Packaging Damage...

Mark, I've had that problem, too.  Very frustrating to see an honest attempt to protect the item end up damaging it.

Unfortunately, there seems to be a contrary need to wrap the item expecting it to be used as a football between the origin and the destination.  and I have gotten packages apparently used to score Hail Mary touchdowns and last minute field goals.

The situation makes a good argument for retaining original packaging--except in those instances when the original packaging allowed or created damage itself.

I have heard of folks who ship engines and other delicate pieces secured solidly to board bases with the bases secured solidly in the packaging, unable to move.  Complicated and expensive, but the method may be worth the trouble for expansive items like that one.

I used to get things back for repair all the time look like they had been in a war zone. I had a recent issue with damage as well no way it happened in shipping. I always hate buy things used and having them shipped for this very reason no one treats or packs there stuff the same way I do.

@Strummer posted:

Most damage I have had has come from the seller wrapping the item so tightly in bubble wrap that small parts get broken off. The most recent example is the C&O 2-6-6-2 (Lionel #6-28075) I got myself for Christmas (😁). The pilot, one of the steps from the front platform to the boiler walkway and the small, scale size front coupler were all broken off, due to the tightness of the bubble wrap (and being die cast, as opposed to say, brass).

Did this not come in the original box and foam cradle? There usually isn't room for bubble wrap within the factory packaging.

If it came without the original packaging. All Bets are off when a heavy locomotive has to survive shipping.

The factory packaging is vital. Especially the foam inserts that go between the wheels and chassis.

I have received items with the bubble wrap too tight and damaged trains many times over the years. Another issue is too much tape. This also causes damage when trying to get the bubble wrap off. I guess it's a no win situation sometimes. You either have the item damaged in transit from improper packaging or possibly from over packing. At least the pieces are all there and a little CA will have everything back in place with a little effort.

That's the plan Michael, thanks! 😁

Mark in Oregon 🎄

@RickO posted:

Did this not come in the original box and foam cradle? There usually isn't room for bubble wrap within the factory packaging.

If it came without the original packaging. All Bets are off when a heavy locomotive has to survive shipping.

The factory packaging is vital. Especially the foam inserts that go between the wheels and chassis.

RickO

No, none of the original packaging was part of the deal. And for what I paid for it, was certainly not expected. 🙂

Again, my point was simply to mention that, in leu of the original packaging, over jealous bubble wrapping can be just as damaging as "under wrapping". Good intentions, but bad execution.

Mark in Oregon 🎄

Fair enough Mark. Hope you can sort everything out, and enjoy your new to you loco!

A delivery person walked up to my door and plopped the box down on its end.

I thought to myself, I hope it is packed good.

It doesn't matter what you write on the box. Pack it with the thought of what it will go thru.

I too have got stuff that broke from shrink wrap applied too tightly ( inside the packing). An Aristo pass cars side frame broke that way.

I had a seller/shipper put a brass locomotive upside down on the bottom of the box and put lots of packing around the sides and on top of the bottom of the locomotive.  Anyone care to guess which part of the locomotive was damaged/crushed?

I purchase a lot online and shipping is a necessary evil. I had a 'first' recently. I purchased a railking dreyfus shipped from Michigan to Pennsylvania. A yellow MTH railking box showed up with some tape and a UPS label. ZERO outer packaging provided. Yes, damage occurred, but luckily it doesn't have much detail to break off as opposed to a scale model. Working with the seller to reach an outcome we are both satisfied with. Luckily it was only $140 including the ($30!) shipping fee. Such is life.

After a couple of not so great experiences with things shipped to me, I have relegated myself to mostly train show purchases.  Without the original packaging it can be quite challenging. 

It used to be easy since as a seller I was at a lot of shows and very early to set up.  So I could wander around and see everything before the public.  But Feb 2019 was my last show, so now for purchases it's York only (a long drive, but quite an experience).  In all cases I'm the shipper, driver, and delivery boy.

@aussteve posted:

After a couple of not so great experiences with things shipped to me, I have relegated myself to mostly train show purchases.  Without the original packaging it can be quite challenging.

It used to be easy since as a seller I was at a lot of shows and very early to set up.  So I could wander around and see everything before the public.  But Feb 2019 was my last show, so now for purchases it's York only (a long drive, but quite an experience).  In all cases I'm the shipper, driver, and delivery boy.

I'm 40 minutes from York and haven't attended due to family obligations with kids ages 2 and 5. Only been in the hobby a few years and a lot of those shows were cancelled. I have the days scheduled off and saving $$ already for spring!

I have also purchased and sold train items via shipping.  I have a bad news/good news story to share.

I have used UPS for most of my sales, using a professional discount rate.  A year ago, I sold a trio of B&O RDC units, which I packed and boxed well.  One of the units was damaged when it arrived. The recipient took some photos and shared with me. The attached photos clearly indicate damage caused by a puncture en route, not by poor wrapping.  I contacted UPS, shared the photos, and the low end prices for the damaged unit as published in Greenburg's guide. After a visual inspection by a UPS agent, I received the listed value of the unit very quickly with no questions asked.  It was within the insured value of the unit, and exceeded the cost of repair.  I forwarded funds for repair to the buyer who was very pleased.

Yes, proper wrapping is essential in shipping for any train item, but when any damage is caused by the shipping agency, the shipper should refund the cost of replacement/repair.  Just be sure to insure the unit, especially those vintage items with high value.

Happy Holidays to all!

Michael

@RickO posted:

Fair enough Mark. Hope you can sort everything out, and enjoy your new to you loco!

Thanks.

Since you mentioned it...😁...I did start a different thread regarding this engine; feel free to offer up suggestions! 😊

Mark in Oregon 🎄