http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Live-Steam-Train-Engine-Locomotive-Peking-Railway-/250675850690?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item3a5d71edc2
In need of some TLC - maybe reasonable at half the starting price?
Andy
Well Andy, he's careful to state that the engine is for "static display" only and should be inspected by a competant engineer before steaming. Sounds all very sensible & professional.
But in other words, there is no boiler certificate, the Seller knows it and is covering his backside!
To my mind this is like trying to sell a car with no MOT. You cannot insure it or drive it until you have one.
The best way to place a value on this engine - is to imagine that it's for sale with no boiler, because that in effect is the risk being taken.
It's not that I would completely rule out buying an engine from e-Bay but the price paid should reflect the risks and this price is way out in my view for a tatty looking engine with no boiler certificate!
Quote:
"......this price is way out in my view for a tatty looking engine with no boiler certificate!"
unquote
Ian - I was trying to be polite! Maybe I should have put a sarcastic smiley at the end of my post.
My main reason for posting was to illustrate just how crazy some of the asking prices from 'top-rated' sellers actually are. Caveat Emptor, as ever!
Andy
I'm sorry Andy, no offence - I wasn't having a go at you for posting this. Quite the contary, as I think it's good to monitor the sale of G3 engines. I was just trying to point folks (especially anyone new to Gauge '3' and interested in live steam) in the right direction and have them understand the potential pitfalls.
Whilst there are bargains to be had (although maybe not so many these days judged by the last two we've seen) you really do need to know what you are doing when buying a live steam loco - especially sight unseen. There are Society Members who have obtained nice engines this way but they knew what they were about and (generally) also had the skills to correct any problems found.
As I've stated before, I've seen much nicer engines for sale (usually at less money) at the AGM over the years, with the added bonus that the Seller is known and usually, so is the engine, having been seen steaming at GTG's over the years. Members selling locos are also usually quite willing to steam their engines and let you have a play (sorry) drive. They will also (usually) be able to tell you the history/pedigree of the engine and of course show you the boiler certificate. I think this is one of the great things about belonging to the Society (and indeed any group of a similar nature - such as a Model Engineering Society etc).