief is these high prices for plastic product will kill off large scale.

What are the thoughts of others ?

Norman

#8

Well Norman, one thing to consider is that the most recent CURRENT Annie’s have a revised metal gear box ala Barry’s Big Train, Barry had input on the revisions and as such, probably worth the extra costs.

#9

Vic Smith said:

Well Norman, one thing to consider is that the most recent CURRENT Annie’s have a revised metal gear box ala Barry’s Big Train, Barry had input on the revisions and as such, probably worth the extra costs.

Hi Vic:

Excellent point.

Norman

#10

Well, Norman, the cost of everything is going up, and the new Annies are much improved over the version I have running on my railroad. But, without trying to insult anyone, I don’t see why folks get so bent over the MSRP of things so much. I seldom, if ever, pay MSRP for any of my trains. There are discount outlets and sales, if you watch for them. If you wait long enough, you might even be able to nab the item on close out somewhere for a real steal of a price, but that is a gamble.

The other thing I point out to folks, but they usually don’t seam to get it, is the cost of the smaller scales isn’t cheap neither. Its difficult to find a steam locomotive in HO scale for less then $100. Yes, there are a few, but many are more expensive then that. So $250 to $300 for large scale steam locomotive isn’t out of line.

Buying a chassis to upgrade an existing 10 wheeler is also an option, one that has been brought up here already. I understand you want a certain paint scheme, so that isn’t an option for what you want. But if you had 9, never ran them, and sold them off, how serious are you about acquiring and running the particular one you are talking about? I am just asking. Maybe I am wrong, but your opening post seams to suggest you just wanted to complain about the new price, without considering the whys, and the alternatives to spending MSRP on an Annie.

#11

dup post deleted

#12

I have some thoughts (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

Yes I have seen the latest pricing, $199 at RLD hobbies for an Annie.

What is the big deal? It’s exactly the price Fred mentioned.

My other thought is neither Fred nor Norman needed to make personal comments.

My last thought is I don’t know anyone who pays list price for anything in G scale.

Those are my thoughts.

Regards, Greg

Norman Bourgault said:

Hi Guys:

I thought possibly I might buy an Annie ( like I need anymore trains ! ).

Have you seen the latest pricing?

250.00 to 350.00 range. That is the former Spectrum pricing for the 4-4-0 loco.

That latest version of the Annie was around the 160.00 range not that long ago.

I got into “G” long ago as it was a bargain compared to the other scales. Now 250.00 to 350.00 range for a Bachmann Annie ? They have to be kidding me.

I am addicted to the toy train hobby. But there is no way that 250.00 to 350.00 is realistic pricing from Bachmann China. At these prices, " G" has definitely had its day which is really too bad as I love this hobby.

Your thoughts ?

Norman

#13

You also have remember that people asked for improvements so Bachmann made them with brass gears and a new front truck That cost more to produce also

Mike

#14

Michael Moran said:

You also have remember that people asked for improvements so Bachmann made them with brass gears and a new front truck That cost more to produce also

Mike

Mike,

That’s an excellent point. I have little to no experience with any version of the Annie but from what I have gathered they were a cheap loco in price and in quality relative to other locos and manufacturers. Now people commented and requested improvements and enlisted the advice of someone who developed vast improvements on the design. As a result they listened to the consumer and made a quality product. That R&D and new manufacturing and materials mandates a higher price. One should expect to pay more for the quality product they requested.

#15

The biggest trouble with the new Annie is if you want to order the newest version, its very very difficult to guarantee actually getting one when you order it. There are so many NOS Annies out there many sellers will just ship whatever version is on top of the pile. You have to dog some sellers to ensures that they ship what version you want and paid for.

#16

Vic that should not be as the new version’s msrp is higher I am not saying you are wrong but the old version should retail a little less

Mike

#17

Few dealers actually used that MSRP, so once they drop below it’s the luck of the roll…

John

#18

The hard truth is that the cost on manufacturing in China is on the increase and over the past several years the cost of shipping has increased as well. So even if Bachmann did absolutely nothing to the ‘Annie’ a new production run today would likely cost more than it did in the past. It’s not just toy trains but nearly everything made in China.

#19

Mike, I agree with you, the operational word in your post is “should”… unfortunately, many times I have seen NOS (new old stock) re-priced at the newer, higher prices… there’s another ex-company who would not change the part number even when there were significant changes to the new version.

Bottom line, you can’t go on price either and be 100% sure, pretty much you see it in person, or deal with someone who will guarantee that they are shipping you the new version.

Regards, Greg

Michael Moran said:

Vic that should not be as the new version’s msrp is higher I am not saying you are wrong but the old version should retail a little less

Mike

#20

Greg Elmassian said:

Mike, I agree with you, the operational word in your post is “should”… unfortunately, many times I have seen NOS (new old stock) re-priced at the newer, higher prices… there’s another ex-company who would not change the part number even when there were significant changes to the new version.

Bottom line, you can’t go on price either and be 100% sure, pretty much you see it in person, or deal with someone who will guarantee that they are shipping you the new version.

Regards, Greg

Michael Moran said:

Vic that should not be as the new version’s msrp is higher I am not saying you are wrong but the old version should retail a little less

Mike

Exactly what Greg said, this is particularly acute with Ebay stores, most online and brick/morter stores where you can call and talk to a live person you can avoid this as you can verbally verify which model number/version you are ordering.