Tinplate finds at York

I generally stick with modern tinplate reproductions, but one day would like to get a set of 100 series cars.  The lowest price I saw was $40 a car.  I can find these cheaper on ebay.

With standard gauge tinplate being my main focus these days, the 2 York shows are the only shows for me worth going to.   I saw an 840 powerstation for a very nice price, and it would have come home with me if I didn't already have one.

There were also several roundhouse sections that were tempting, but my budget is limited as is my layout space.

I saw an orange 418 4-car passenger set for sale at a very nice price.  But again, my budget prevented me from buying.

You really should try to make it there one day.  Money was a little tight for me this time around (just had my driveway redone), but I was really looking forward to going.  If I had less restraint, there were several items I would have picked up.

I feel your pain, Frank.  We just needed to replace the upstairs zone AC/heat-pump system (indoor and outdoor units) for our home last month.    Talk about impacting the train budget!!! 

Greg, I'll echo Frank's comments that you really should try to make it out to York one day.  I'd recommend a two-fold strategy for tinplate:  member halls for stuff that's no longer in production, and then Sidetrack Hobbies in the Orange Hall for current production.  While most dealers bring their O-Gauge wares to York and battle it out, Sidetrack Hobbies brings almost exclusively Tinplate product to York.  So you can't go wrong.  And Al and Libby are the nicest folks too.

David

Frank,

You say what? For what? Are you after, C-4? JUST KIDDING!! LMAO

Honestly, I would like to see just what is being offered. If it's anything close to what you're expressing, why bother attending York? Folks are spending a handsome sum just to be disappointed now aren't they?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Never been, a long trek from So Cal, but myself and a couple other buddies are hoping to make our first York this Fall. Even if I find little, I will enjoy the road trip. I am especially looking forward to the Marx Show N Tell. Lot of internet friends that I would like to meet in person. With limited number of shows and the difference in size from what we have here, I'm sure I'll be dazzled, even if York is not up to it's standards of a few years back.

Steve

Just got back from York. Was with John and Robin Pignatelli when they scored an O gauge tinplate set in very good shape at a great price with the original boxes to boot!I'm not into tinplate, but I was pretty impressed by how much was out there.

First thing Friday morning, I purchased this boxed O gauge Merkur set circa 1947-48. This set was produced in Czechoslovakia. It bears mentioning that the engine is not missing a lead truck, it was made this way 0-4-2! Even though my first love has always been standard gauge, after many years of collecting I find myself buying more prewar O and lately European trains, both O and 1 gauge. I expect to have this cleaned and running in the next hour. I also found a clock-work Ives #17 and tender to add to my Ives collection. I enjoyed the Ives Train Society meeting, seeing old friends, and acquiring a few parts. All together another enjoyable York.

Eric Hofberg

TCA, LCCA 

VERY NICE Merkur set and GREAT Ives find!!

yes !! the blue passenger cars that were made for franks roundhouse by mth, have been looking for a set forever...then caved in and got the #6

  As usual Greg, the visual impact of the fairground halls on Thursday afternoon was overwhelming.  There was lots of pre-war Flyer as well as pre and post war just about everything else to be seen.  I didn't have much luck on the Flyer front - found a number of items in great condition - just didn't find the items I was looking for.  After the second loop through the halls I did find this O gauge live steamer at an acceptable price.  

   I wasn't quite sure of the manufacturer and neither the engine, nor the French/English instruction, nor the bottom half of the box with the cryptic label "No. 339" provided any ID but I liked it so it came home.  A check of all of my various references indicates it is Bing from the 1905-1908 period.  It appears to have been fired only once or twice.  The heat removed the paint from the running boards and from the chassis but did nothing to the pilot, cab, or tender.  After a bit of cleaning I put it on the shelf along with three Bing cars from the same period

VERY NICE Bing live steamer! I notice it has an oscillating cylinder, as many such early models including Beggs, did. The whistle also appears to have an operating valve handle. Also very nice tender!

A TRUE collector's gem! 

Any more great finds?

That Ives # 17 was a real jewel of a find! 

Lionel 2654 with blackened handrails, dome, ladders, journals and gray paint...the last of the line before WWII ended production:

Looked for one of these for years...decals are in tough shape but nice enough for me (until I find better).

PD

I've serviced the Merkur set and it runs very nicely on the upper level of my hi-rail layout. I found it interesting that the track included with the set is at least 0-72 although it had no trouble running on 0-54, and it would probably run on much tighter radius. My newly acquired Ives #17 cleaned up nicely, but it has some gear issues and so I may have a friend who is expert on clockwork repair put this right.

My thanks to all who took the time to comment, I enjoyed sharing.

Eric Hofberg

TCA, LCCA 

Some years ago I bought an old Merkur set in Prague which looks exactly like yours except for the box. I would not know which one would be the older one:

At the end of the video the old loco is running with some new/current Merkur beer cars.

Regards

Fred

Fred,

The fellow that I purchased my set from, had yet another boxed set in lesser condition with packaging like yours. I was told that the label changed after 1948 when the Russians took over. I love the realistic scenery in your video! My good friend Murray, has an outdoor multi-gauge set-up constructed like yours and it is a treat to run clock-work and live steam. Thanks for sharing!

Eric 

That's funny - I bought the same Merkur set, but without the box.  Had a hard time deciding, then decided to save a few bucks.  Can't remember if I got it on Thursday or early Friday.  Glad you like it.

I got an MTH/Lionel 279E set.  Great price, great train.

I like that set Marty, very nice.

Steve

I usually go looking for a Marx piece I don't have, or even one I do have. If I don't see something I want, or need, I'll walk out having enjoyed a day of fun. This time I lost my mind and made an impulse buy that I didn't see coming! I saw a beautifully restored Lionel 390E on Saturday and bought it- I was completely smitten! I didn't even have a piece of standard gauge track to put it on so I went back over to Side Track Hobbies and bought two 36" pieces of the MTH track. That thing is awesome and runs like a top! I think I'm in trouble! ;-)