Large Scale Central

Marklin and its effect on eBay

General Discussion
#1

Every day I spend around one hour ‘researching’ LGB prices on eBay (U.S. site). The last few weeks have seen a resurgence in prices on newer stock (not Chinese made items) and electrical accessories. It may be simply the items that I am interested in that have had a resurgence in demand, but even the older German-made American narrow-gauge rolling stock is making a comeback. The Orient Express seems to be coming popular once again.

Unfortunately, the older ‘collectables’ have been left by the wayside and basically neglected. It seems that buyers have opted the eBay route with no ‘interest’ being expressed by Marklin in the American domestic market. Also, recent retail prices listed by Marklin on Euro prototype, have been a real test of the modellers resolve. How much is too much???

The ever popular #3070X and #3071X variants are still very popular. Recently on the Australian eBay site, a #30710 coach in less than ideal condition (extensive signs of play usage), sold for over $250.00.

#2

Tim, I cant say about Ebay in Oz, but jeezuz-christmascookie, LGB prices here in the US have skipped Ludicrous Speed and gone straight to Plaid!

(http://www.ladyofthecake.com/mel/space/images/plaid2.jpg)

I havent seen a Ebay bargain of anykind here, everything, even from used selllers, is being offered at near MSRP or higher on Ebay, with maybe a couple of exceptions in the Toytrain line, even the stupid Gnomy shit is getting pricey.

#3

I recently bid what I thought was a fair price for an LGB coal hopper.
I had the lead until 2 SECONDS left to go, when it jumped immediately to over $100.00!!!
Crazy for sure.

jb

#4

LOL, I loved that movie ! You’re schwartz is bigger than mine !

#5

I have been selling off some of the stuff I haven’t used for a year or so. I decided NOT to use Ebay but “word of Mouth/Email”. I have been getting fair prices for what I am selling. I could probablt make more going the Ebay route but why bother.
LAO

#6

We visited Watt’s on Saturday. Spoke to Dave for quite a while. Everything that is used or on consignment is being sold by auction. Items in the store are being sold at sticker price, don’t know if that is the manufactured suggested retail price or not. Prices of used 16000 turnouts was about $90.00 each, currently on the auction

They are moving and selling everything off at the current location, within the next 18 months. Current plans are to open another store. He has been doing a lot of repairs of LGB stuff, but has not established a European line for parts supply, as of yet.

#7

Ric-
Appreciate your report – Dave Watts is a good source for the status of the hobby, if not LGB alone.
Curious:
1 - What does “opening another store” mean in terms of the success or nonsuccess of recent date for his current operation. He has a following of customers and advertises in Garden RR so what would be different or the same? Is another store going to be dedicated to large scale trains? Does not “selling everything off”
mean termination of a product – especially if what he is selling off is bringing now premium prices?

2- Does Dave have any insights he is willing to share re: the status of Marklin/LGB as a company?

Thanks,
Wendell

#8
Wendell Hanks said:
1 - What does "opening another store" mean in terms of the success or nonsuccess of recent date for his current operation. He has a following of customers and advertises in Garden RR so what would be different or the same? Is another store going to be dedicated to large scale trains? Does not "selling everything off" mean termination of a product -- especially if what he is selling off is bringing now premium prices?
Wendell,

The original family tree farm is located in the middle of an upscale suburban area of Zionsville and with the passing of his father he has secured another location so the disposition of the estate can continue. Totally not hobby/business related. To give you an indication of the area, Zionsville has one of the oldest Rolls Royce/Bentley dealerships in the country.

Jack

#9

Wendell,

I think you will have to ask Dave.

All I know is that he had some used 16000 turnouts that I wanted to buy (or at least find out how much he wanted for them) and he said they were unavailable, except by bidding on them through an auction. He and I looked them up on the auction while I was there. 6 hours to go and the price was above $90.00 each. I bought 17 from him 2 years ago for $22.50 each.

He said he felt uncomfortable charging a “gouging price”, but felt they will bring what the market will bare at an auction. I think that is a fair way of doing business. Dave has always been up front and fair to me. I agree with his current strategy, but I didn’t bid on the turnouts.

No, they are not for sale.