Scott, if they're not as represented, they have to take them back. Besides, eBay keeps sellers on a very short leash, so it's best not to have too many cases opened.
I've been burned on the forum more than any of the auction sites. I stay away from "selling for a friend" and excersise caution on the "one hour of run time". Also, beware of zinc rot on older equipment. I've got an 8 year old Lionmaster diesel that runs great, but the die cast pilots crumbled to pieces.
I also tend to favor the items described as not running. You can usually get them for a song. I got an Oddessy scale Hudson for $250 and all it needed was to have the various connectors re-seated (unplugged, replugged.) Runs great. In addition to Lionel I also apply this to most locos I buy. Have gotten some real bargains and it gives me something to tinker with.
Rolland
Rolland,
Now you are talking about a completely different way to look at purchasing off E-Bay. I think you and Guns have the right idea doing this kind of purchasing at very low prices knowing you are going to fix the item from the very get go, is completely different than believing you are getting a completely like new item. Got to admit I got some fantastic Atlas O Steam Era rolling stock in perfect condition off E-bay.
PCRR/Dave
When buying NOS "New Old Stock" (at least from a dealer, even if the dealer is selling on the Bay) wouldn't you still have the option to ask for the product to be tested before it's shipped?
I suggest looking at Lionel's warantee policy for new, old stock trains.
As far as I know, after just a few years, the warantee ends, regardless of whether the unit is new, old stock, or used. Plus, their warantee may not be transferable.
I buy my new old trains from Hennings Trains, a forum sponsor. They give a 1 year store warranty if the factory warranty is expired. They are also our club sponsor.
Gunrunnerjohn the rules with ebay now is if you file thru ebay not the buyer which is the best way ( thru ebay) the buyer will get his original shipping cost back and the cost to ship it back and the cost of the item so the item costs the buyer nothing. ( I know as had a buy complain about one of my items over a very minute that anyone of could of missed and he made a federal case out of it so I ended up out like $15 so thats why I hardly list on the bay any more they have gone to such a point that any buyer can make it a wrong deal personally I feel that person just decided they didn't want it and they did the damage as my picks didn't show the damage but ebay don't care the buyer is correct the heck with the sellers right
The only items I worry about is Proto sound and new in box as been told its a 50/50 chance as if it never has been run there a possibility even with changing the battery that it still be bad as it has sat so long.
Normally, when I buy a PS/1 locomotive, I'm planning on an upgrade, so I don't worry too much about what happened to the old electronics. 
Same here. If I buy a PS/1 or older PS/2 loco anymore, given the unavailability of parts, it will only be at a price low enough to be worth it for spare parts or investing in a set of ERR boards. If I can fix it, great, if not, upgrade it, keep it for parts or use it in some static display.
Cheers,
Jim
