Cost of Stuff

C

Cyclone

Registered
Just wondering if anyone could give approx prices for rolling stock/locos, as guide to buying off ebay?
Seems that track goes for far more than its worth so I assume the same might be true for other items.
Obviously cant list everything but a few examples.
Standard LGB coaches (starter set ones)?
Battery powered diesel and "steam" locos +/- RC
Any other basic stuff, that regularly comes up would be helpful?
Cheers
 
Hi, Difficult question. It does appear that ebay prices are a bit lower at the moment (due to the economic situation probably), but prices do vary.
Track always seems expensive on ebay - often more than you can get it new!
The best idea I can give is to decide what you like and keep an eye on similar items and learn the values. Not quick but economic.
Rough costs (very rough) LGB starter coach £35. Stainz loco £65. Simple plank wagon £30 or less.
Battery locos - take your pick. a plastic toy - a few quid, a Roundhouse diesel with RC - best part of a grand.
Last tip - decide what you think something is worth to you and - PAY NO MORE - ever.
 
It's very hard to say, because things on ebay sell for whatever someone is willing to pay for them....

But, for what it's worth, these would be my best guesses for "typical" prices on LGB only, in decent condition:

Small locos: starter-set Stainz, KoF (the old type, NOT the new HSB one!), Borsig etc: £60-£100 depending on condition and exact model.

Bigger locos: U-class, Harz 2-6-2, Spreewald etc: £150-£300, again very much depending on age, condition and model. MTS adds to value, as does sound of course.

Rarer/more popular large locos: Rugen 0-8-0, Mallet, Frank S etc: £250-£500, caveats again as above.

2-axle coaches (starter set and others), box vans etc: £40 - £60.

4-axle coaches: £80-£120 depending on type.

4-axle wagons: £50-£70.

2-axle tank cars: £40-£60, more for rare variants.

4-axle tank cars: £80-£100.

Some items may get silly prices just because there are few offered for sale - a current example being 2095 OBB "whizzy-cranks" diesels, which shouldn't be all that expensive but there seem to be very few around right now, so the price goes up. Likewise the Corpet-Louvet variants, which always seem to reach good prices.

Hope that's of some help?

Jon.
 
Ed, I agree with Stockers, especially the last part. Even if something on ebay is new, there's no point paying more than you can get it elsewhere, even if you enjoy the excitement of the bidding war.
 
My tip would be keep an eye on items that finish midweek. Items that finish at the weekends tend to have a bigger audience & therefore go for higher prices. Also decide how much you would pay for an item , then stick to that absolutely.
 
garrymartin said:
My tip would be keep an eye on items that finish midweek. Items that finish at the weekends tend to have a bigger audience & therefore go for higher prices. Also decide how much you would pay for an item , then stick to that absolutely.
Click to expand...

On that point, also stuff that finishes at odd times, like the middle of a weekday afternoon.
 
Rule 1 - D your research. Is the model available in shops? If so what is the best price?
Rule 2 - Always, always include the cost of postage in your calculations - especially if from abroad.
Rule 3 - Work out how much you want a particular item. If it is just a nice to have then you will not want to pay over the odds but if it is say the one coach you are missing from your desired rake then it might be worth more to you than would normally be the case.
Rule 4 - Do what you can to check out the seller. Plenty of transactions, 99% good rating, accepts paypal, ask on this forum etc. It can pay to read the other purchasers comments.
Rule 5 - Read the description carefully. Sometimes things are not what they seem at first glance. Is it mentioned that the item is damaged, a non runner, dirty, tired? Always be wary of the unscrupulous.
Rule 6 - Based on the above decide what your maximum bid will be and don't get carried away in the excitement of the bidding. Don't go above what you have decided the item is worth to you. There will probably be another one along sometime.
Rule 7 - Enjoy grabbing a bargain!
 
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