Looking for Guidance/Advise

Harry J.

  I know you really want this engine, I hate to tell you this, but I never purchase a P2 engine off e-bay, one there is no MTH guarantee on your MTH P2 when purchased 2nd hand, and you really have no idea if the engine was ever dropped or damaged.  Find one at a dealer who will guarantee the engine really works correctly. 

PCRR/Dave

Have to agree with Dave. You are dealing with the chance that all might not be right with the unit. If so, other than the seller rectifying the problem to your satisfaction, you will not have much of a leg to stand on. This could leave a very bad "taste in your mouth". Looking that long tells me you really want the engine. Spend the extra $'s and get one new (presuming you can find one) from a reputable source.

Henry I agree with the rest of the guys

Henry whats the item number you're looking for

Alex

I agree with the posters above. I have also looked at that model on the Bay (Reading Railroad T-1 #2124, MTH item #20-3130-1), and I personally think he is asking a bit too much for it. Although 330 scale miles is really no big deal, my opinion a "buy it now price of $749" is too much for a "used" version of that model.

I really appreciate the input. People here are always so help full. Hot Water, that is the locomotive and MTH part number. What other things should a be aware of for any Premier PS2 purchase?

Finding one new from a dealer, I don't see that happening. I have tried MTH's product locater, to no avail. I have seen a couple at York from private owners, but again to many dollars for a used locomotive. And they were not willing to budge on their price. (still wishing I had the money back in 2007 when I saw it at Just trains in Newark, DE.)

I'll keep searching. Maybe some day.

Thanks again.

Henry J

The seller has 202 feedback with a 99.4% positive rating. That would make me a little nervous however, if you read the negative feedback it supposedly was left before he could satisfy the purchaser. He mainly sells trains and gives a 14 day money back promise, you pay the return shipping. I don't know how hard it this to find this loco but if you've been looking for awhile, I would probably take a shot at it, but only because you can get most of your money back.

Henry, I have a different opinion. So far I have bought about 20 Rail King locomotives with PS 2.0 from eBay sellers and not once have I received a dead one.

However, I am careful to buy only from sellers who state that they have tested the locomotive, and sellers with a reasonable return policy. Also be sure that the seller posts the manufacturer's part number because if what you get doesn't match the manufacturer's description, then you have grounds to have eBay go after the seller. Also avoid sellers that do not answer questions promptly.

Beware of phrases like:

> I am not a train person, so I don't know if it works;

> For an additional fee we will have our technician checkout the locomotive;

> Like new C8 condition but not tested;

> It was working when I put it away;

> Rating less than 98%;

> Needs a battery;

> Only runs forward;

> Smoke, lights or coupler don't work.

I feel most confident when I buy from sellers on the OGR Forum. If what you want is not listed on the forum, use the wanted Forum.

Stay away from Craig's list!!!!!!!!!

I really don't think that there are ANY "things to be aware of" specifically for an MTH PS 2 model. For example, last December I finally found an MTH Union Pacific 9000 class 4-12-2, at a well known hobby shop up in the Milwaukee, WI area. It was "used" with pretty low milage, he quoted me what I considered a fair price, so I purchased it. They shipped it to me so I beat the Sales tax. It runs great, and I just got it back from my buddy's weathering shop. I feel that I purchased the model cheap enough, that if something failed with the electronics, I could still afford to have it repaired as required, and would not have spent "too much" overall.

That is pretty much how you need to look at these "transactions", in my opinion.

I may try contacting him with an offer that includes the shipping, with regards to what has been said here about pricing. I he can do is say 'no thank you'. Right?

Henry J

On the whole, I think E-bay is a fine source for buying.  I've bought many items, including several engines, and have never had an issue.

Before I decide to buy, if I have any concerns, I use the feature within the auction to ask the seller questions.  I suggest you do this, and put into writing anything you are concerned about or perhaps would like him/her to clarify, just to have it somewhere on the record.  Then take the plunge, if you think this is the item and price you want to go with.

Personally, I've actually had more problems (very few, maybe 3) buying an engine at a TCA sanctioned train show and then not knowing from whom I bought the item that gave me trouble or knowing and needing to go through several steps to get my problem satisfied.

Good luck.  That's a nice engine, and yes, it can be tough to locate.

Bobby Ogage and Hot Water,

 I appreciate the comments. I had posted on the want board a year or so ago for this locomotive and the later offering of the Western Maryland H-9 Consolidation. Haven't seen anything since. But, I have been busy and haven't checked back in a couple of months. Guess I should do that.

Henry J

Much good advice above.

Only thing I would add in general is to be careful if someone only lists the TCA grading and does not indicate functionality.  TCA grading specifically states is is physical appearance (scratch, broken, dent, paint screw ups, dirty, etc), whether the unit functions properly is not part of the formal definition.

You seller seems to imply functionality since he is mentioning the scale miles.

-Dave

I do not purchase motive power on Ebay.  I did one time and it came broken.  The seller blamed me for it and then he found out his son dropped it, put it in the box and shipped it.  First time & last time for me.  A lot of money to spend for a pig in a poke IMHO. 

I have purchased quite a few PS-2 Railking & Premier engines on ebay over the years and never had a problem with any of them. As mentioned, you have to read the description carefully, check the seller's history and the return policy. Ask questions when in doubt. I have picked up some pretty good deals. I have also purchased "dead" PS 2 engines for a great price and been able to make them work. Based on the description, sometimes it only needs a reset or a plug to the board has come loose. Sometimes people are too scared to pop the shell to check for loose wires. The only question with the T-1 is whether the price is reasonable or not based on usage, condition and availability.

Mike