PS1 What gives?

I dunno. Maybe because they wanted it? I would never try to use the word  "reason" and "auction" in the same sentence. Sometimes it's just "because". I have sniped items on eBay just to see if I could, or because they were about to sell for pennies, or because I just didn't like another bidder (before they scrambled the eBay names).

Gilly

They obviously wanted the item more than you did!  It is just that simple.  There have been a few times and only a few I have paid more than something is actually worth because to me it was worth it to just have it. I just really wanted it.

Im not referring to being outbid..Its just an observation that NIB PS1 Standard Gauge prices are increasing.  Its seems to be a consistent pattern.

Thanks,

Sunrise

I'm kind of surprised. I made a decision a long time ago that I was not going to own any PS1 tinplate - ever - no matter what the price. I've been whittling down my 0 gauge PS1 collection through sales and conversions, to the point where I now have only two unconverted units that aren't in the "take to the train show" pile, and I have an Equalizer for one and a QS3000 for the other. The value and salability of PS1 has been going down for years. My personal view is that if I'm going to go modern, I'm going to go all the way with DCS or TMCC (the Lionel Hiawatha).

On the other hand, PS1 gives the conventional operator who doesn't want to install DCS an option for sound, bells, and whistles at a good price. It works OK if you pay attention to the battery, and the can motors are a lot smoother than traditional style drive units. It's a perfectly valid option if that's what you're looking for.

It would be interesting to hear from guys who have PS1 tinplate, to know why they are buying PS1 in preference to traditional or PS2.

I was speaking to an MTH certified tech and he said to not be afraid to buy a PS1 engine if the price is right.  If you deal with the battery issue they should be as reliable as a PS2 engine.

Maybe the increase in price is related to the scarcity of the item.  If the item hasn't been made in a long time and there are people who are looking for it that could drive up the price.  I have been looking for an Ives Circus set (hasn't been made for a while) for some time now on ebay and they regularly go for over list price

John.

Pretty much true.  The tinplate line, in particular, is produced in very small numbers.  If you miss out when they become available, you may face a long hunt.  And with some exceptions, earlier items do not seem to be re-run with any predictable regularity.