Buying Model Trains and Other Railway Stuff from a Flea Market

[@lauriepocock3066]

For years my CV said loves cars and planes hates trains but videos like yours are slowly changing my way of thinking. First I brought a GWR 060 pannier, and started to look around for a controller. Saw a Zero1 for a tenner and brought it. Next came the decoders in their original packaging. Now I have a unused remote slave unit also unused and now I have a little engine happily sauntering around a track. Its not a system for a train modeller but for someone interested in train control its great. Arduino is on order next month so will be watching your videos on that again.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

How the control systems have evolved in such a short space of time is fascinating. I love the 80s and the look of the Zero 1. Sounds like a very satisfying setup that you've got there Laurie 👍

[@OlivierGabin]

@@LittleWicketRailway I remember the first Märklin digital controllers in 1985 and their promises of controlling a whole layout with only two wires. After two decades where the revolution was the transistorized DC controller with PWM (excellent models from Fleischmann in the second half of the '70s, still manufactured today, some on a different brand), it was like sci-fi in the model train world.

[@dennisroyhall121]

Very good video, well delivered, good construction, informative, well balanced and of topical interest. Thanks a million for showing it!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks Dennis. Much appreciated 👍

[@jdenm8]

Hattons generally have Zero-1 Master and Slave Controllers somewhat regularly for less than 10 pounds, usually boxed. I've seen the Slave Controllers as low as 3 pounds. Have to deal with shipping them though unless you're nearby. My understanding is that the decoders and the controller addons (like the Display) are the expensive bits.

[@marcdempsey5850]

Greetings, hope the move has gone really well and had a chance to think of where the new layout may go. Looking forward when you do it, the next post or update. All the very best Marc

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Hi Marc! The move went pretty well and I know where the layout is going to go, it's just finding the time to get something built. I got married a couple of weeks ago and we've just got a puppy, so time has been pretty limited. There will be a few more electronics videos first, but fingers cross I'll have a layout plan to share with you soon and can actually start building. Also, the price of wood was ridiculous last time I looked and very little was in stock, so hopefully that will have changed by the end of September. Hope all is well with you.

[@marcdempsey5850]

@@LittleWicketRailway congratulations. Hope all is going well. Understand about timber, was looking at getting couple things done in and around house but cost is crazy. Let alone as you say finding the materials.. look forward to the posting when they happen. All best Marc

[@marcdempsey5850]

Nice to see you back. I really nice video, I’m hoping to get out to a few this summer. Looking forward to seeing the new train/railway room, I also have a few Arnold sands and Westwood wagons, have loads in them that I made. About 15 of each, look really good as they work their way around the track. Again a good video and looking forward to a following one. All best Marc

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks Marc 👍 out of interest what did you put in your Arnold Sands wagons and if it was sand what did you use?

[@marcdempsey5850]

@@LittleWicketRailway I use balsa wood for main infill cut to fit the wagon, leaving 2-3mm from top then wrapped that in masking tape around the edge and underneath. Leaving a good over hang so when the block is put back into wagon the tape would protect the inside of wagon for next stage. Use play sand as it’s finer to then fill on top in two mounds. Then carefully introduce pva/water/washing liquid mix to glue the load in; just like ballasting rails. Left for 48hrs the carefully pull out via tape and then remove the masking tape. Now have a light, sand load for the wagons. Done lots of these. PS; and where does one live now? Leighton Buzzard👍 lol Could always glue some card together to fit inside wagon instead of balsa wood, makes the glue part harder to do though, enough to secure the sand but not to much to soak the card to warp it

[@paleopotato736]

Ah a good old car boot sale. I really need to go out and find some bargains this summer

[@jerrycokeane6123]

Hey Rob, (Tip for the Day) Buy the flea(s) their cheaper and always run.

[@nickhale2900]

£15 for that heap of crap musical decanter? Sorry for being rude Rob but I would not have even paid 15p for the ghastly thing! Apart from that, great upload.👍

[@LittleWicketRailway]

😲😂 Nick, nothing you say can change my mind. I still love my weird, creepy drinks train 🥰🚂🍸 #Priceless

[@OlivierGabin]

@@LittleWicketRailway Well, if I can find one that plays Brecht/Weil "Alabama Song" instead ("Oh show me the way, to the next whisky bar/Oh, don"t ask why, oh don't ask why/Show me the way to the next whisky bar..."), I would certainly buy it.

[@martinhall60]

Hello, very interesting video. Yes i always find going to these markets are good as you never know what you will find. This is the first-time ive seen your video, well done. Your layout looks interesting as well. I don't have a lot of space so i could only do a small country station, but i think that would make an interesting project for me. Like your railway signs and drinks decanter. Looking forward to seeing your next program. Well done, keep safe.

[@davidplanet3919]

I hope you get the loco working. Part of the fun in this hobby is playing around and fixing the models.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks David. Totally agree, love fixing up models! 👍

[@TimberSurf]

Very nice video, great subject, did one (car boot) many years ago, got a few bargains, but not seen much since!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Wasn't a super successful trip, but I was determined to come away with something. Like the lady said, often there's very little, but occasionally you can hit the jackpot.

[@tracynation2820]

An excellent video. Hello from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙 T.E.N.

[@TheShedHobbyist]

A well known local dealer in Essex would visit all the stalls before they opened to the public, buy up any bargains and then resell them on his stall. Just business, but a little unfair.

[@AJB2K3]

This is common at most boot sales

[@tonystrainsofrugby]

it's a common tactic on the exhibition circuit as well. Personally if I do buy "bargains" pre-show then I like to store them, take them back to the shop and have a closer inspection before selling them on.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Well all the secrets are coming out now! Sounds like I needs to find a seller who'll get me in early in return for some help.

[@andyrussell7506]

We had a stall holder at Model Rail Scotland did that very same thing a number of years ago disgraceful behavior from a stall holder

[@edgein7892]

That decanter was pure tat, nice find. And as for the other stuff, only thing that matters is if you like it or not but all in all it didn't seem like a bad day.

[@ewoodrailway]

Key is like buying anything used, avoid electrics without a guarantee and if the price is right why not.

[@newlynnrailway]

Think i paid 12.99 inc shipping for the station master sign, You do need to check, always handy now with smart phone, some dealers have very deluded prices or play dumb and ask alot more than the same item can be bought from the web new, I do smile when i walk round our antiques and colletors centre at work.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

There were some silly high prices. We also saw sellers, buy from other sellers then immediately set them up on their own stall at a higher price. Do you work in a venue? Any good bargains?

[@newlynnrailway]

@@LittleWicketRailway It`s called warehouse antiques, there is one guy who has a cabinet with railway items very fair prices, The guy has helped me a lot with discount and a lot of free stuff. I work in the Beer shop next door but it`s all owned by the same people, dont know what the stocks like now as i`ve been of work 5 months. but worth a look if you travel across to Norfolk.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

@@newlynnrailway sorry you've been off for 5 months, but working in a beer shop next to a shop with model railway stuff sounds pretty awesome!

[@newlynnrailway]

@@LittleWicketRailway Yeah i did`nt mind bringing back Homework, lol

[@Calvertfilm]

Hope you didn't lose too many toes when the sign fell. I first bought Railroad Tornados for £57. Roll out the barrel - 'horror version', that is very scary lol. Gonna have nightmares now......Thanks for sharing.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Haha, if that had landed on my foot then you'd have known about it, it's super heavy! 😄

[@Calvertfilm]

@@LittleWicketRailway :-)

[@ewanfawkes2708]

Now this may sound weird but this is my kind of video. I wish I lived in a part of the country where we had things like this.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks Ewan! There must be something near you, where are you based?

[@ewanfawkes2708]

@@LittleWicketRailway There are a few local markets, but I´ve never seen any train related stuff at them.

[@williamstidham9526]

We have these here in the USA, Old cars to toys to hobbies and there about 500 ft wide and line after line seen around 15 to 20 lines and people shop for engine parts to 1920s parts all day for three days 2 times a year , we call them swap meet, Also have fun shows and buy sale trade Fun weekend’s

[@ScottRails]

That decanter was both beautiful and horrifying, lol.

[@nafcd]

you guys in the UK are lucky with your flea markets. they always seem to be a good size and plenty of variety. where i live in nz we have them but they are yearly events not monthly and i rarely find model railway items or at least none that are worth buying. you got some good items there. 👍

[@LittleWicketRailway]

It sounds like you southern hemisphere guys get a tough time with model railways in general as loads of stuff needs importing. Bet it makes finding a bargain extra special though.

[@OlivierGabin]

Personal opinion, your buy of a Tornado for GBP 45 is a gamble. Seems not terrible to repair if it's only the internal drive that is broken, just some sprockets to change (you might surely already knows Peter's Spares, they might have what you need for pennies, if necessary). GBP 45 for what I call a shelf queen (a non-working locomotive, I mean), I see it as too high a price. As second hand, I might be interested someday in such shelf queens to decorate my home, but I would barely put over GBP 20 to buy one. I'm talking about obviously non-working engines, old fashionned but still looking good. Hope for you to fix easily the Tornado. The motor is running, you might have not a great deal of work to do on her to make her running again.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

You'll find out if Tornado was a pile of junk or a bargain this weekend if I ever find time to finish the video 🙄 place your bets

[@bertiewooster3326]

View on hornby 3 rail ?

[@mrhaggit]

Generally excellent bargains in junk shops boot fairs and shows. Well worth keeping eyes peeled but I personally avoid the historic stuff

[@LittleWicketRailway]

The really old stuff is probably quite valuable in good condition. I just wouldn't know what to look for.

[@federicocresci698]

I have that exact licquor locomotive with the same music, but the bottle and glasses are tinted yellow

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Clearly well used! 🍻

[@Gus-jb8cm]

Interesting video. I use to see loads of trucks &wagons at the Kodak car boot in Stevenage. I wish a lot more back then, the average price was about £2.50!!! Sadly it's no longer there.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Like the update today.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Cheers 👍

[@ngaugefouroaksstreetstatio6932]

Very enjoyable video.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks 👍

[@bryanlane62]

Interesting stuff ! If you really are interested in a Zero 1 controller, I have a Master and three slaves. Also a few bits of the mimic display system.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

There was a mimic display system?! This sounds incredible. I'm definitely interested, the 80s look is just amazing.

[@bryanlane62]

@@LittleWicketRailway Yes indeed there was a mimic panel system ! I’ve got some photos of everything I’ve got, if you’d like to see them, could you please let me know where to e-Mail them ? I’ve also got 27 of the decoders, many unused.

[@diedertspijkerboer]

I'm reliably informed by you from the future that the Tornado was indeed a bargain and a relatively easy fix. Hope that helps.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

I got lucky 😀

[@railway187]

Very interesting 👍 In my neighbourhood no flee markets this year 😢

[@merledoughty5787]

My stepson took all of my railstuff back to the UK a few years ago 2015 I think we packed everything up into a big suitcase and carefully made sure all of the rolling stock and locos were safe, many peco stuff such as long and short left and rh points, I spent money but never built up any layout, from memory there was a nice saddle tank loco and another 242 loco all boxed and probably only ever put on track and run a few times. I was hoping to build a British small layout like a goods depot, I must ask my stepson to get the case out of the atic and check that everything is all okay, it was to be given to my grandson but he had no interest in model railway such a pity. All of this equipment was new and mostly all English stuff

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Sounds like you're family have some treasure in the attic!

[@cheesedoff-with4410]

It seems strange seeing antiques for sale at a place I've only ever been to for dog shows. So that accounts for why I recognised the hills in the opening shot. ( Had I read the video's introduction before pressing play, it would have told me that). I hadn't realised these fairs had started up again. They must be good for finding long out of production models, and possibly be a lot less stressful than auctions? Those play-time links are a good idea too. I'm rather hoping that decanter might house some future RaspberryPi-Arduino project.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

They're very relaxed until you see a guy picking up that model you've been back to look at 5 times, but can't decide whether to buy it or not. Haha, great idea for a project. I wonder what gauge it is and whether I can get a motor on it.

[@Aidenm024]

I’m kinda surprised he didn’t take the lancashire and Yorkshire sign and those GWR boxes

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Very tempted, although part of me thinks someone might have just strayed GWR on a tatty set of draws...🤔

[@Aidenm024]

@@LittleWicketRailway true but the L&Y sign couldn’t have been fake because it was Etched

[@emmakirk9194]

I live near Malvern and have yet to visit the market!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Worth a visit especially if you're looking for interesting furniture. Don't know what they do if it rains, definitely wasn't room for everything inside.

[@User-3O3]

Nice one, man. :)

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks 👍

[@kjdickson]

I have the same decanter with the 4 shot glasses and stopper intact.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

I'm glad someone else out there appreciates Drinks Train. Do you bring it out at dinner parties? 🚂🍹

[@kjdickson]

@@LittleWicketRailway It's right there next to the Macallan cask strength and the Old Forrester birthday bourbon.

[@raymondmarkesteijn3198]

well it's always nice and you'll never know what you'll find at flea markets smaller flea markets are more the way to go as there are more people selling their own collectables and at better prices 😉

[@AJB2K3]

Get the clockworks checked out, sounds like something is sticking or the spring is worn as that should play faster than it is.

[@RobA500]

There's nothing on that scale local to me but I used to enjoy going to toy and train fairs for some bargains, hopefully they will be back next year. Sorry but I think that decanter is just awful.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

😒 Well someone's not getting a drink... 😂

[@tomasrogers2176]

The Mrs dragged me to one recently, think she may have regretted it, as i left 200 euro lighter with over 2000 euro worth of models 🤣. Id also recommend having a 9v battery with you at these events, it comes in handy for checking whether or not locos work. Another place i find good for bargains is charity or secondhand shops

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Sounds like a successful trip! Great advice about the battery. I always look in charity shops, but I've never found anything.

[@muir8009]

Love the expression with the musical decanter. How you recognized roll out the Barrow... Your enthusiasm over the boxed dublo set. It's funny, I've noticed over the years that boxed items have a value and appeal to those who think that boxed items should appeal and add value. With this, one pays more for said value and appeal. Most seem to be neither here nor there about paying a premium for a boxed item. I've had some boxed dublo sets, and unless it's seriously nice a tatty example just ends up costing a lot more in postage and not really adding any value, and cosmetically a tatty box isn't actually that nice. Might as well spend the extra on a nice example of the model. Boxes can make a difference on something special: by that we're talking a 1912 bing gauge I Dunalastair, or a 1929 Lionel Standard gauge Intercontinental set (the "state set") or a 1902 Marklin "Dutch" station. With Goodies like a 1978 Lima GWR siphon is a box really going to make or break? Some trainsets (especially the rather neat period triang) have a particular charm and appeal because of the first trainset nostalgia which is understandable. What I do think you may have missed out on a bit was those catalogues and paperwork. The artwork used in catalogues well outweighs that on boxes, and catalogues and consumables really are nostalgically desirable. The trainset is the start of the model railway. The catalogue is the start of the dream. Something like that. Keep up the good work :)

[@LittleWicketRailway]

You should have seen my face when I first picked up the decanter and heard it play! I just can't imagine what was going through the designer's head. So unnecessary, but very much appreciated. About the box thing. I like the idea of seeing it exactly how it would have been back when it was first made. It also suggests that it may have been cared for quite well. Agree though, for a newer model, better to invest in a better model than a box. Although newer models eventually become older models and when my great grand kids are selling off my collection they might get a few extra quid for a boxed model.

[@alanthorne3921]

I get a lot of stuff from garage sales,opportunity shops, markets.Probably my best bargain recently was a Bachman N scale Empire Builder set.Missing two e z track curves but otherwise perfect and boxed $10.Also an unbuilt ho Walthers powered turntable $10 .Both at an op shop.About 2 years ago got a heap of mostly Ho stuff from deceased estate for about $150.I had to tell the woman seller that she was sitting on a small fortune and she should get someone to valuate it .

[@stevesmith8484]

I love the signs, they really added to the ambiance of the whole set up. I'm a slot car enthusiast, did you see anything there?

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Hi Steve, there were definitely a lot more cars than trains, but I think most of them were diecast rather than slotcars. I expect you'd find something, but maybe not a huge amount.

[@aureol40012]

What’s the difference between this and a car boot sale?

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Probably not a lot of difference. Sellers here seems to be professional market sellers with vans full of stuff. It's been a while since I've been to a car boot, but I get the impression that car boots are aimed more at amateur sellers with less stuff to sell.

[@JBB4118]

When i set up at a market or show, i bring my own test track so people can test and see for themselves.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

That's a great idea, hopefully buyers appreciate it.

[@JBB4118]

@@LittleWicketRailway Yes they do! Plus the bubblewrap to protect their purchases and a bag if they need it too.

[@tonystrainsofrugby]

interesting watch. I must say at those prices I think I need to start putting up my prices up on my second hand items! Without want to rub salt into the wound I think the price for that Scotsman plate was a major rip off :/

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Second hand prices have gone up so much since lockdown. Do you put your preowned stock online? If you do then could you hold off on the price increases until I've had a good look 😉 I foolishly thought heavy metal sign = expensive 😭 Tornado turned out to be an OK buy. Video out soon, but spolier alert, an easy fix and a decoder found inside.

[@tonystrainsofrugby]

@@LittleWicketRailway I don't currently list secondhand on the website, find it can be a bit of a world of pain when trying to describe things like condition, etc. but might look into it in the future. If you're ever in Rugby though please feel free to drop by :) I'm sure many of us have made similar mistakes when it comes to things like that, still we live and learn :) Glad Tornado was an easy fix and with a decoder too that's win win :)

[@tonywright8294]

One of my model boats 2.08 how is that for coincidence ?

[@LittleWicketRailway]

No way! Which one? Are you local to Malvern?

[@REALFeltysCoinsAndTrains]

fun fact in the us we call flemarkets junk sells

[@LittleWicketRailway]

There was also a lot of junk here 🙂

[@davethompson9554]

do you have a copy of your layout please

[@LittleWicketRailway]

More details about the layout are in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6u1gJRonruLjas

[@duncangreenshields8567]

Well, that's certainly creepy!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Creepy train shot anyone? 😳🥃

[@LBOUNCER101]

Three counties showground there was a horse show there I was there 😅😅

[@BeegChonkBehr]

I wish I could get a ton of OO gauge stuff like this in the mexican lands

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Do they not have OO in Mexico?

[@BeegChonkBehr]

@@LittleWicketRailway no, few people are into the hobby there and there are no companies like dapol, bachmann or hornby supplies their locos, sets and stock to my country for starters. Because they know it won’t sell in a country in which people are not interested into that kind of hobby

[@keithgilham9438]

Ughhh don’t my dad came around the other day he bought a hall and castle for £20 thinking it was the deal of the year 🤦🏼 prob cost me more In parts to fix the bloody things… one looks like some dick used a soldering iron on the plastic coupling

[@Noblelox]

Yeah, but no... Nothing really a bargain, Spares or repair locos are usually a bit cheaper. Unboxed wagons... meh... Also, the issue was they were all pros and know what everything is worth. So, thanks for the video, it saves me from going to any real effort to follow suit. You should try a real auction, you can get real bargains, especially if you go in person. That would make a good video.

[@dilawaiz8418]

How much

[@gerrywelch360]

do you actually buy anything

[@Delete_DeLolz]

Fashion victim. I prefer Superwet

[@LittleWicketRailway]

I need a new wardrobe thanks to my new lockdown belly 😩

[@dilawaiz8418]

How much in pakistani rupees

[@LittleWicketRailway]

£1 = 226 Pakistani rupees (according to Google), so the Flying Scotsman sign cost just over 10,000.

[@dilawaiz8418]

@@LittleWicketRailway thank you sir 💐

[@scotturry7165]

Jills trains

[@Warthudnderedits]

Hi I have a train car but no train that my wish

[@michaelhunt4445]

Pay to go in to spend your money? Don't be stupid, this will end with paying to go into Tesco.

[@Telestations]

ya should try hopping freight trains - ya might like it

[@LittleWicketRailway]

That'd terrify me! 😨 I'd either get hurt or caught. I totally get why it's exciting, but I can't condone playing on the railway. #StayOffTheTracks

[@Telestations]

@@LittleWicketRailway ya would love it - just got to look into it - as me stated to others - unfortunately they did try it and love it - but ya be correct - don't try it cause ya might just like the high

[@michaelwalker1145]

School jumble sales

[@michaelwalker1145]

School jumble sales and alike are a good place to pick up bargains. I got a complete and boxed championship racing by Aurora for three pounds.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

I think you're right. More likely to get good prices at jumble sales and car boots. The flea market sellers were professionals.

[@edmondscott7444]

Rubbish accompaniment get rid of that awful music please ruins video.