Large Scale Central

Buying on the web

General Discussion
#1

Yesterday I saw a caboose advertised as LGB. ON the side (both sides under the railing) of the caboose you could plainly see Aristocraft. So here is what I have found:

Aristocraft have a unique hook/loop coupler design. LGB, USA, LGB all use similiar hook and loops although the Bachmann ‘spring’ is much thinner plastic.

LGB/Lehman have their logo on the bottom of rolling stock. Also the gold sticker is a date code.

Bachmann has their logo on the trucks on some of my rolling stock.

Usa trains may have Charles RO or even Malden (store in Malden, MA) onthe bottom of rolling stock.

Delton logo on bottom of freight, passenger cars have nails holding the roof in place.

I hope others chime in with what they see for verifying manufacturers.

#2

Caveat emptor (Let the buyer beware)

#3

I only buy rolling stock to mainly re-build to a more detailed looking car, including re-painting and decals, and I mainly purchase only LGB or USA trains rolling stock. From what I have seen for sale on eBay I do see some offers that are questionable on if they are what they say they are, that is by the manufacturer the seller says it is. I’m always looking for the best buy on the items I buy, that is price, metal wheels, and knuckle couplers, I even will take some cars that have damage, for me repairing damage it very easy for me to do and you won’t even know where it was. I would say, if the caboose is what you are looking for and the price is what you are willing to pay, then buy it. If you can post a pic then do it, I’m sure there is someone here on the forum that will have your answer.

trainman

#4

Part of what I was atttempting to do is warn sellers that these markings exist and a customer can demand a return for mis-information.

Also when I notified this seller that is was not LGB he said it said LGB on the caboose??? I did not see that. Perhaps it was in the LGB box by mistake when this person bought it, and I agree buyer beware, but seller should also beware!!

#5

I find quite a few sellers on eBay don’t know what they are selling. Some think everything large scale is LGB. Others put LGB in the subject along with the true manufacturer to generate hits and/or note compatibility. I can usually spot an error in a listing quickly as like John, I tend to modify every car I buy which has given me a greater familiarity with the differences between manufacturers. I’ve sent friendly messages to sellers on many occasions advising them as to what they have and to Dan’s point warning them that a buyer may be upset when they don’t get what was described. Every one has been appreciative.

This has got me thinking, When I pass and my family is left selling my stuff on eBay they are going to have a hard time writing those descriptions. “LGB flat car with Aristo-Craft trucks and brake wheel, 3d printed stakes and bulkheads, Bachmann steel wheels and AML couplers. - RARE!” Maybe I should remove all manufacturer identification and put a decal on the bottom that says “Kitbash by Dan” (https://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

#6

Very good idea!

#7

Dan Gilchrist said:

I find quite a few sellers on eBay don’t know what they are selling. Some think everything large scale is LGB. Others put LGB in the subject along with the true manufacturer to generate hits and/or note compatibility. I can usually spot an error in a listing quickly as like John, I tend to modify every car I buy which has given me a greater familiarity with the differences between manufacturers. I’ve sent friendly messages to sellers on many occasions advising them as to what they have and to Dan’s point warning them that a buyer may be upset when they don’t get what was described. Every one has been appreciative.

This has got me thinking, When I pass and my family is left selling my stuff on eBay they are going to have a hard time writing those descriptions. “LGB flat car with Aristo-Craft trucks and brake wheel, 3d printed stakes and bulkheads, Bachmann steel wheels and AML couplers. - RARE!” Maybe I should remove all manufacturer identification and put a decal on the bottom that says “Kitbash by Dan” (https://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

Unfortunately when you pass and those who are selling your stuff won’t care too much about what it is, or what it sells for. Very few items including LGB, etc., will have the valve you paid for it back in the day. Might as well just enjoy your trains wile you can and after your gone if you don’t have someone to sell your stuff that knows the value and what you have, it really doesn’t make too much difference. And most of all, quite telling your wife that these trains are worth a lot of money and it’s a good investment, in most cases you are stretching the truth, just to make her feel good about your buying habits.

trainman

#8

#9

John Lenheiser said:

Unfortunately when you pass and those who are selling your stuff won’t care too much about what it is, or what it sells for. Very few items including LGB, etc., will have the valve you paid for it back in the day. Might as well just enjoy your trains wile you can and after your gone if you don’t have someone to sell your stuff that knows the value and what you have, it really doesn’t make too much difference. And most of all, quite telling your wife that these trains are worth a lot of money and it’s a good investment, in most cases you are stretching the truth, just to make her feel good about your buying habits.

trainman

John,

I was pointing out how difficult it may be for someone selling my rolling stock to come up with accurate descriptions which is the topic of this thread. Not concerned with value as I would really just hope things go to someone who appreciates them. I think you have me confused with someone else as I don’t report to my wife about any of my purchases. She buys whatever she wants and so do I and we are debt free!

-Dan

#10

I have a list of what I paid for all my train purchases , so my wife has a reference point if I croak and she has to sell everything. Nothing is hidden, nothing is sneaking around we are an open book between each other and I discuss my purchases with her.

#11

I had a good friend who passed away about two months ago, my oldest train buddy of some 38 years. Now his wife is asking be how to dispose of his G Scale stuff and what does she do with it. Since she has no interest in trains and has no idea what to do, I did explain to her the problems of selling these trains. One taking them to a train show and selling them, selling them on eBay and dealing with shipping, or see if a local hobby shop would take them on consignment and sell them, to which she said, I’m not interested in doing any of this things. I’m somehow feeling that I may end up with them and if I can sell them for whatever she is ok with that and if I pass away and I still have some of the stuff my wife can do whatever she wants with the stuff. This should be fun, even with the sad saturation it is.

trainamn

#12

My wife has threatened to put all my trains in the trash when I am gone. I keep pointing out that there are several expensive live steam engines so, as an accountant, she grudgingly admits that maybe she should ask my friend(s) to sell them. And as an accountant, she pays our bills (doesn’t trust me) and I maintain a “Train Fund” account at the bank. She donates $ every birthday to the fund, so I buy whatever I want with it.

John, I have helped several friends and acquaintances dispose of their spouse’s collections. Shipping is often a hassle (I was lucky with one neighbor, who happened to run the local Post Office! She calculated shipping and sent them out.) It seems to happen more frequently every year.

Facebook Swap & Shop group is a great way to sell, and there are often many collections being sold by a spouse. I have not had any problems with that group.

#13

Good points all.

It’s really up to the buyer to demand close-up detail photos to be sure of what they are buying. I’ve not had as good results as some with the Facebook group. Not usually the fault of the seller, but rather mine for not asking the right questions or requesting more pictures. My latest purchase of mis-represented caboose trucks from that group has left me quite cynical. Since it was a swap, rather than cash deal I just decided to let it go rather than fight. After I notified him of screw-up the seller claimed (weeks ago) my un-tracked package never arrived.

#14

Aristo’s Viewliners were not as good as LGB’S but I have one still in the box!

#15

Bob Cope said:

Caveat emptor (Let the buyer beware)

Never heard of the guy myself but wondering if he has an Ebay store?

#16

I remember buying a 2nd hand AMS “flying” logo D&RGW boxcar from a US vendor on Ebay a few years ago. When it arrived they had sent the wrong car, one with the “Moffat Herald” from an earlier era, one I did not want. Now, I live in the UK and the seller suggested I return at my cost for an exchange. I thought that that was a bit cheeky and suggested as an alternative a discount on the price paid might be in order. The reply suggested I was trying to blackmail them and I would be reported to Ebay for the underhand measure I was “demanding”. To add insult to injury, while in its original packing, they had omitted the tissue paper liner which resulted in scuffed paint work as the Styrofoam box inner had acted like an abrasive - Remember that when you are shipping items. Still got the car and now a caboose, and loco in the same livery.

With regards to “legacy” sales we have an organisation here in the UK, the 16mm Association of Narrow Gauge Modelers, https://www.16mm.org.uk/ , that will help handle the sale of deceased members’ collections for a small fee. The other establish avenue here for selling on large collections without the need for bereaved families involvement is is one of a few established specialist auction houses over here, like Vectis,https://www.vectis.co.uk/ .

#17

EBay is apparently putting new requirements on sellers, which will increase cost for all, and or less income for the seller. they apparently are forcing the global shipping program on large sellers right now. sucking more dollars out of the consumer. one seller is moving to ebid.net, which he compared to eBay 2004. this site was able to import listings and feedback from eBay as well. will look into it.

AL P.

#18

I have to say, Knock on Wood, that all my eBay purchases have been what I purchased and in a few cases I got more them I expected. I did have on bad experience with some BMW decals that I ordered from England, they got the address wrong and the decals came all the way to my post office and then were returned because of address mixup. After talking with eBay the sell decided it was easier to return my money them re-ship. I have decided to sell some of my LGB on eBay that is just setting in my closet for some 30 years, I guess I will see what happens.

trainman