How to Get HO Model Trains & Locomotives

[@Photoline1]

I agree with what you said. Convenience and accessibility are factors that not all sellers offer (or realize they lack). Regardless of the venue, a seller's knowledge (or ambitions) are the biggest factors in determining the price and worthiness of their goods. That's why used freight cars can be anywhere from a buck for a minty one, to 6 junkers for $100. And I'm not including craftsman kits or rare models which have their own niche market. As Harrison knows, a $10 has-been brass loco is worth nowhere near the $250 that some claim, "because it's brass". Even if it's that one childhood loco you "must have", you can also leave it there. If you still want it a month later, go for it. At the end of the day, it's your wallet and you get to decide who you give your money to. Spending a couple grand on your "dream" loco doesn't guarantee you'll get the most out of the hobby. In my own case, 50 years ago, I gleaned most of what I knew from hobby mags while essentially "playing" with mostly hand-me-down and department store HO trains. Today, you have great people like Harrison to help guide you., which is why I resumed the hobby after 20 years away.

[@casstelles]

I think the ratings are all on par with what I would give. The biggest way to get the best deal is to know what you are buying. It's hard to do this when you first start the hobby, but after many years of being in the hobby, I generally know about what something should go for and if it's a good deal.

[@SMTMainline]

Glad to hear that, I wasn't sure if I had some unpopular opinions in this one or not.

[@TopHotDog]

If a person is new to shopping for trains, focus on one thing only. PRICE. The lower the better. If the asking price is $20. Counteroffer $5. Combine items for a lower per item price . If somebody doesn't know what they are buying, money is the only thing that counts . You will learn fast at less cost, because you will have more items to work with .

[@ColbysProjectBin]

I would add two other ways I've discovered where you can also find some good deals on models. One of those is simply going to model railroad clubs. When they're open you can talk to members, and some clubs have either yearly sales or a regular store. Many clubs get donations of old models and just want to quickly sell the stuff they see as old junk off, and I've personally gotten some great deals from situations like that. You could also talk to club members about your interests, and sometimes they might have models that they want gone. Another good but definitely not guaranteed way to find some great deals or even free models is to just be open with your interests to extended family and neighbors who you have good connections with. This isn't a very consistent way to end up with models, but if you're known as someone with an interest in trains in your local community, you could end up with some models that somebody found in an attic or basement. I've personally ended up with quite a few models this way before, and everyone always seems to like seeing the models they had no care for in great shape and on a train. Even without the chance of models, sharing your interests publicly (to an extent) can even help you connect with others in the hobby.

[@SMTMainline]

Those are all good points!

[@survivingworldsteam]

Totally agree about the family and friends. I have been given equipment that came from the estate of loved ones who had passed away, or was even left behind when they were cleaning out a house. They have also pointed out finds to me on Facebook marketplace and in local antique stores. We have a large train show that takes place twice a year; fortunately, I am affiliated with a museum that tries to set up a table at one show a year, so admission is free. That is definitely the next best way I have found to add to my collection, the selection is usually pretty large, and I am always able to find some good deals. I try to squirrel some "mad money" away for each year's train show. I also have "favorite searches" set up on ebay for those "once in a lifetime" items I am looking for. Usually, if they really are that rare, they are pricey (AHM/Pocer Lincoln Funeral Car, anyone?), but occasionally I have found a bargain that no one else has bided on. I also agree that your rankings make sense.

[@OriginalBongoliath]

Location is a big key. Anywhere outside of Pennsylvania is going to be rough when it comes to this hobby I have seen. I am not even from Pennsylvania but every time I visit there are tons of train stores, several per town, lots of tourist and scenic railroads. Famous landmarks like Horseshoe Curve, Altoona, Strasburg, the Northeast Corridor, etc. You have Bachmann, Bowser, and a few others I am probably missing here. Lots of train shows happening all over the state year round. You have the largest private train show, the TCA Show in York twice a year. Pennsylvania should call itself the Railroad State and a train modelers mecca.

[@MygrandpasTrain]

What you described has been pretty much exactly my experience looking for trains in all those categories.

[@oskarvalance3041]

Thanks, very informative. You're right about Ebay and flea markets. Some sellers think they have trains that are worth some money and others don't realize what they have. Definitely do your homework before buying. From Texas

[@AlanFricker-u8l]

The last hobby shop where I live closed when the owner died in 12/22. Closest four to me now are all at least four hours away.

[@4everdc302]

An honest assessment of what's up in the hobby. Good job, Harrison🚂🇨🇦🙋

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks. I had to put some serious thought into each rating.

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

@@SMTMainline great video. Thanks for sharing your experience and opinions .

[@robby062]

One of the problems with selling on eBay is that they charge final value fees of 13.9 percent on both shipping and sales tax, which definitely has to be passed on to buyers. It’s next to impossible to sell cheap stuff anymore unless you’re a dealer and can negotiate better fees via an eBay store. Everything you’ve covered here is pretty accurate though and I agree with what you’ve covered here. Shows are definitely the best way to go if you have them available to you.

[@SMTMainline]

I was wondering how much of a cut they took. That's not certainly not insignificant.

[@robby062]

I sold a bunch of stuff earlier this year. My overall fees came out to about 16.9 percent. For items around $20 USD final price, I was averaging around 23 percent for fees, as a $20 item can have an additional $11-15 in shipping and (US) state sales taxes also applied.

[@survivingworldsteam]

Which is why Etsy is becoming the way to go, in my opinion. I tried eBay, and along with the fees, the required shipping time on something that was custom made to order was not do-able. I have had my Etsy store for several years now and have been pleased with the experience and have bought a few items for myself on Etsy. I do see a fair amount of model railroad equipment on Etsy now. The sellers are kind of like a mixture of eBay and Facebook Marketplace, some are established stores and online stores that know what they are selling and want you to buy again from them, while others are people pushing off estate items that don't know what they are selling and not concerned if they are telling the truth or not. But Etsy is certainly becoming another place to keep an eye on.

[@TourDriverSean]

I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head. In line with what i was thinking

[@SMTMainline]

Glad to hear that, I wasn't sure if I had some unpopular opinions in this one or not.

[@admiralfeistier]

I actually went to my first train show yesterday, only downside was it was 2.5 hours away and was my first time on the interstate, which resulted in a Sore leg and headache, but once I got there, I made sure I made the best of it, so, I manage to get a: SP DDA35, a modern 4-4-0, an SF SD60?, a SF Dash-9, 6 SBL Coal hoppers, 3 NP Woodchip cars, and last but not least, a Northfolk and Western J-class 611, but other than that, really nice people, worth it if you can find what you want, sometimes some unexpecting finds, like the 611 I just mentioned.

[@fredtrott8717]

I'm new to model train hobby, just having fun. I'm building my own layout bit by bit. You're the first channel I've come across on KZbin. Really like what you post. It has inspired me. Keep up the great work 👍

[@williammcgeehan3424]

@ SMT If you're ever in in Pennsylvania. Nicholas Smith is brick & mortar located in Broomall Pa. west of Philadelphia on West Chester Pike ( Rt. 3 ).

[@fredrich9841]

Very interesting! I’m in the UK and I would say that my experience is quite different. eBay and other online forums are what they are, but retailers (bricks and mortar) are definitely best on new prices. Train shows don’t tend to have quite so many bargains over here, certainly over the last couple of years. I’ve made some good finds on eBay (usually categorised as toys rather than collectibles).

[@PatGilliland]

I'm in Canada working on a OO layout - the UK stores online shops are much better price wise than e-bay, though Hatton's closing is a big loss to us overseas modellers.

[@NotGavin]

Antique stores and train shows are probably my favorite. Just recently i've found two postwar lionel locomotives at an antique shop for just 30 bucks a piece which is pretty good! One was the #624 NW2 and the other one was the #2035 2-6-4 steamer. Both needed work but after some small restoration efforts they run like a charm now! Great informative video Harrison, i enjoyed it!

[@survivingworldsteam]

There is an antique store in Jefferson, Texas I always visit every time I am in town now, I can always count on them having some model railroad stuff for sale and at a good price. Last time I was there, I picked up a gallon sized Ziplock bag of HO Scale vehicles for $50; the owner got tired of kids playing with them and scooped them all up, put them in two Ziplock bags, and marked them for $50. A few were broken or cheap models, but most of them were easily worth what I paid for the entire bag! I upgraded all of the vehicles on my small layout to nicer mostly metal models with that one bag. Most stores are not like that, but if you find one, they are great to have.

[@NotGavin]

@@survivingworldsteam Oh for sure! Nice find! Always gotta have vehicles on your layout 👍

[@trainzstore]

Thanks for the shout out! We're always trying to do better with the accuracy of our listings and our shipping prices.

[@rickym.3416]

As someone who has bought models from all of these places, I think your ratings are overall very accurate. Train shows still have the best deals by fair for me personally as well. Great informative video!

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you very much!

[@rgiordano8224]

You're right on...good tips for new people in the hobby. Prices are all over, on all platforms.

[@Santaanacanyon]

I agree with you across the board. What got me was that I saw a Tyco GP20 in every category! Dude, those GP20s are ubiquitous!

[@SMTMainline]

Glad to hear that, I wasn't sure if I had some unpopular opinions in this one or not.

[@AstroGeeker]

Absolutely agree. I don’t buy from Facebook market place or train shows but I do buy from ebay, and the shipping prices are pretty expensive. But there are some really cheap shipping prices sometimes. Loved the video Smt!

[@OriginalBongoliath]

A lot of it depends on where you live. The Northeast in the United States will be the cheapest since it has the greatest concentration of hobbyists versus other areas. Anywhere else be prepared to spend a lot more on shipping. That and sellers a lot of the time don't even know eBay has a discount shipping program.

[@AstroGeeker]

@@OriginalBongoliath True! It really does depend on where you live for shipping costs. I’ve seen some crazy shipping prices.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, I tried to be balanced.

[@AstroGeeker]

@@SMTMainline it’s hard to find some nice trains that are cheap. Especially stinks when it’s a bid with a good lot with 6 days left. You know the people are going to shoot the prices up lol

[@JessicaBarney-r8s]

Hi Harrison. Thanks for telling me what are good places to buy from.

[@Mommy4u]

Hello, you are the peasant who got me in the train. Hoppies and on my first day of owning a train thank you a lot

[@trainfan998]

Can I just say, your room looks awesome.

[@antonbruce1241]

At hobby shops/train shops, MOST will have a "previously owned" section (my two favorites - The Train Shack here in Burbank, and the Original Whistle Stop in Pasadena - both have one). I LOVE train shows, but here in So Cal, they are a rarity.

[@Bdmrr]

I frequent both . Small world

[@dfwrailvideos]

It's usually called the Consignment shelf, and I've found some real gems there. Found an EP-2 Bipolar in one.

[@antonbruce1241]

@@BdmrrAt The Train Shack, they know me on a first-name basis....

[@Bdmrr]

@@antonbruce1241 same! The staff is awesome. Lately I’ve been going to whistle stop more often because it’s closer and they have more of what I want but train shack is solid

[@Axls-Dad]

New to the hoppy and per your advice I went to my first train show last weekend. It was a great experience, and I found some very good deals. Thank you.

[@SMTMainline]

That's awesome, did you end up buying anything?

[@CentralHoustonRailfan]

I have 2 hobby shops 25 minutes away from my house, each, both of them are really good! I just bought a DCC controller and a KCS ET44AH from the,

[@Hacksworth_Sidings]

Train shows are by far my favourite place to get projects, in 2022 I went to a local show, they had a big box of junked/project locos being sold as non runners, I dug through and got myself a Triang B12, £10, on eBay they usually ask between £20 and £30, about half an hour of fiddling and it ran like clockwork! Not to mention the original smoke generator still works too! I’m tempted to bring my layout to the local shows once it’s complete too, offer a testing and repair service for DC models at the shows too

[@frankshimkets5000]

Thanks for your analysis! Having experience in all these categories, I would agree with your assessment! 👍👍

[@markwilliams2620]

1:39 I bought the 4-8-2 on the bottom. A new can motor and a refresh of drive gear and she'll pull your teeth out. The tender is being replaced as it weighs more than the engine. Thank's for that tour, Harrison!

[@SMTMainline]

I'm glad they went to a good home. I was certainly temped to purchase another at the time.

[@johnbehneman1546]

I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SHARE YOUR TRUTH.

[@joshthetrainfan]

I have a train show I'm going to go to in about a week, and I'm going to make a video on what I acquire during that time. I love eBay because it provides so many things I'm looking for. I just purchased an ATSF B40-8W to go with my other B40-8W and H1 B40-8. You provide some very good advice, friend. Keep going!

[@GabrielJohnson-i8p]

Thanks for the helpful advise Harrison.

[@popcat2214]

Vermont lost its last og hobbie shop, it was ran for over 50 years! It closed February of 2023 the guy who ran it was very nice and I new him personally. Now Vermont has 1 left and is only a train store.

[@K.S.V_railway]

Join the club Come to Arkansas I live in the south The only one is in Jacksonville and is 2 1/2 hours away

[@SMTMainline]

Coins and Hobbies? I went there several times over the years and really enjoyed it, I'm sorry to hear that happened.

[@logandavis9748]

@@K.S.V_railway not sure where you live at, but if you’re closer to bald knob, check out the old depot! It’s also a model train store and the guy who owns it, Craig Christiansen, is a great guy. I’m 25 and I’ve been going for about 20 years now.

[@BlackHeart37498]

I've gotten a few ho scale locomotives off of Facebook marketplace

[@BlackHeart37498]

And they were actually pretty runners

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

Picked up my first HO rolling stock today - some vintage Tri-ang from a antique market for nostalgia as I used to run some with my Dad - looking for some more with boxed examples and second hand items. Also got some Life Like and Lima as a ebay bundle at a ok price. Now to get a engine and basic HO track to get them running. Love the channel (new sub)

[@SMTMainline]

That's awesome. Those tri-ang models tend to be pretty tough.

[@CedarLakeRailfanner]

I went to a hobbytown in Minnesota last year and there was a box of Junk worth at most $40 but it was $250 and there was a Tyco C630 Chessie for $120

[@daniellacasse6442]

Hi I like what you are doing here. Your inset image while running footage of your operating trains. Nice format. 👍👍👍

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, it was a bit different than most of what I've made but it worked well.

[@ddyodaman5515]

You are pretty spot on with the diversity of sellers knowledge and no knowledge of equipment

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, I tried to be fair with everything.

[@Forgest8]

The Bessemer! I never knew they made an ho one, gotta buy that for my collection soon. Nice videos SMT

[@randallellison6421]

The closest actual train shop to me is Iron Planet Hobbies in Rogersville, Missouri. While I was on a borrow out job in Springfield, Missouri, I was able to check it out and they have a really good selection there, and their shipping rates are really good too! Couple of online stores I regularly shop on is Lombard Hobbies and Midwest Model Railroad, those 2 stores have become my go to's for model trains as well!

[@dbtech7914]

Great video. I get most of my trains from train shows. There are at least two a month in eastern Pennsylvania. Train stores are usually more expensive, but more reliable.

[@nordisk1874]

Trainland is special! Growing up on Long Island it was the best store. Granted plenty of smaller stores are long and gone. Some like Nassau Hobby Center still hold on.. Now living in Florida the greatest store in the country You’ve been to Zitniks!

[@SMTMainline]

Zitniks was awesome. I visited Ready to Roll in Miami recently and it was pretty good as well. H&R trains has a great selection but they are priced a bit higher.

[@modelrailfan37]

Good analysis and advice! My favourite places to shop are shows and stores, but eBay is not bad either, I just like to see what I’m buying rather than relying on pictures

[@tylersebring8045]

I agree my nearest hobby shop is in Easton Pa and I'm from Emmaus PA and it's roughly 30 to 35 min drive

[@1471SirFrederickBanbury]

Agree with the statement about Ebay's shipping prices. I've had amazing deals on Ebay, from machine tools, to paints, parts, and rolling stock, but often, the shipping prices double the cost and once decided that a small amount of paint was too dangerous to ship! If they could rework their system to be half as good as Amazon, or other places, then they would dominate again.

[@jameschurch185]

If you ever go to Pennsylvania, I recommend going to Nicholas Smith Toys and Trains in Broomall PA (trains are upstairs)

[@trainmaster0217]

I had Lionel trains when I was a kid 70 years ago and was thinking about getting back into the hobby again ...UNTIL ..I saw the prices. HO gauge freight cars 15- 25 dollars and more. Engines at $300. Maybe in my next life .

[@SMTMainline]

You can find stuff at train shows for a lot less but yeah, the prices aren't great.

[@tomg721]

Thanks for your insite Harrison. One other possibility is to share your hobby intrest with family and friends. My Uncle gave me a set of post war Lionel trains he had growing up. They were in his attic for over 35 years. I had to do some minor repairs, but now they are operating and can be passed down to my grandkids.

[@SMTMainline]

That's a good point.

[@roybal1975]

Okay at 2:59 are those prices accurate? Based on your experience...and do you own any of those type engines?

[@SMTMainline]

They are in Canadian dollars which is why they might appear higher. Those prices are pretty average here.

[@mercuryoak2]

I got to say that's a great assessment. Such as me I bought walthers train line F units A-B and the guy said they worked but I wasn't sure if when. But when I took them home and tested them okay they need a little bit of cleaning on the inside but they run beautiful and I walked away with 1995 pricing for both units $60 is great deal. I just went to a hobby shop Saturday as well and I noticed it was very crowded and that's because they have closed a lot and is only two hobby shops in Rhode Island.. the one that's near me in Manchester Connecticut sucks. So I travel to Warwick RI. The next thing is today I went to a train show with my kids. I basically walked away with 55 bucks of stuff. 3 pristine Athearn ready to roll refrigerator cars for $40 and 6 box cars and one passenger coach for $15 lol. The guy said he wanted me to make an offer and I could take the entire thing of boxcars with the coach car that I was inquiring about what she only asked for a couple bucks. What made me laugh is he said he didn't want to take it back home so he wanted to sell it quick. That's the sellers you go for . They want a quick sale and they want to get out of there fast. So I walked away with an awesome deal. Also on occasion I deal with a flea market dealer and he's got some train stuff that I am shocked at what he says I should pay. Sometimes I can walk away with the same amount of cars that I have right now and pay about $40. Great video

[@Big_Friendly_Giant]

I think it’s funny that you say eBay sellers are more honest than train show sellers. At a train show you can thoroughly check out what you’re buying and even ask to have run on test track. On eBay you don’t know till you get it and hope it’s what they say it is. At the end of the day all of them come down to honesty and trust. I give your video a 8/10. 😀

[@OriginalBongoliath]

At a train show you have to return it while you are there if the seller will even take it back at all. You are relying on the seller to act in good faith. On eBay at least you have buyer protection so even if the seller says "no returns" you can still initiate a return and you will get your money back and you have 30 days to do it generally vs. none at a train show.

[@SMTMainline]

I've been swindled more times at a train show then I have on eBay. It's still rare but if you can't test the item there, you'll only be able to find out if it's in working order once you get home. Train shows are usually only around for 1 or 2 days so you're time to get it back is limited so recourse isn't terribly straight forward. Some vendors have an all sales are final policy too

[@avlisk]

I just found out my favorite local hobby shop, Maine Modelworks, closed its brick and mortar shop. Anyone have suggestions for another one close to North Conway, New Hampshire? Thanks.

[@SMTMainline]

I was really disappointed to hear about Maine Model Works closing. I went there in 2021 and it was great. I wish I knew of other good ones in that area.

[@andrewferguson5653]

I agree with everything you said, SMT. Train shows are great places, and I've bought trains online too from eBay and Larkspur. Never had any problems.

[@SMTMainline]

I haven't bought from their online store before but after 15 years of reliable in store purchases I trust them. I'm glad to hear the same from someone who actually has bought from their online store.

[@andrewferguson5653]

@@SMTMainline You're quite welcome. A trip to Merrickville to visit Larkspur is a day trip for me from Trenton, that's why I like using their online store.

[@sunrise2234]

I think train shows are really good for deals. Yesterday I went to the new bern train show in North Carolina and got a set of rock island passenger cars by con-cor for $10 and a broken dd40x for $3

[@johnfowler6600]

I found a fair amount of E-bay sellers as being relatively honest with there items, so I advise the ones who undervalue they sale item. As someone who been in retail sales for 50+ years I like a bargain just as well as next person but realize a lot of people are forced to downsize what they have and need a bit of guidance. Pride myself to get up in the morning look in the mirror and know I didn't rip somebody off.

[@SMTMainline]

That's kind of you to list stuff reasonably. If people wanna list stuff at high prices that's fine but I draw the line at how honest they are on the condition. I've paid top dollar for stuff which was sold at a high price being told it's in working order only to get it and find out its junk.

[@johnfowler6600]

I have also had that problem, have given them a chance to correct the problem but if they don't in a reasonable amount of time negative reviews are a weapon that can used. Out of 100 reviews one negative outweighs 99 positive one. I also take condition with a grain of salt what they say excellent to me is one grade down (Let the buyer beware) motto is very relevant. SMG I do love your channel as it teaches even a old dog myself different ways to look at problems and fixes.

[@johnbehneman1546]

A MUST WATCH VIDEO!!!!

[@TaitBeck]

Guy dropping viddys while on vacation, unreal dedication

[@d-rail7271]

You can schedule them in advance

[@SMTMainline]

That's right, all throttle no breaks 👍

[@SMTMainline]

@d-rail7271 True but that doesn't shorten production time so I was still editing while away.

[@zenithcoinsandhobbies]

For Marketplace, I found a couple of very nice American Flyer S gauge sets, not in bad shape, for $150. Both sets, with a little work, are both easily worth that. Someone had donated them to a thrift shop, and I happened to be the first person to offer them a price. They'd been sitting there for 4 or 5 months, which is kind of crazy considering the kind of foot traffic that the shop gets. I will say that it all depends on what people are listing. Sometimes you find cool stuff on Marketplace, and other times, it's just crap.

[@JessicaBarney-r8s]

Also can you pls do a video where you run all of your n scale locos. I just got back into n scale and would like to see them all run.

[@Johnnyhaotrains]

First piece of Rolling Stock I ever owned was it a 95 year old engine passed down from generation to generation in my family it is had three motor Replacements and it's a 95-year-old life

[@SMTMainline]

That's awesome!

[@zachstrains]

Hey SMT crazy story for you when you were talking about facebook marketplace at 8:55 you showed a ride on electric diesel type train when you where scrolling and funny story is i actually bought that loco about a year ago crazy that you came across it oh though i believe we are both from ontario anyways thanks for the great video - Zach

[@SMTMainline]

It must be strange to buy something on facebook and then find it a few months later in a video.

[@Lord_Billy]

Great tips, I only have 2 train stores near me one of them are is mainly rc cars or boat only like 6 locos at a time so not great for prices the other one is near my grandpa's house it is great a little high prices but good if you try to sell stuff there they will give you $10 for a collection when my other grandpa died my mom sold alot of his train (yes i wanted to have them but she said they were moldy) but i tested them not that moldy but they worked she got 100 bucks for 14 o scale engines and special sports train stuff. But i normally go stores or shows but that just my story.

[@ToledoRailfan]

NW Ohio has basically no train stores but has a train show like every month

[@carsonhale9812]

At minute 8:54 7.25/7.5 train for sale that was my ad. I'm just hyped that it got captured in a video

[@SMTMainline]

It must be strange to be watching a video and find your own ad in it.

[@jacksnavely559]

There's a little town in South Central Nebraska that has a Train Store that has way more trains then the county has people, IT'S GREAT, IT'S SPRING CREEK MODEL TRAINS in Deshler Nebraska ,they seem too do a lot of on line mail order becouse whenever I go there ,there is several people packaging stuff , great shop and the only one around 😮 ❤

[@SMTMainline]

Haven't heard if them before but it sounds like a great place!

[@sophiamhartsfield]

A train store near me is really great, it gets a huge amount of collected pieces that people bring in and sell, and they end up super cheap. I just got 6 trailers and an 85' boxcar for $41. I did however buy a superdetailed bluebox with cracked gears for $90 which was really stupid

[@SFCRambo60]

EBay really sucks in many ways, yes, shipping costs are out of this world. But what really gets me is eBay has mixed all the scales together than you get the jerks who say they are selling an item but is not the Scale they say it is, especially the 3D community. I keep asking eBay to have the sellers lay a ruler next to the item. Still EBay doesn't set any standards. I have gotten someone's garbage (really), I got what I wanted N Scale but got HO, and O Scale than true garbage. We have lost our last Model Railroad shop here in Peoria Illinois have to drive 35 miles to Bloomington Illinois. I tried to Google and they say places like Hobby Lobby, Michael's and even Walmart are model railroad suppliers which is a lie. Sure Walmart sells but only on line and like eBay you don't know what your going to get.

[@Santaanacanyon]

Shipping costs are also high because that’s how sellers guarantee their prices.

[@TopHotDog]

Yeah, know what you mean . Many of the sellers on eBay who hawk model trains troll yard sales, flea markets, and scan the obituaries to buy what they sell. Frequently they know nothing about trains, and apply the philosophy of buy low and sell high, sometimes marking up an item by 10. Shipping is padded to make additional profit , using the excuse "I had to go to the post office, or use some tape" Tyco, Bachman, life like are the bottom of the barrel stuff, literally worth only a few pennies.originally bought and used as toys They can pick this stuff up at garage sales for about 50¢ a car, and a buck for a locomotive. They are like restaurants. 50% won't be in business 5 years from now. 99% won't be in business 10 years from now. Use caution in this hobby, use your common sense and you can have fun at low cost .

[@survivingworldsteam]

Both eBay and Etsy allow you to list items by scale, but not everyone uses it. That can be a red flag for someone selling something and not knowing what they have, since they often don't know what scale it is. You can filter by scale, and if the item doesn't have a ruler next to it or doesn't look like, pass on it anyway. That should at least help cut down on the amount of money wasted online.

[@ErickC]

Ah, Ebay - where every single item is VINTAGE RARE and priced to match. :D

[@cnwproductions]

Shows are great bc the prices are better (usually) and you can make offers (all imo)

[@jimmyseaver3647]

Very much seconded. The trick is to avoid paying full price for anything at a show. At a recent one, I found a trio of 16K tank car kits that had wildly varying prices, but the seller took note and scratched his head wondering why that was before doing $10 for each, which I found more than fair. The general path towards that end is to buy multiple items from a given seller if possible. Bulk discounts are _very_ much in play at shows depending on how badly the seller wants to offload his collection.

[@cnwproductions]

@@jimmyseaver3647 buying in “bulk” from a seller is great, you can get things for a lot cheaper than originally priced, and it’s fantastic because it saves you money and they’ll usually take any reasonable offers (I’ve spent $80 on two Athearn blue box units that would have cost me $100 before I threw up the $80 offer)

[@WWIIREBEL]

Last October ,i went to a local vintage flea market/store and found a box full of the older HO scale Tyco 4-wheel Brill trolleys. All were listed as "Not working". Before i could say a single thing, the seller said "Meh....10 bucks for the whole box". I snagged it up fast,lol. Now i have a bunch of them ,all working fine and are all on my layout. The only issue they all had was that they just needed a good cleaning.

[@SMTMainline]

Sounds like an awesome deal!

[@Karimlovestrains]

I get my model trains on Amazon and the great Wheaton train show.

[@FredBearsFamilyDiner1983]

2:55 which hobby shop is this?

[@SMTMainline]

Larkspur Line in Merrickville Ontario.

[@YourLocalRailfan]

I would be looking for a CN sd75

[@robertom5808]

Nice one

[@davidbarrera308]

Some of my best deals came from Ebay and FB marketplace but I was buying entire collections then reselling what I didn't want.

[@SMTMainline]

Glad to hear it. Once in a while something great comes up on both those sites.

[@MattKonsol]

Very nice model railroad presentation on how to get ho scale or any scale locomotives Harrison. For me it doesn’t matter where I like to get model trains if it’s at a train show or somewhere where they have like deals or something like that idk.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks!

[@motortowncuriosites7005]

Your take on this subject was interesting. In my area we have tons of train shows, and every antique mall has trains. We are however down to just two hobby shops that have trains.

[@SMTMainline]

I'm glad to hear that. Location plays a major in how people buy trains. I had no idea there were so many places where train shops were nowhere to be found.

[@OriginalBongoliath]

Do you live in Pennsylvania?

[@motortowncuriosites7005]

@@OriginalBongoliath I am in Michigan

[@motortowncuriosites7005]

@nline We are lucky, train stuff is plentiful here, we have seven train shows per year, I set up at 6 of them.

[@Quince828]

Since I like getting old time stuff I find train shows have some great bargains. Often it’s local fellow hobbyists wanting to reduce their collection so they have knowledge and a bit more honesty about what they’re selling. Plus they are more likely to bargain or barter with you. Hobby shops are good but too often items they take on consignment or estate sales are overpriced. I suppose they have to cover their costs in acquiring and stocking items. Product knowledge is usually good at hobby shops and train shows. I’m suspicious of online or marketplace. Once you figure in the shipping it’s usually not such a good deal for what could end up a pig in a poke.

[@Trainguy90406]

I live in upstate ny and unfortunately the closest hobby shop (I know of) near me is 4 and 1/2 hours away in Long Island.

[@RailRide]

I don't know what part of or how "upstate" you are in NY, but JR Junction Train & Hobby in Syracuse may be worth looking into.

[@Trainguy90406]

@@RailRide I’m really up state in like the Adirondacks but thanks for the recommendation, I’ll try to make it there at some point

[@KoolKatDave]

Harrison, what's a good price range for a Walthers locomotive, say like the CP GP9M or similar in good running condition? Thanks.

[@SMTMainline]

Used and in good shape? Between $40 and $60 roughly. They are worth around $80 brand new.

[@KoolKatDave]

Thanks, looking at one with the Canadian/US flag deco for $49.99 and wanted to get an idea. And yes, used and in good shape, at least visible from pics!@@SMTMainline

[@stevelemieux985]

we have a good one here in Ottawa area , in Vanier

[@SMTMainline]

Good ole Hobby house!

[@TimStonerock]

Good info thanks 👍

[@Hoscaletrains447]

I got a old Bachman John Bull set for 150 I talked down for 180 I over paid abit but that was a at a flee market

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

Unfortunately I live in massachusetts and the hobby shops anywhere near me are horrible. I am stuck with ebay.

[@randydobson1863]

hello SMT Mainline & it's is Randy and i like yours video is cool & Thanks SMT Mainline Friends Randy

[@jamesstrickland631]

I recently bought a locomotive from a train show, for cheap. Seller had it marked as " Doesn't Run ", which I figured I could easily fix. Low n behold, I get home and check it, runs great, just no lights inside 🤷.

[@SMTMainline]

I've had that happen a couple of times. Ether the seller is being overly honest and saying it doesn't run when it reality they mean it doesn't run well or they just did a bad job at testing it.

[@Pm1225railfan]

I pove this video and how it tells what to get and what not to

[@russellsussan9849]

I have found that at train shows I can usually haggle on the price, especially towards the end of the show.

[@SMTMainline]

For sure. I've had stuff offered up at the ends of shows for pennies on the dollar all because they don't wanna have to load as much stuff into their van and wait for the next show to offload it.

[@actrus1]

hello, I'm from Lithuania and I'm sorry, there aren't many such things here. I looked at ebay to see what the prices are... but ebay might be in the market, I think. that's why I wanted to ask if I should buy through you and download from you, because I think you have a lot of very physical stores or buy from people in the ads, I'm talking about the Ho scale here

[@SMTMainline]

I don't sell anything online at the moment but I'm sure some stores would be willing to ship to you. I've ordered from stores in Sweden and had no issues getting the item to Canada.

[@Shelvington_Railway]

Great video. Thanks for sharing! Liked and Subbed! Cheers, Andy

[@SMTMainline]

It's nice to hear that, thanks for the sub!

[@beaviskornholio2754]

I just buy nose or close to new from ebay. If it's a new release I will google the product # online and look for the best price.

[@koschkaschroeder6791]

a huge point for local hobby shops: they return easily or give a return when something isnt correct working - or at least my shop does, but thats in good old europe ;) and mine just takes the average ebay prices.

[@SMTMainline]

I've had a similar experience

[@iamcarrot1]

So many stores are closed now. Don't have any near me, have to order online. I liked to look at what I was buying. Haven't had any problem with ordering online except with Walthers. Most of their stuff is cheaper else where, and their customer service is horrible.

[@MMRails]

Very informative and interesting video. I find buying train stuff from the trunk of some stranger’s vehicle is the best way to go. 😉 What screen recording software do you use? Great video!

[@SMTMainline]

Yes, $900 Brawa talents being sold in a hockey arena parking lot lol. I use quicktime to screen record, if you use windows I've heard good things about OBS.

[@meliketrains7]

What type of grass do you use for your layouts, if it's static do you know of one that isnt(I'm kinda broke)

[@SMTMainline]

It's by woodland scenics. It's $15 a can but it goes a long way. If you want a cheeper option you can water down green paint, then throw some cheap dollar store sponges into it. Let them dry and compress them between two boards in a vice. Run a handsaw in the space between the two boards and you'll get realistic grass for almost nothing.

[@meliketrains7]

@nline thank you so much because im currently building my first layou with no aid from ppl with experiance so this helps a good amount, could you make a video on tips and tricks for landscaping details like grass hills trees and bushes

[@Tauraco00]

I agree Location is the main concern🎉 Enjoy the hobby🚂Regards Elizabeth

[@DavidSmith-dm8ew]

When you go to a fleemarket or a train show, or anywhere where you physically will be there..carry a piece of track and a 9v battery to test with. If they refuse to let you test walk away.

[@SMTMainline]

That's a good point.

[@stephenrickjr.7519]

Thanks for the info.

[@Carolinastrucks]

Great video! I just hate the fact I have to drive almost an hour to get to one. I don’t have anything yet, but I want to start. Any recommendations for a set that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? Preferably Ho scale

[@SMTMainline]

Although I'm not a huge fan of Bachmann they have some decent train sets on amazon for around $130 and they are enough to get the ball rolling.

[@Carolinastrucks]

@@SMTMainline I was looking at a hobby shop, and a family member has a friend who can get discounts, and if that doesn’t work, the thoroughbred set would be what would I get. Thanks for this tips man

[@elleryparsons2433]

You Rock Harrison🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@FTAfiretrucks]

Are there any good train shows near Ottawa, ON? I've been trying to find some but your not kidding when you say their advertising is terrible.

[@SMTMainline]

Yes, the OVAR flea market is on March 23 I believe. ovar.ca/ The Arnprior show should be coming up in May too