3 eBay model train bargains - Part One : Will it run?

We rarely buy engines from eBay anymore due to the number of mis-described items that need fixing or returning. I low bid on 3 locos fully expecting to be outbid, but that didn't happen. So here we are, 3 videos where we open and test them "live" as they're delivered. Can this go someway to restoring my faith in eBay? Let's see how it goes.
#fleischmann #railway #modeltrains #ebay #youtube

[@YsanneOshea]

Although I haven’t yet, I will be buying locos from eBay. Whoever I buy from, I just hope the seller is better at packaging than that first one! Great Vid! 🕊️👨🏼‍✈️👍

[@fairweathertrains3029]

Yeah, the packaging, along with some locos, can be a bit hit & miss. Thanks for watching

[@Mike-wj7vd]

Yes it is a rack engine so it is very highly geared. Also known as climbing green Charlie if my memory serves me correctly. I have one, great little loco.

[@fairweathertrains3029]

I love this thing! Thanks for watching

[@davidray6762]

Fleischmann sold sets of 'rack tracking' , part no. 6411, which attaches to the VARIO range of track. The drive cog under the loco connects with the 'rack' and away it goes up hills at a nice slow speed. It also controls the speed coming down. Hard to find nowadays. And the loco (4028) is called Carl.

[@fairweathertrains3029]

Thanks for that. I'll be keeping an eye out for some of that track for sure.

[@terrynutlob4073]

Hi. I've bought many models on eBay, some great some not so great. As the idea of "as new" and "great runner " depends on the view point of the seller ( my experience at our club reflects this as some members are happy with missing steps, buffers and even value gear so long as it runs and is cheap) My advice is , look at the pictures, no pictures or blurry pictures, don't buy. "Great condition " with missing or broken parts, don't buy. As for how they run depends on the price you've paid. Is it worth a service, especially on something 30 plus years old, to improve it, or do you accept a £30 , 30 year old engine will be less than its modern much newer counterpart. That is down to the purchaser to decide. Personally I don't mind doing some remedial work to a cheaper engine to get it running at a level I would call good, or great. Finally don't forget new engines sometimes aren't that great , but of course you are protected under consumer rights act in these instances.

[@fairweathertrains3029]

I don't mind a bit of remedial work & actually expect to. But, just be honest with the description. I had one recently that was an "excellent, quiet runner". It was as it didn't even have a motor in it! To add to your comment about blurry photos, it's a no buy from me if it is listed as "untested". It's not difficult to do so with a battery, so untested means "non-working & I know it". Thanks for watching

[@ivovanzon164]

The low speed is intentional, this one is geared for rack railway use (the big black gear between the wheels).

[@fairweathertrains3029]

Yes, I realised that later. How I didn't notice that gear I'll never understand!

[@MrWozzy28]

brought so many faulty loco's of e bay just sent one back today

[@fairweathertrains3029]

it's the poor descriptions that do it.

[@uvbntangoed100]

I’ve bought a lot of stuff from eBay and the so called new model trains are by far the worst. The model rail community are the most dishonest bunch I’ve ever came across!

[@fairweathertrains3029]

I've certainly never bought a new loco from eBay that was actually new. I feel that proper model train enthusiasts are honest on eBay, it's the ones that think they are some sort of dealer or just want a quick quid & will say anything to shift the item. Listed as "untested" is a no-no for me too. Thanks for watching

[@gavinblackburn3105]

New on ebay means yes it's secondhand but i want the most cash i can get .

[@fairweathertrains3029]

you old cynic 😊

[@johnbill9201]

Interesting video thanks for sharing, it's always a chance of how anything is off eBay but you can get some good stuff and I've found the sellers fair J

[@fairweathertrains3029]

On balance, I would say I've had more good experiences than bad. But the bad can be terrible! Thanks for watching