I have been very lucky and have bought several items from both at great prices. I like Stout better because it's all trains in their auctions. Cabin Fever is OK. Only thing with them is they mix a lot of other stuff in there auctions.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I have bought quite a bit of train stuff from both auction companies in the last year or two. Not much in the last 6 or 8 months though, as prices have generally gotten way above what I am willing to pay. Have been happy with everything I have purchased, although sometimes the shipping has seemed a little high. But, oh well, prices and shipping going up? What else is new.
I have found that Stout usually has higher quality items than Cabin Fever, but you never know what you might find in either auction company listings. Be sure and set yourself a price limit and do not be tempted to go over that, as you must add on the buyers premium and shipping. In other words, don't get "Auction Fever". That item you missed out on will show up again somewhere at your price point.
I just think the auctions are fun.
Jeff
There are several other auction houses out there as well. Bertoia, Milestone, Harris, Ralston, just to name a few. Why limit yourself to only two. I have won train items from many different auction houses, some at good prices and others at strong prices.
@mowingman posted:Not much in the last 6 or 8 months though, as prices have generally gotten way above what I am willing to pay.
That item you missed out on will show up again somewhere at your price point.
I've been lucky enough to snag stuff from both Stout and Cabin Fever, and from about 15 other auction houses as well, over the last 9 or10 years. Two were live auctions. About 25 were on line. All were pleasantly surprising. Better than I had originally expected in most cases.
@mowingman, your two statements (above) appear to be at odds with each other. If prices in general are rising beyond what you are comfortable paying then how do you expect them to come back down? Yes, occasionally you'll find a bargain but most things I've been looking for for the last 7 or 8 years have never come down in price. In fact they've largely gone up instead. How long do you wait?
Yes, there's shipping to deal with when you buy via auctions but this cost comes along with many purchases, whether from an auction house, or not. There are very few LHS's around anymore, and train shows are getting to be rare too, so free self-delivery isn't much of an option any longer.
Yes, there's a buyer's fee as well but, until the last 18 months or so these have been fairly reasonable.
All in all, I'll keep following the auctions. In my opinion auctions are the best way of finding those unique things you're looking for, most efficiently from the comfort of your armchair.
Mike
I won a few items from Cabin Fever a year and a half or so ago.
I never went back there because the fees and delivery charges were pretty steep thereby negating (IMO) the "win".
John
I've participated in and won auctions at Cabin Fever on the following dates:
, mostly MTH warehouse auctions, but also regular ones too, as detailed in these two posts:
https://ogrforum.com/...6#164306572078277366
https://ogrforum.com/...5#164306572091021865
The latter post details a breakdown of shipping/handling costs for two different auction wins.
Odd, I thought I had posted photos of the items I won on 12/31/21 and 1/05/22. Ah well, here they are:
Top: 01/05/22 auction
Bottom: 12/31/21 MTH warehouse auction, comprised of:
- 20-95141 CSX 60' flats with switch load #920683 (x2) and #920681
- 20-95133 BNSF corrugated auto carrier
- 30-74921 MTHRRC 40' high cube boxcar (lower right),
- 30-74990 Cotton Belt 40' high cube boxcar (lower left)
- not shown: four sets of roller-bearing trucks
--PCJ (who started writing this post before anyone else replied 
Curse my research reflexes)
(Nav links redacted...Forum rule disallows crosslinking one's posts within a thread)
Attachments
Images (2)
I've bought from Cabin Fever on a couple of occasions, at what I thought were fair prices (remembering that they are an auction house and I bid what I want) but I've felt that the shipping fees are high. I'm close enough to them that I've been able to drive to their location and pick up the items (never a problem) but then I wonder if the cost of the items plus the shipping cost would equal out with the cost of gas for driving down to pick up the items. But then, a day out with my wife and lunch out would probably be a fair trade. It's a toss up if you're close to them.
Bob
I've only won two auctions at Stout over the past couple years. Most of the time I am heavily outbid. Nevertheless, I still enjoy the experience. I have never participated in a Cabin Fever auction but I have with Harris auctions-again unsuccessfully.
@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:I've been lucky enough to snag stuff from both Stout and Cabin Fever, and from about 15 other auction houses as well, over the last 9 or10 years. Two were live auctions. About 25 were on line. All were pleasantly surprising. Better than I had originally expected in most cases.
@mowingman, your two statements (above) appear to be at odds with each other. If prices in general are rising beyond what you are comfortable paying then how do you expect them to come back down? Yes, occasionally you'll find a bargain but most things I've been looking for for the last 7 or 8 years have never come down in price. In fact they've largely gone up instead. How long do you wait?
Yes, there's shipping to deal with when you buy via auctions but this cost comes along with many purchases, whether from an auction house, or not. There are very few LHS's around anymore, and train shows are getting to be rare too, so free self-delivery isn't much of an option any longer.
Yes, there's a buyer's fee as well but, until the last 18 months or so these have been fairly reasonable.
All in all, I'll keep following the auctions. In my opinion auctions are the best way of finding those unique things you're looking for, most efficiently from the comfort of your armchair.
Mike
I have a lot of patience. I feel fairly certain that some things I want will show up sooner or later, and, my bid will be the winner at that time. Heck, I have already waited 40 to 50 years for some things. Luckily, I do not NEED anything, these are just WANTS. 
Jeff
Bought more than enough from Stout and Cabin Fever and Trainz when they did their auctions. Like anything else set a cost that will fit your pocketbook and go for it. When I lived closer to Stout I managed to go to the live auction pre Covid a couple of times. Quite an interesting process. There was a group of cars that went too high for my taste, but the buyer was at the auction also and I was able to buy a car directly from him before leaving. At this point I only know totals from Trainz and the Bay, the others I have to guess at the shipping and the adds for packing materials. Just won a few select items from the Bay, Cabin Fever and Gregory Hake. Unless its an engine, I try to buy cars in groups of three or more. Paying $20-$25 for a car and then $25 for shipping makes zero sense to me.
I really miss being able to get up to the Great Train Show in DuPage County, now I am 3 hours away and at least 2 hours from anything going on in the Detroit area. Bummer, not much selection up in Grand Rapids area. Found a wonderful LHS here but don't just do not ask for O.
Never tried Cabin Fever but I've won several from Stout. Including one of Hot Water's 3rdrail hudsons!!!!
I've bought a LOT of trains form both Cabin Fever and Stout. Both are TOP notch operations. I also participate in auctions at Harris, Weiss and Maurer to name a few. Many large, high quality train collections are now coming to market so I've been able to fill holes in my collection and upgrade items at a great price. Since I travel most the time on business, it is easier for me to find items at auction than to personally attend train meets nowadays. Also, I might add that I don't buy much on "The bay" anymore as the majority of items are common, listed as buy-it-now and way overpriced.
I buy from Stout often. Their post sale support is great. I bought a lot that had multiple cars and the description said all had the OBs, but one did not. I called about that and they gave me a partial refund. I also bought what I thought was an engine, and the description said as much. It was at a very nice, but not super nice price. Since it was cheaper than I expected, I looked up the model number and discovered it was a dummy engine. Before they invoiced me and sent it, I called them to say I would never have bought it if I knew it was a dummy engine. They admitted the description should have said as much so they canceled the sale.
Regarding prices, it’s clear there’s a buyer’s premium tacked on, and I don’t think their shipping is higher than other similar businesses.
I've won bids for items with both houses, they're both about the same, Generally, I get what I want, but I'll be paying dearly for it, IMHO, Cabin Fever usually has higher packing and shipping costs than Stout.
Tommy
Shipping cost are high but they do pack it well. I have picked things up from them a few times, each time saying never again since they are in the middle of no where. Then I see more I have to have.
Scott Smith
I have had good results from both. First class on their service when there has been a problem (minor). Be careful on the mixed scale sales. I ended up with a G scale crane car that I thought was an O. The use of the ubiquitous ink pen in their pictures is helpful for picking scale, but not always present.
Good people.
Jerry
I've won a few auctions at Stout's. I've found their descriptions to be accurate and they generally follow up well when questions are asked. One exception was the time I asked about a common reproduction item that is known for having paint issues - they wouldn't remove it from the styrofoam to look at it - if it had paint issues then the winning bid was way too high. After buyer's premium (I hate that concept), I find their prices to be high, but there are a lot of well-heeled bidders out there - just look at their recent auction of really old trains - I'm not willing to compete with that. IMO, their shipping charges are fair considering that they pack extremely well. I also sold some LGB items through them a few years ago and was very pleased with the outcome - I netted about the same money as selling on ebay, but without the hassle and risk of returns.
I've been reluctant to bid aggressively at Cabin Fever because their descriptions lack sufficient detail to be able to feel comfortable about the item's condition, so I've never bought anything from them.
IMO, the current high prices for collectible trains reflect the desire of aging and wealthy collectors trying to complete their collections. I'm a little farther from the finish line (hopefully!), so I'll wait until those items resurface in a few years. Or not. I also think that a lot of bidders aren't really considering the buyer's premium when they bid, but it's their money.
I have bought from Stout (great photos and fair descriptions) but never from Log cabin ( poor descriptions and lousy photos) the other reason is unknown shipping costs.
I also disagree with credit info up front from Log Cabin.
Gunny
I have won items from Stouts, Trainz, and ebay (of course) but never Cabin Fever as they have not listed anything (yet) that I am interested in. Stouts packs quite well, nothing from them has arrived damaged. I did receive one item from Trainz that arrived with some bent handrails but they were easily straightened. Overall, I have been reasonably successful with my auction purchases.
One thing that amazes me is the early bidding on some of the Stouts auction; one item that I saw several hours after the auction was first opened for online bidding had already exceeded its estimated high by a significant amount! 
When following a Stouts auction I sometimes place an absolute minimum bid as place marker/reminder for when the auction goes live.
As an addendum to my post above regarding Cabin Fever, the second link, in short describes two instances with widely varying pre-shipment charges. The gist of the examples I provided is that lots of equipment that includes their original boxes will often cost significantly less to pack+ship than lots of unboxed items, as the latter will incur additional labor and materials to make them ready for inclusion in the shipping carton.
---PCJ
@ScoutingDad posted:I really miss being able to get up to the Great Train Show in DuPage County, now I am 3 hours away and at least 2 hours from anything going on in the Detroit area. Bummer, not much selection up in Grand Rapids area. Found a wonderful LHS here but don't just do not ask for O.
Have you checked out this show?:
It's coming up this weekend. There are other shows in Kalamazoo and Midland as well. No need to drive many hours.
Mike
Attachments
Images (1)
@Mellow Hudson Mike Thanks for the reminder. I'll get over there.
Even though it's been a few years now, at one point I was getting some items from Stout. I do want to go back to their auctions, but right now I can't do it because of my financial situation. I did get some pretty good deals on some of the stuff I got. I also like looking at how much Postwar items, especially the rare ones, go for. And let's just say we got our cheapskates, but we also got our people who are apparently out of control with their money, haha!
I won one item from Cabin Fever, never from Stout but I have bid on way more Stout items. They have just sold for much higher than I bid. The item from Cabin Fever was just as described and pictured and packed extremely well. The extra fees of the buyers premium, the shipping and packing are clearly spelled out but they add up quickly especially on a large item. I doubt I'll win many more items from either place but I enjoy looking at all they have in the auctions.
I think the post war Lionel stuff on Stout is what the majority of buyers are after. If there was something I really wanted that was in good shape, I had to open my wallet big time. However it seems to me that modern era, command stuff does not go for the same uplift.
@texgeekboy posted:However it seems to me that modern era, command stuff does not go for the same uplift.
Just in Stout auctions, or in general?
Mike
Sorry, I’ve never done any other online auction, even on eBay.
Like anything else pricing depends on the particular item. On Stout you can go back and look at the selling prices of goods from past auctions. I would disagree with the lack of Modern Trains Interest on Stout. I have zero interest in more post war -although I do have a few post and prewar items.
Here are a few real results on my watch list: remember to add 18% and shipping to these items for total cost. Note how much over the estimates these items went for - except the Weaver Morning Train.
I suppose its up to you to decide on whether "there is the same uplift". BTW if anyone is willing to part with their CTA 6200 (aaRP) let me know.
March 9, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Lot 178: Rail King CTA 6200 Subway Set W/Proto 2.0 & Add On 2 Car Set
Estimate: $20 - $250 Sold: $775 Original Retail Price $399
March 9, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Lot 180: Nine MTH Freight Cars. MTHRRC, Santa Fe, UP, Erie Lackawanna, Railgon, CN, C&O, Crane Tender, Crane Car, Reefer, Spreader, Box Car, Gondola, Hopper
Estimate: $20 - $150 Sold: $225
March 9, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Lot 189: MTH 20-6559 METRA Passenger Four Car Set
Estimate: $20 - $150 Sold: $575
March 9, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Lot 313: Weaver 3-Rail Brass QC-1080LP Milwaukee Road Hiawatha 4-6-4 Hudson Steam Locomotive & Tender W/Proto
Estimate: $20 - $400 Sold: $725
March 9, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Lot 342: Two Western Hobby Craft Johnstown Brass Trolleys
Estimate: $20 - $200 Sold: $275
February 9, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Lot 17: Twelve Atlas Box Cars. SOO Line, Susquehanna, Southern Pacific, NYC, Santa Fe, Union Pacific
Estimate: $20 - $200 Sold: $525
November 17, 2022 10:00 AM EST
Lot 4417: Weaver 2 Rail Milwaukee Road Hiawatha "Morning Train" Five Car Passenger Set
Estimate: $20 - $500 Sold: $425
Never. I gave up
@ScoutingDad posted:I would disagree with the lack of Modern Trains Interest on Stout.
Here are a few real results on my watch list: remember to add 18% and shipping to these items for total cost. Note how much over the estimates these items went for - except the Weaver Morning Train.
I'm with @ScoutingDad on this. Check out his examples.
My examples come from the selling side. I had recently consigned a substantial number of lots (in Stout's January's Modern auction, I believe on the 12th if I remember correctly.)
About 1/3 sold at prices coming in below my expectations, a second third came in above my expectations, and the last third came in substantially above my expectations.
You could also substitute for my word "expectations" the phrase "high end of the bid estimate range" and my results came out the same.
Overall I did very well, because the buyers bid up very, very nicely on so many items.
My Conclusions: Modern is at least as strong as Pre- or Post-War, and Stout is quite good at what they do.
Mike
@ScoutingDad posted:...snip...March 9, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Lot 178: Rail King CTA 6200 Subway Set W/Proto 2.0 & Add On 2 Car Set
Estimate: $20 - $250 Sold: $775 Original Retail Price $399
I recently saw one of those sets (plus the two-car add-on set) with the seller wanting $3,000.00!
@ScoutingDad posted:...snip... March 9, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Lot 342: Two Western Hobby Craft Johnstown Brass Trolleys
Estimate: $20 - $200 Sold: $275 ...snip...
An excellent price if they were complete; $137.50 each.
@PRRMP54 posted:I recently saw one of those sets (plus the two-car add-on set) with the seller wanting $3,000.00!
An excellent price if they were complete; $137.50 each.
Here is an example of historical prices sometimes not being a good metric for today's pricing.
Two items I bought, the Chicago EL's are hard to find, the trolleys come available from time to time. All it takes is one other person wanting an item as badly as you do and up it goes.
5/27/2019 Trainz MTH 30-2755-1 Chicago Bicentennial 4-Car 6200 Subway Set $271.75
1/24/2022 Cabin Fever Hobby Craft Morrellville Trolley $140 / $161 w/premium (great shape)
BTW I've posted videos and photos of both.
@ScoutingDad posted:Here is an example of historical prices sometimes not being a good metric for today's pricing.
Two items I bought, the Chicago EL's are hard to find, the trolleys come available from time to time. All it takes is one other person wanting an item as badly as you do and up it goes.
5/27/2019 Trainz MTH 30-2755-1 Chicago Bicentennial 4-Car 6200 Subway Set $271.75
1/24/2022 Cabin Fever Hobby Craft Morrellville Trolley $140 / $161 w/premium (great shape)
BTW I've posted videos and photos of both.
Looks like you got decent deals on both.
@texgeekboy posted:I think the post war Lionel stuff on Stout is what the majority of buyers are after. If there was something I really wanted that was in good shape, I had to open my wallet big time. However it seems to me that modern era, command stuff does not go for the same uplift.
I suspect that your observation might be skewed by some recent Stout sales of postwar stuff in primo condition, which commands quite a premium. Some really pristine items have passed through there lately. IMO, the modern era command stuff at auction brings pretty good money relative to what I see at train shows.
Bought from them and others. Never a bad experience except one time from CF. They failed to mention the item was damaged and used, when they described it as mint.
I like Stout, Ralston and the others. In fact my most recent win was from Stout, and I won a giant 3' x 7' Vinyl Banner that says "Welcome to the World of Lionel Trains" with the L Logo, that hung in the Lionel Factories and Richard Kughns Collection.
Since I collect Lionel Dealer Displays, Posters, Advertising Etc, that win was epic :-) I will post photos soon,
I have been buying from cabin fever auctions for years and have never seen them grade their items. Stout auctions do grade their items
@trainbob posted:I have been buying from cabin fever auctions for years and have never seen them grade their items. Stout auctions do grade their items
Without knowing the condition, how does one know how much to bid?
Bought many large heavy steam engines and passenger sets from each. Pros are you can get an idea of how cared for by the auction lots. Find comps on eBay or trains. Cons The shipping can be challenging for them and lead to returns of damaged items that while shipping is paid, take a lot and I mean a lot of your time. This has happened not all that infrequently to the point I look for original packing and shipping box. But even then it does still occur due to usps. But I still like the auction for lower prices of odessy tmcc steamers, brass and out of production mth passenger sets!
I judge the pictures, paint condition, signs of rust, condition of the wheels or rollers, and when mentioned, the C grade level influences me. Being able to watch the auction live is a problem sometimes. I missed a Stout item that belonged in the Richard Kughn Collection and that is absolutely on me. I like the advance notices from Stout and the way their auctions go by so quickly. I have days to decide what I like, how much am I comfortable bidding, and I consider shipping as part of the price.
My days with the 'other well known auction site' are over and done with, its okay by me when bidders actions are shown, but the lurking snipers who cast their bid at the last second turn me off. Now, on the rare occasions i search there I only look in the BUY NOW category.
Other auction house that have been mentioned in this thread are appreciated, thank you for the tips.
Eddie, Thank you for posting this question!
The best item I won from an auction was an MTH Premier PS2 Western Maryland Russian Decapod from the MTH Warehouse auctions via Cabin Fever. I had wanted one for a long time, but new or used was more than I was prepared to spend. Adding in shipping and auction cost, I still got it for less than I had ever seen a used one asking price. The engine was complete as stated on the auction site, ran beautifully the first time I tried it, and is still running great!
I did win a couple other lesser items from the MTH Warehouse Cabin Fever auctions. In addition, I have wone a couple of freight cars from Stout.
