A Guide to Buying Lionel and Other Trains on ebay or the like...
(my opinion)
Ok - I am using ebay as an example but the same holds true to any site, store or location where you buy train stuff --- remember a few rules and you won't be disapointed or taken for a ride.
1) Check price first -
Before you buy anywhere go to lionel.com or to your local hobby store and check the price of the item you want - and make sure you are not paying over list for it. There are a ton of ebayers who sell for MORE than list price. Some have openly bragged about it to me.
2)Old isn't always worth more than New
In fact it seldom is. Sure today's price for a 1950's engine is MORE than they paid in the 50's, but it usually is NOT worth as much as one of today's new engines. There are only a few that are truly colletor's items. The Lionel Pink Engine being one of the few. New trains today offer far more features, run better and cost much more than a 1950's (or any era) train is worth.
2a) You aren't going to retire off of your Lionel investment
Yes your 1950's engine may be worth $150 on ebay - $100 more than your parents paid for it - BUT a new engine of the same or better quality is probably closer to $500. So in comparison with inflation - your antique has actually lost value. Keep that in mind when you choose which trains to bid on. Then Run the thing for Pete's sake - nothing is more of a waste of money than a train that is not run.
3) Check the seller -
Feedback is there for a reason. Don't buy a train (or anything) from a seller with a low score just to save a few bucks. You will get burned.
4) Check the item
NIB is the ideal. (New In Box). Make sure it runs - if in doubt about anything - ask questions of the seller.
5) Don't bid early
Bidding too early just drives up the price - be patient. Bid during the last hours or last day to get the best prices.
6)Be Patient
If the price is going up too fast - let it go. Rule #1 on ebay - is there will be more of the same item later. I once bid on a cattle unloader on ebay that hit $200. I let it go, and the very next week I got the same item for $25. Don't get caught up in "auction fever."
7) Pay your Bills - and leave Feedback
Look it's honest - and it helps everyone.
8) Enjoy your trains
Don't leave them in boxes. No price can equal the enjoyment trains bring to a family. And as I said in 2a) you aren't going to make enough to retire off of them!