I just picked this engine up. It was presented as barely used at a dealer for $500. I got it home and can see that the Odometer is 900 scale miles and about 59 hours of use. I know it looks pretty cool, but it'll look pretty huge and out of place on my 8X4 O-45 layout. in fact it's 53" long. I do hope to make the layout bigger some day though.. Do you think it was a Good Deal or Not? What do you think?
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I don't think it's a screaming deal but I don't think you got ripped off either. I'm not sure exactly how much the hours of use directly affect the depreciation of an engine. But an E-8 ABA set is an awesome sight, especially in that sharp PRR scheme IMHO. 
- Mike
Jb2001, I would give you $500.00 for the set if you live East of the Mississippi River.
Ron
I believe this is strictly a 3 rail engine....Which in my humble opinion is great. No 2/3 rail or DCC selection which can cause problems. Go for it.
I think it is only offered in 3 rail. It is a monster. I think I need to add about 400sq ft to my layout for it to look good. It is a beaut though. I still feel the price was a bit high for the unexpectadly high amount of run time, but I'll keep her for a while.
it is definitely a beautiful set And sharp looking. I should know since I have one too. Those ditch lights is what makes this e8 stand out from the rest. Enjoy.
Very nice looking locomotive set!
Good deal. They are hard to come by. As you know, the real one is still running.
Considering these are the "Bernie levin"e8's they are very hard to come by. The prototypical gloss paint as well as the detailed train phone antenna make them highly sought after! Enjoy them.
That was a $700 engine set brand new.
When you consider many folks are paying more than what you paid; and for vintage Lionel conventional trains that are 50+ years old, or worse conventional classics, or even PWC TMCC I would say you did good.
I have this engine and it is awesome. However the fact the dealer told you it was barely used would trouble me. Ask yourself if you would have offered him less if you knew of its actual usage. I really like this feature( odometer and chronometer) on MTH locos. This comes in handy when buying a used loco. I have had no issues with mine and I'll bet yours will also be fine. Maybe ask that dealer where He got his info. Just my .02
If it is in good condition, you are in good shape.
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