Has anyone had any luck with engines actually being in good running condition from these MTH warehouse sales? I haven't purchased any myself, but have seen mostly poor reviews.
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It’s like buying a scratch-off ticket at the gas station. Only this time the tickets can cost a couple of hundred bucks. 
(I did not win anything the one time I played.)
Yes. I purchased a production sample that had ProtoSound 3.0 and it was in perfect shape and runs beautifully. The only issue, if you can call it that, was that it comes up as a generic 2-8-0 and not the specific articulated/compound that it was. However, it had the correct sounds, dual chuff for two cylinder sets, quill-able proto whistle, and all the soft keys work correctly.
I should also note I got that item for about 50% of what the retail was on it, including the auction fee and shipping to Maryland.
@rplst8 posted:Yes. I purchased a production sample that had ProtoSound 3.0 and it was in perfect shape and runs beautifully. The only issue, if you can call it that, was that it comes up as a generic 2-8-0 and not the specific articulated/compound that it was. However, it had the correct sounds, dual chuff for two cylinder sets, quill-able proto whistle, and all the soft keys work correctly.
Also, I should warn you... look at the photos carefully, and ask questions or go look in person if you are unsure.
Do they have parts beside the locos, etc?
@Tinplate Art posted:Do they have parts beside the locos, etc?
Cabin Fever Auctions is one of our sponsors, take a moment click on their link above, and peruse the auctions for what you might be looking for,..
Pat
I Have Brought 2 loco’s the 1st was from the second Warehouse auction. I brought Frisco Meteor 4-8-4 ps2 northern And it worked perfect out the box only thing was wrong is it had the Atlantic coast line Atlantic coast line PFA Announcement witch is not big deal but it had the correct whistle and it works perfectly and sounds amazing. it’s also louder then a Lionel legacy Engines but nonetheless it works my second Was ps2 PRR 2-8-0 I Was thinking it was gonna to work and it didn’t it had problems right out the box. the sound was low and cracking and it was sparking and there was bad battery smell coming from the tinder I put a new battery in and ran around but was jurking around and pause sometime so I sent it off to be fixed Im still waiting on it to be fixed.
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@Tinplate Art posted:Do they have parts beside the locos, etc?
What you see is what you get. If it's missing parts you're on your own to find them.
Got it and THANKS! Probably will just try Hennings for SG parts.
I purchased a couple of their "pilot" model steam locomotives years ago when they were introducing the 3/2 rail convertible system. Both continue to run like new and have never disappointed me. Plus they are a conversation piece when people come over to see them run. With Atlas taking over some of the production, maybe the prices will not be sky high if people do not see the trains as instant collectors items. Good luck, happy hunting!
@rplst8 posted:Also, I should warn you... look at the photos carefully, and ask questions or go look in person if you are unsure.
A couple of their auctions back I asked about a listing, several days prior to closing, but got no response so I passed on it.
Man, take a long at this #40 • MTH RK SANTA FE F3 A-UNIT #30-4187-1E PROD SAMPLE/PROTOTYPE OB on the Cabin Fever MTH liquidation auction:
From the condition of the box and the scratches on the locomotive, it looks like MTH put this locomotive through the " AFORDABLE and DURABLE" test.
@Madockawando posted:Man, take a long at this #40 • MTH RK SANTA FE F3 A-UNIT #30-4187-1E PROD SAMPLE/PROTOTYPE OB on the Cabin Fever MTH liquidation auction:
From the condition of the box and the scratches on the locomotive, it looks like MTH put this locomotive through the " AFORDABLE and DURABLE" test.
There was an engine we were interested in the first or second auction, until we viewed all the images and saw a about 1" diameter hole in the nose. 😄
@BobbyD posted:There was an engine we were interested in the first or second auction, until we viewed all the images and saw a about 1" diameter hole in the nose. 😄
All real treasures from deep in warehouse for sure. 😁But, I am sure there a few diamonds too.
Read their terms and conditions before you bid.
Very good advice! These are not production units. I don’t think all of them run. But they are a bit of history and a conversation piece.
Rule of thumb with these MTH warehouse auctions: assume the item doesn't work and bid accordingly.
In all honesty you can probably get a better deal on PS1 versions and up grade them in some cases. I think there's a lot of speculation going on here as people are buying stuff up to try and hold onto because they think the value will go up.
I have been happy with all my purchases, but I have stayed away from motive power just because of the concerns on if they work or not. All of the rolling stock and accessories I have purchased have been as advertised
Bill
@Lou1985 posted:Rule of thumb with these MTH warehouse auctions: assume the item doesn't work and bid accordingly.
In all honesty you can probably get a better deal on PS1 versions and up grade them in some cases. I think there's a lot of speculation going on here as people are buying stuff up to try and hold onto because they think the value will go up.
It’s not a sound bet to buy trains as an investment. These MTH warehouse finds are curiosities and conversation pieces and it’s a bonus if you find one that runs. But as a speculative investment, no chance.
Everyone should quit bidding on these engines. I found 3 good buys and all work. Last couple of auctions the bids went too high for risk of needing repair. If everyone would quit bidding maybe I could get another good buy. 
Just kiddin' of course.
As discussed many of these items are MTH concept, prototype, pre-production or train show / display items. Depending upon your interest you may be purchasing a slightly used display piece or a unique piece of history. These concept and prototype pieces are mostly unique items often sold with notes, comments of the sample and dates. The very few that I have purchased do not exactly match any production model. Some of the listings I have seen have been quite clear in the photographed notes about smells, crackling noises and etc. Buy carefully when the next couple of full auctions come around and have fun. I was told this past week that Cabin Fever has quite a bit more to sell.
@Madockawando posted:It’s not a sound bet to buy trains as an investment. These MTH warehouse finds are curiosities and conversation pieces and it’s a bonus if you find one that runs. But as a speculative investment, no chance.
Of course it's a bad idea to buy trains as an investment. Some people however think it is, and drive up the prices of non functional models for "investment" or just to have something different. I'd prefer they didn't, so I can pay $200 for a broken $1500 locomotive that I can put back together for $100 and get running on my layout 
.
Of the 6 I've bought so far 5 have run perfectly, the 6th one was listed as not running properly. That was Railking F3 with a bad motor, a quick trip through my parts bin and now it also runs great. I was really expecting to buy all of these for parts and boards but as that they all run good I don't think I want to salvage any of them out.
There are obvious things to look for especially when they give photos of the bottom side of engine and/or tender. Missing charge ports, volume/smoke POTS, and missing couplers are a dead give away that it doesn't work. It's tough to see that sometimes so always be wary and remember that these haven't been sold on the open market for a reason.
As for an investment, go buy guns & ammo or add to your 401K. Very very few trains, including these warehouse items will appreciate in value in the near future or ever.
I really wanted some unpainted tin. Some of it sold at a reasonable price. I had and still have no interest in painting or decorating this stuff but simply wanted it for its intrinsic design value to me. Those sales occurred before I understood these were occurring.
John, I purchased a Premier Western Maryland Fireball Russian Decapod that runs great. Everything works just right.
@John Ptak posted:Has anyone had any luck with engines actually being in good running condition
I have a buddy that bought a couple. He ASSUMED that they were PS2 or PS3. Both turned out to be early "MT" whistle/bell conventional. FWIW, yes they run.
Nice video Rob. 🤓
The Frisco Meteor 4-8-4 looks and sounds great. Nice purchase. 😉
@WRW posted:I really wanted some unpainted tin. Some of it sold at a reasonable price. I had and still have no interest in painting or decorating this stuff but simply wanted it for its intrinsic design value to me. Those sales occurred before I understood these were occurring.
The painter/layout designer had a room full of unpainted tinplate. Either Perry at the Toy Exchange or Cabin Fever just got them. Keep an eye out on the auction sites.
