Hello, I am interested in getting into the narrow guage community, but am finding it very hard to find locomotives and cars below retail by a significant ammount. Iwould like to get a D&RGW C-19 and a K-28 (the later will be shiping in early-mid 2014 from Blackstone), but I can't find it below $380. Are there any better places that you know of that could get me a better price, or is $380 the best I'll be able to do? Thanks
Keep checking those auction sites. Mostly, it's new stuff from dealers. But every once in a while you should come across private sellers. Look for non-sound versions of the early release, those might come into your price range. Also, the weathered versions are costlier.
$380 is a 20% markdown probably a pretty good price at this time. Another hope is to find them when the big online stores do clearances. I scored a DC C-19 from the first run at a pretty good discount from the large model train store in Maryland when they were clearing them out. Trouble is and from what I can see, Blackstone is making everything with DCC and sound now and that drives the price up. I've also seen dealers at train shows who discount some but that is hit or miss. Coming up, I'll be looking for a Class 70 myself. Andy Tetsu Uma
I too have been spending time looking for deals and price comparing, but since there is reasonable demand for HOn3 RTR (and it seems to be increasing!) your best bet may to be looking locally. For example.. Local model railroad club benefit: networking. Got my only Blackstone K27 and my first brass locomotive, a K27, from a local club member who had put together a modest collection with plans for a narrow gauge line on his HO empire... his plans changed and I got these new-in-box items for a song. The deals are out there, just rare.
I was a Soundtraxx dealer for decades, it seems. There is, or was, an MAP mandate in effect. Even dealers who sell on evilbait will get caught. The break isn't as much as you would imagine. And trying to keep track of who ordered what a year later can be daunting. But, if you like H0n3, and Colorado narrow Gauge, it's the only way to go. Bottom line: If you can't afford it, change hobbies (said nicely). And out of all things Kader, PRC, BlackStone is the nicest by far. Dave
Guys who want to operate HOn3 don't need to look for the "cheapest" route. The manufacturers aren't making tons of cash trying to supply a dwindling audience. If you want cheap narrow gauge, then get into On30 or build your own stuff. If you don't want to make things yourself then you will need to pay the piper or maybe start collecting butterflies or wildflowers. It still applies-"you get what you pay for". Only MY opinion. Woodie
Before we get too far down any path, lets differentiate between "cheap" and "finding a bargain." When I see "cheap," it brings to mind poor quality and I don't want poorly made items that don't run or look right. I'm not opposed to saving a buck, will shop around for a bargain (making my Scotch grandmother proud), and look for the "best value," which is a combination of features and price, keeping in mind that "best value" is subjective and what I consider worth it, someone else will think is over priced and vice versa. Having said that, I think that we all agree that there are less expensive areas to the model railroading hobby that HOn3. My areas of interests are Michigan copper haulers and flatland narrow gauge in the Midwest. I don't seem to pick the easy ones, do I? Since I am not currently a scratch-builder, I personally am willing to accept creative license to get things moving and that I will have to pay extra for what I want. That's reality. I have a Blackstone C-19 that I got on clearance. Someday, it's going to get a Switcher Style Pilot Tender Footboard for hauling loads of copper ore down to the mill and smelter. As it stands right now, it is the best detailed locomotive of any that I own in four scales - brass included. If someone wants to find a better bargain that what seems to be available, they have to get your hustle on and follow the suggestions that have been provided. Andy Tetsu Uma
