arriving from Atlas

Don't know why but the Natty Bo seems to be a collector's item if eBay auction prices are a barometer.

IMHO...and i mean in my opinion only......Ebay has been increasingly become people who dont know what they are selling, selling to people who dont know what they are buying.   Personally I've stayed off of ebay for both buying and selling...

Buying....its such a crap shoot.   Stuff is not described correctly, ppl dont know what they are selling, and yes, in some cases ppl have just taken my money and nothing was ever received.   Im my case, free time is something in dont have, so dealing with returns and stuff is just something i really dont have time for.

Selling.....first of all, ebay takes about 15% of the purchase price, which is a lot.  2nd....just too many ppl who dont know what they are buying, or have way out of the box expectations.    The day that I stopped using ebay (like 10 years ago?)  , the number of problems with orders and not satisfied customers dropped by 90%.

Now, I realize im gonna get a lot of blow back here.  Many of u im sure have been very happy with your purchases on the bay.  You odds of not having an issue are a lot less when u just buy a few things a year.   When u sell a lot of stuff...its just a mess that, IMHO, u need a lot of extra time to deal with.

Im thinking of going back to ebay just to unload some stuff here that needs to move on.....but idk....

As Sy Sims said 50 years ago..."An educated consumer is our best customer"

beth

I check auction prices daily. An MTH Premier 50' hi-cube boxcar, Atlas Master 60' Berwick hi-cube boxcar, any Atlas Master well cars (Twin Stacks or Maxi IV's) sell for top dollar. I've found some good deals on 2 rail but with close to 40 engines and over 200 freight cars the days of buying something just because it can be had for a great price are over.

It's nice to see Atlas finally delivering on some overdue items. I just got 4 89' flat cars that were announced 3 years ago. Hopefully they can make a smooth transition from their current factories to MTH and start producing Trainman and Master motive power. The emphasis has been on the Premier models they acquired from MTH last year.

You will not get blow back from me concerning above post. I look at prewar and postwar trains on the bay almost daily. Being retired i can, nowadays many folks describe there items like an engine in EX condition then after looking at a bent cab roof i move on.

Seems like it has become pretty common, once in a great while there is a decent deal to be had but not so much anymore as i have been a member since 1996 on the bay.

Just my thoughts.

Im thinking of going back to ebay just to unload some stuff here that needs to move on.....but idk....

I'll be doing that soon; pile of stuff that I've carted to too many shows that I can't sell.  It all goes away on eBay, and that's the objective - make it go away...

As for Atlas offerings, I'd be interested in an NE class:

Not aware that anyone has ever produced an NE in any form.

@mwb posted:

I'll be doing that soon; pile of stuff that I've carted to too many shows that I can't sell.  It all goes away on eBay, and that's the objective - make it go away...

As for Atlas offerings, I'd be interested in an NE class:

Not aware that anyone has ever produced an NE in any form.

I think this is close as u can get to the above caboose..

https://www.publicdeliverytrac...&section=product

Wish Atlas would get back to their tooling and do more 36' and 40' billboard reefers.

I wish Atlas would do more of the Trainman Line.  IMHO...some of the premier cars are no more detailed than the trainman cars, but are 15. to 20. a car more than the trainman counterpart, and have less of a discount.    Some of the Atlas premier cars I now have avbl for 65. a car, which is what I think they are worth for what they are.

I'd like to see the 89' flatcars done in BNSF to make a plane train and some more TTX as they are hard to find. Also, Beth which cars did you mark down?

@Beth Marshall-The Public Delivery Track posted:

I think this is close as u can get to the above caboose..

https://www.publicdeliverytrac...&section=product

That's a rough copy of an ND, sort of, kind of, maybe... Got any undecorated?

Have to add those 4 small windows, rework the platforms, rip off the cupola and replace it with something scratch, and then probably replace those truck pedestals to get to something close to an NE.  Probably easier to just track down a Gloor Craft kit for a PRR bobber and just use that as raw materials and a starting point.

Marty,

Try the Atlas Bobber from the early 70's.  It would be good place to start.

Cheers,

Ed

I agree completely with Beth'.. I have purchased brand new items from train stores for a considerable amount of less money, than the same used item offered on EBay with out the headache of waiting for an auction to end'..

@mwb posted:

That's a rough copy of an ND, sort of, kind of, maybe... Got any undecorated?

Have to add those 4 small windows, rework the platforms, rip off the cupola and replace it with something scratch, and then probably replace those truck pedestals to get to something close to an NE.  Probably easier to just track down a Gloor Craft kit for a PRR bobber and just use that as raw materials and a starting point.

All I got is Santa Fe and a few PRR and maybe a rio grande.  Lionel bought the tooling from MTH for the bobber, and has raised the retail price to $120!   A few things Lionel has recently brought the prices back down to something reasonable, IMHO anyway.

Also...HELLO  LIONEL....Your MOQ on special run freight and passenger cars, is double what everyone else is doing, and the industry norm.  Thats why no one is doing any Lionel special runs on freight or passenger cars....as much as would like to...

Im just sayin....

thanks

beth

Oh....and yea....I do have a few of the Atlas/Roco 1970's Bobber cabooses around here.  25 bucks if u want one.....altho if u hunt around, u can probably find them cheaper.

beth

@Beth Marshall-The Public Delivery Track posted:

All I got is Santa Fe and a few PRR and maybe a rio grande.  Lionel bought the tooling from MTH for the bobber, and has raised the retail price to $120! 

Makes an old Thomas cast metal one that you can re-detail at 1/3 that price a great bargain!

@Beth Marshall-The Public Delivery Track

Today a post was started by @vash44.

New Model Suggestion: O Master Line 64' Trinity Reefer (Tropicana, UP) | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum (ogaugerr.com)

He posted the picture of a Tropicana HO Master 64' Trinity Reefer.  The question is when we will see this in O Scale.  Multiply people were excited about the prospect.

Is it possible you could help push this Reefer?

Thank you.

I will mention that I have passed along the thread to Drew @Atlas O. He was kind in his reply and said he would pass along the request.

Maybe Beth can help us and make this a reality! They would look good alongside all of the other PDT custom runs.

FWIW....MTH just did the tropicana 60' reefer in 4 different Tropicana schemes just a few years ago. We still have some in stock... I might still have some with the Orange on the LH side....Id have to go look.

Weaver also made Tropicana 57' mech reefers years ago...

https://www.publicdeliverytrac...&section=product

Not that I want to throw water on your excitement....but Anyone can just buy the MTH ones right now.

There are other things that Im trying to get Atlas to do, that have truely never been done in  O gauge (scale sized) before.

beth

@Beth Marshall-The Public Delivery Track posted:

There are other things that Im trying to get Atlas to do, that have truely never been done in  O gauge (scale sized) before.

Best of luck on that effort!

Hey Beth, the reefer in the image is the newer reefers that have the external truck-style cooling system. Here is the other end one of the ones made in HO by Atlas. These have never been made before in O gauge or scale and would require a new tooling. I've been lobbying to get Lionel to use either their tooling or the weaver tooling to make some of the 57' reefers with the UP ARMN paint scheme. What cars are you trying to get Atlas to make (if you can share)?

@Beth Marshall-The Public Delivery Track posted:

FWIW....MTH just did the tropicana 60' reefer in 4 different Tropicana schemes just a few years ago. We still have some in stock... I might still have some with the Orange on the LH side....Id have to go look.

Weaver also made Tropicana 57' mech reefers years ago...

https://www.publicdeliverytrac...&section=product

Not that I want to throw water on your excitement....but Anyone can just buy the MTH ones right now.

There are other things that Im trying to get Atlas to do, that have truely never been done in  O gauge (scale sized) before.

beth

@Beth Marshall-The Public Delivery Track

Thank you for your response. I understand. However, no one has created the Tropicana in the correct length, trim or paint until Atlas did it with their HO unit.

I understand your priorities. Your website is fantastic. I run the Providence & Worcester box cars I purchased from you many years ago. They are excellent Atlas produces.

All I can ask is if you will keep us in mind about this Tropicana reefer.

Thank you.

Wood

Thx for the info.  Yes, the newest reefers have the external frig motors, etc.   I will certainly keep it in mind.

beth

@Beth Marshall-The Public Delivery Track posted:

IMHO...and i mean in my opinion only......Ebay has been increasingly become people who dont know what they are selling, selling to people who dont know what they are buying.   Personally I've stayed off of ebay for both buying and selling...

I bought and sold on eBay back in the very early days when it was a much easier, free of expense, and friendlier site to use. Gave up on eBay entirely about 10 or so years ago and don't even visit the site anymore. Simply too much hassle (and expense) to deal with. I have done VERY well just selling trains on the OGR Forum and, in a few cases, to folks who are members of some of the special interest groups (O, On30, Large Scale, and Z) that I belong to on Facebook.

My FB experience has been the same as Allan's on FB. General market place not so much but when using the special interest groups, G scale in my case, I've had good dealings with the members of those groups.

I am really disappointed in Ebay since the last time they "upgraded" the site. When I am looking at the Brass section, I don't want Lionel plastic. Usually there 3000+ listings in the brass section, not 10,000.

I don't get it.

Dick

There are other things that Im trying to get Atlas to do, that have truely never been done in  O gauge (scale sized) before.

beth

I wish Atlas would go in the deep end to have molds created to make 18" Viewliners to match the 18" MTH Amfleet cars they still make.  I might be inclined to pay $550 for a 4 car set Viewliners consisting of 2 sleepers, a diner, and a baggage car and $300 for an add on set consisting of a dorm/baggage and sleeper and a Theatre/Inspection car with a camera for $250.

@CBQer posted:

I am really disappointed in Ebay since the last time they "upgraded" the site. When I am looking at the Brass section, I don't want Lionel plastic. Usually there 3000+ listings in the brass section, not 10,000.

I don't get it.

Dick

As far as I can tell, its the latest from the internet "brain trust"  ....when ever u search, they give u the most stuff they possibly can...like that will increase the chances that u will buy something.  Its gotten WAY out of hand.    Sooner or later someone will discover that its turning customers off, but IDk how long that will take...

@Chas posted:

I wish Atlas would go in the deep end to have molds created to make 18" Viewliners to match the 18" MTH Amfleet cars they still make.  I might be inclined to pay $550 for a 4 car set Viewliners consisting of 2 sleepers, a diner, and a baggage car and $300 for an add on set consisting of a dorm/baggage and sleeper and a Theatre/Inspection car with a camera for $250.

Viewliners would be a good idea, but IDK if anyone wants to do the capital outlay, as its only amtk and 1 scheme, unless u want to do a lot of fantasy schemes.    Maybe if they use the basic amfleet frames and trucks, they could keep the initial investment down.....but I still think they would have to sell at least 500 sets to break even, and thats a lot.

But who knows.  Lionel might do it, but their price would be in the $900 a set range, IMHO.

Tapered off on selling on eBay. Don't FB. Sold a cell phone cover for maybe $7, worked hard to get the shipping cost down, so no delivery confirmation, buyer claims never received it. That started a new rule, if I can't get $15 for it, its either Goodwill, or straight into the garbage can. Even going to the show in Wheaton, IL to sell (or buy) costs money, and, marriage points.

Ever notice how eBay will show you the same item twice in a search? Sort by price, and they give you a message something like "We narrowed your search results ... " LOL you liars, you removed the duplicates so it isn't so obvious.

Still waiting for an Atlas Indiana Harbor Belt caboose bought from Beth.

@Beth Marshall-The Public Delivery Track posted:

IMHO...and i mean in my opinion only......Ebay has been increasingly become people who dont know what they are selling, selling to people who dont know what they are buying. 

As Sy Sims said 50 years ago..."An educated consumer is our best customer"

beth

I don't disagree with what you're saying, but I'm finding that now applies to pretty much any place that sells second-hand stuff.

There's a couple of "antique malls" in my area, and any model train related stuff is typically way over priced: $20 for HO scale plastic freight car(s); $95 for American Flyer #302, 307 4-4-2s.

Without eBay, I would have very little...(although I now probably have too much!)

Mark in Oregon

@illinoiscentral posted:

Still waiting for an Atlas Indiana Harbor Belt caboose bought from Beth.

Im still waiting for them to come from Atlas....

beth

Hello Beth,

Just wondering if you ever miss the Brown hall at York?!!

ECI

Selling  at York was fun.  It was all the prep and tear down that was the killer.   It was 2 weeks of time  all together....time and energy I just dont have anymore.

We also had problems getting enough vendors to pack the hall, when the economy was not so good.

It  was actually really nice that we had so much space, and a very relaxed atmosphere,   If we were still on the east coast, I would probably still be setting up at york...but those days are past.....

@Allan Miller posted:

I bought and sold on eBay back in the very early days when it was a much easier, free of expense, and friendlier site to use. Gave up on eBay entirely about 10 or so years ago and don't even visit the site anymore. Simply too much hassle (and expense) to deal with. I have done VERY well just selling trains on the OGR Forum and, in a few cases, to folks who are members of some of the special interest groups (O, On30, Large Scale, and Z) that I belong to on Facebook.

I still use Ebay from time to time, but it has gotten overly expensive, with fees nearly 15%, as mentioned by Beth above. Really takes a big bite out of what you end up getting. Buying costs more now as well since sales tax has been added, which tax applies not only to the purchase price but also to the shipping cost! I've sold on the Forum as well, although it's heavily populated by bottom feeders.

Fleabay for me just got to be too much trouble. People complaining about shipping fees and trying to get something for way below value. There fees are outrageous and there format keeps changing. I haven’t bought or sold in 6 years and don’t intend to start again. There are many good places to sell like the forum.

@Ed Kelly posted:

Marty,

Try the Atlas Bobber from the early 70's.  It would be good place to start.

Cheers,

Ed

I believe the MTH version is a much sturdier copy of that same bobber caboose.

@Wood posted:

@Beth Marshall-The Public Delivery Track

Today a post was started by @vash44.

New Model Suggestion: O Master Line 64' Trinity Reefer (Tropicana, UP) | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum (ogaugerr.com)

He posted the picture of a Tropicana HO Master 64' Trinity Reefer.  The question is when we will see this in O Scale.  Multiply people were excited about the prospect.

Is it possible you could help push this Reefer?

Thank you.

@Wood posted:

@Beth Marshall-The Public Delivery Track

Today a post was started by @vash44.

New Model Suggestion: O Master Line 64' Trinity Reefer (Tropicana, UP) | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum (ogaugerr.com)

He posted the picture of a Tropicana HO Master 64' Trinity Reefer.  The question is when we will see this in O Scale.  Multiply people were excited about the prospect.

Is it possible you could help push this Reefer?

Thank you.

I've been bugging Atlas about doing them in O for years and never heard anything. I would buy at least half a dozen.

I would be in for multiples of these, in several road names.  

@Allan Miller posted:

I bought and sold on eBay back in the very early days when it was a much easier, free of expense, and friendlier site to use. Gave up on eBay entirely about 10 or so years ago and don't even visit the site anymore. Simply too much hassle (and expense) to deal with. I have done VERY well just selling trains on the OGR Forum and, in a few cases, to folks who are members of some of the special interest groups (O, On30, Large Scale, and Z) that I belong to on Facebook.

eBay is dead. I still try and use it, so far I loose on all counts especially in the last year. 24 years 100% feedback until this last year. 4 negatives in 13 months since 2021 because I wait until eBay gets around and payouts me takes a week…my bank sits on it for 48 hours after that. And… buyers puke up complaints and leave negative feedback and one even canceled after 3 days excepting a showdown using Prime as an example for shipping speed, to heck with that… 😡. Slow shipping no shipping and now a buyer got my Brooklin US Models Mint White semi truck.. looks like he dropped it or another who knows and the buyer protection claimed me. 190 bucks gone. Never mind the 23 bucks in shipping. eBay said figure 30 percent loss like any retail that was 2011, on eBay now it’s more like 50 percent or higher. Give it all away; funny I wish I had the nerve and immoral character to buy from buyers and cheat them, I wouldn’t get by with it. eBay is dead.

PS: eBay will probably sue me for defamation or character assassination for writing that. What a joke the system has become. How sad. Thank you by the way Beth for keeping the fires lit. I’m hopeful in the near future we will see a huge change in how we live. Anything is a step in the right direction, can it get any worse?