Large Scale Central

Your thoughts

General Discussion
#1

I had purchased an Accucraft track powered Shay from a fellow that stated it was new. Nothing else was mentioned as to anything other than new.

In receiving the engine I noticed that the wheels shown that had been run some. I questioned the seller and he said he ran it before buying it to make sure it worked and then put it on rollers every three months to run and lubricate. He didn’t say whether he did that for six months, a year or the duration.

Anyway would you think he should have mentioned that he did run it even if it was on rollers and the little bit before buying the engine at the store?

Now here is the big question, should it be considered as slightly used, used, like new or new.
Guess who is stuck with the engine if the seller doesn’t want to do something right?

If I ponder it long enough, I just might sell the Shay or convert it to battery R/C by the master as I am not bold enough to dive into the engine.

#2

Darryl:

“NEW” means just that: NEW, not “test run” or otherwise “run” or used, no matter how innocent or noble the purpose. There can’t be any question about the exact meaning of that three letter word.

The term that could be applied to the Shay as you described it is “Test Run Only”. TRO means it has been verified that it runs properly, but has not been used beyond that and especially not in train service. “TRO” is not the same as “new”. I really don’t know if I would consider the further running beyond the initial test to be included in TRO.

It is arguable whether the value is affected (up or down) by test running a locomotive. Some would say that test running proves it does not have hidden factory defects and therefore its value is increased. I do absolutely believe sellers are responsible for fully and accurately describing the condition and history of the product prior to the sale!

If you can see wear on the wheels, it might have been more than test run. That condition is called “USED” and is certainly not “NEW”. You and the seller are the only ones who can determine the effect on its value.

Happy (Full Disclosure) RRing,

Jerry Bowers

#3

I have to say that my experience of "running in " of locos on rollers shows no sign of tread wear on the wheels , presumably because the loco is almost freewheeling ,and not being subject to a dragging load causing skid .
I bought a second hand loco straight off a rolling road–the bloke was fed up with it on his display stand , and I wanted a loco to convert–and the wheels on it have a slight pitting in the chrome tread , hardly noticeable .
I leave you to draw your own conclusion from that .
It is a shame that doubt is in your mind , irrespective of what I or anyone else says , the doubt spoils the purchase somewhat , does it not ?
I would at least try to negotiate a reduction .
Mike

#4

The one that get my goat is someone claimimg “Mint Condition”, and it was either “test run” or “checked out”.

Mint means Mint, not used for a second. Coin and stamp dealers would laugh at us for our loose terminology.

#5

Thoughts? I’m not known for thinking.

Last time I sold a train on ebay, I put, “Brat tested.”

#6

Looks like the seller does not want to do the right thing. I even offered to send the engine back at my expense. As one person e-mailed me, he probably knows now that he would have to mention the true facts and would get less for the engine. Just might be true? I don’t know ! I guess with people you just have to ask every question imaginable and then trust they answer truthfully.

#7

I think we need to send you back to Photo school…

Contact evilbay.
See what they say.

#8

Darryl,

I’d like to take another tack on your problem.

What are you planning to do with the engine?

Are you going to use it? Convert it to battery? Weather it?

What I’m saying is that if you bought it for an investment, I guess you got taken.

If you bought it because you wanted it, enjoy it and learn from the way you were treated.

If you run it every day for the next 6 months and it gives you good service, will it really matter what it was like when you got it?

I’m not trying to make light of your problem. I bought a Climax for a too good of price and was told it was only slightly used. I shipped it off to Goodson for a battery/rc conversion and he said it had been dropped. He fixed it during the conversion. Its still one of my favorite engines and it has had many hours of running on the KVRwy at the house, in Canada, in Nebraska and at lots of train shows.

I got it for a good price, but the S.O.B. could have told me it had been dropped. I still really like my Climax.

#9

Ric

There more to the story but that is not relevant now.

I offered to send it back at my cost but nothing.

Ya Dave the picture sucks but my old fangled digital camera doesn’t take good close-ups.

This is what was e-mailed to me from the seller after my complaint and this was not mentioned in the ad,

The only run time the engine had on it is when I purchased it to make sure
it ran and about every three months for lubricating, and that was on rollers
not on a track.

#10

Darryl,

I can see that this is buggin you, I’m sorry. But what are your plans with the engine? This guy isn’t going to give you any satisfaction. You can rip him on Ebay, but that won’t mean much. You can let this pass or you could find out where he lives and, if you buy the beer, we’ll all get together and go over there and break his knees with an 8 lb. sledge. I guess its your call.

#11

Ric

I know of a fellow that has a slightly bent nose and goes by the name of Vinnie. I hear he is into pain and suffering.

I’ve contacted eBay but I doubt anything will come of it.

I will not keep the engine and the seller will not take it back as he still thinks it is new. He said his friends thought he was right. Well with me being associated with (TCA) Train Collector Society he would have had to make it right as that standards are strictly followed and the engine by their standards is not new. He would have had to do something or be bounced out of the Society.
Those who have commented or sent me e-mails have said the same.
I have the proof as the wheels do show the signs use plus his admission of that he did run it.

#12

Oh, Gawd.

Darryl, part of Trash Collectors of America?

No I understand…

#13
Darryl Noble said:
Ya Dave the picture sucks but my old fangled digital camera doesn't take good close-ups.
Actually, if you take the shot a little further away at the highest res you can then crop the image to get a close up.
#14
timmyd said:
Darryl Noble said:
Ya Dave the picture sucks but my old fangled digital camera doesn't take good close-ups.
Actually, if you take the shot a little further away at the highest res you can then crop the image to get a close up.
Actually I really like the camera, Sony 1.3 mp and uses a floppy disc but I'm looking at a 8mp but they don't make the floppy version anymore. All this new fancy stuff !!!!

Cheers,