just curious what a bachmann ho scale tgv train set is worth, it says limited edition on the box and i don't see any for sale on ebay to watch. i figured it being bachmann it would be pretty cheap. but like i said, i can't find any for sale to compare it with? sorry if this is in the wrong section of the forums, i don't use these forums much.
The best advice. The best advice I can give you...the best! Walk away from it. In the words of the miners here in this neck of the woods, "It's a leeverite". Translated: Leave her right there. Move on to the NEWEST Bachmann products. Don't waste your time with the old stuff. Collectors items they aren't. The best thing anyone can do with the older stuff is give it away or trash it. I would prefer they trash it. Get it off the market and out of sight. This way no one else will be suckered into a bad deal. Give it away? When I give something away I let the new owner know "It's a piece of junk". To include, a wish for better luck... as the new owner. Sometimes we just don't get it until we try it ourselves. Don't waste your time. I hope this helps.
no that really didn't help. sounds like you don't know anything about this particular set and are bassing your thesis on all the older bachmann products.
Didn't like my advice? Oh, I may not know much in this world. LOL Just an old fart with way to much practical experience, I said with a twinkle in my eye and a big grin. If you're mind is already made up then do what rings your bell. You don't need our affirmation. As far as value? I wouldn't pay today's inflated train show prices for used equipment. Or more then it originally cost in the first place. It's Bachmann, so consider the source and if it was produced let's say further back then five years ago...I'd be real cautious and careful. More then ten years ago it's a "Leeverite". Unfortunately, I've heard some criticism of the Bachmann TGV. Now Tyco put out a Talgo that you might want to look into. Just oogle google and you should find the info you want. Tyco Collector's Forum - Talgo Pics Posted! Although, I wouldn't consider anything Tyco made to be a collectors item. Lionel, Marx and some early American Flyer stuff had the good fortune of ending up in the antigue or collectors bins. Since then, little to nothing in the model railroad world has arrived at what you could safely call a collectors piece. Here's a similar question posted on another website: Model Railroads: Bachmann Ho Scale TGV model train set, model train enthusiast, service hobby
From the website listed in the previous posting: Start Quote Expert: Chris Coscia - 7/7/2009 Question Dear Chris, I recently received a HO Scale Bachmann TGV train set, item no. on the box is 40-0150. It looks to have been built in the 70's? It looks brand new in the box, but the box is a little beat up. All the equipment and track is intact and boxed separately inside. I am trying to decide whether to sell it or hold on to it. I am not a model train enthusiast, but the person who gave it to me thinks my son might like it. Can you give me any tips on how to value it for sale. Thanks, Chris Answer Hi thanks for your question. Many people have seen how older Lionel (O-scale) items hold some value and assume HO scale items will do the same. Unfortunately that often is not the case. HO trains are valued on condition of both the train and box and modeler interest. Your TGV is not particularly rare. If it was run and used a lot, it may be of little value. But it may let your son find a new avenue of interest. So let him try it out. If your son finds little interest, then place it in the next garage sale. Consult your local hobby store for extra track and operating help. Any full service hobby store should be able to aid you further. End Quote. I hope you found this helpful.
Okay, here's a specific comment: It's poorly made, doesn't run especially wel, is not highly detailed, and worth very little. How's that?
here you have 6 days to find out if it's worth $149.00 http://cgi.ebay.com/BACHMANN-TGV-HI...wItemQQptZModel_RR_Trains?hash=item3a55a25360
x_doug_x - After seeing Bigford's link to the Bachmann TGV for $149.00, I am shaking my head because the Kato version in N scale which is an excellent model, finely detailed and is the same price if not less at some retailers. (I got mine for $129.00 at a LHS) But if you're looking for HO scale in the TGV, I think Bachmann is the only one that makes this train, I know Kato, MicroAce and Tomix don't.
It's not clear to me whether the OP is thinking of selling or buying one of these. But on the other hand it probably doesn't matter :embarrassed2:
Mike, I suspect the op is the one selling this. Ditto your response. If I was watching Jay Leno's evening show I would say this will sell. Someone, will sucker for it. Wiser are they ... who pass on this.
I just want to cry reading all these Bachmann inquiries lately. Whats worse is when someone comes asking for help, someone like Rick so graciously puts forth his experienced advice, which coincidentally gets rejected by the person who asked for help in the first place? I just added that eBay auction to my watch list. If that sells... unfortunately I can do no more than just pity the bidder.
Thanks Mark for your kind comments. I expected this gent to reject my comments. This same question came up on several other websites under different names and I suspect they were looking for affirmation that this was a hot collector's item. It isn't and so far no one else has told them it is. Pretty much supporting our conclusions here on TrainBoard. Oh well, it is what it is. I used to do train assessments to determine their present day value. At one time I had access to an assortment of books written on Marx, Lionel, American Flyer, Tin Types and etc. The reason these had value was because they hit the Antique Toy Train Status. Others hit, what was considered to be a minimal numbers left from the original run and this under the assumption, they were made several generations ago Ie., 50 to 70 years ago. I was sitting with a friend, taking lunch at Carl's Jr. and he collects all kinds of NAHR and NAS Car Sets. He was saying these are collector's items and the value has gone up. Mainly because these are limited editions. I suggested to him that given time these will indeed become "Collector's Items". Qualifying my statement by adding the conditions, (1) 50 to 100 years from now, (2) When there are very few left on the market, (3) They are in original or good condition and still in original boxes. Then and only then will they have any specific value other then original price. I was surprised to learn he thought they wouldn't have to wait and the value had already gone up. I suggested this is because of the demand which creates a type of false market. And the discussion went on with no viable conclusion in sight. Oh, he's still a good friend. I'm not about to let differences of opinions get between me and a good friendship. Times to short! Many are trying to do the same thing with HO and N Scale. Unfortunately, most of us buyers (the market) are a little head strong and won't go along with this. Just because it's written on the box does not guarantee it to be a "Collector's Item" or even a "Collectible". If your buyers (those of us who are in the hobby) doesn't buy into it or go along with it...your market is dead. A number of companies Ie., MicroTrains, ConCor, Bachmann have put out what is stamped on the box "Collector's Series". With few exceptions they are anything but collectors items, let alone collectible. The market isn't buying into it. I might add that MTL wasn't part of the MicroTrains packaging of collector's items. Seems part of the family wanted to create "Collector Sets" and the other continued on under a new name Micro Trains Lines, producing the knuckle couplers, wheel sets and etc. Limited Edition, is a totally different issue and discussion with an assortment of qualifiers. I will buy limited editions but I absolutely hate the idea. Ie., I bought A D&RGW F unit in the 4 stripe livery. Now how do I get a full set of A, B, B, A's? When they only put out a limited edition A unit. Oh, don't get me started on this subject or I will end up writing more then just a short epistle and give you the whole book and chapter. It's time to take the boys and girls that produce these limited editions... out to the wood shed. I recently attended a train show. I got to see many good friends, participate in some good and informative discussions. I had a great time but...but, there was a down side. As I see it swindlers trying to pawn off older train equipment in the name of "Collector's and Collectibles". Inflated prices seem to be the order of the day. Except for one guy with a funny hat on. He seemed to be fair and honest about his equipment... priced right. Another good example was a retiring gentleman and his wife. He was selling off his collection and it hurt, to see him doing this. I'll leave you with what I thought was one bad example: One sign read 50% off but when you do the math, he was asking... in excess of twice what the item cost in the first place. I recognize he has the right to price his equipment at what he thinks the market will bare. Let me throw in a disclaimer here: Unless... the item has significant worth to me, I believe it to be hard to find or get and a prototype, adding perhaps one of very few left...I won't pay the inflated price... NO SALE! Apparently, I wasn't the only one as he did have a bad day. I talked to him and made some suggestions. I let him know my first impression, "Hey, A Deal" and at second glance I concluded, nope just a hungry operative wanting to get more then present day value. I think others like me saw the obvious and walked away. I'd rather see him post his asking price and then take 10% off... at the time he is making the sale. The wisdom of an ancient Chinese proverb translated said, "Let the buyer beware". The e-bay item, the point of this discussion, will sell and then go from one buyer, after another, until someday it ends up in the hands of someone who will put it out of it's misery. But, look at the income it will generate. A false market with suckers living off of each other, one born every half minute. You all take care and stay away from the bad deals. Go out and buy yourself a worthy Christmas present...try out the NEW Bachmann stuff. OR TREAT yourself to some of the new DCC technology. You just might like what's going on in today's model railroad world.
The wisdom of an ancient Chinese proverb translated said, "Let the buyer beware". or the wisdom of a famous american " there's a A.H. for every seat"
What I find funny is how the guy comes on here asking about how much it is worth and instead of just answering the question or being quiet if you don't know, some people have to instead attack the quality or make fun of people who would purchase the item? The O.P. even stated that being Bachmann he would think of it to be cheap he just wanted to check. You guys need to remember that the value of an item is strictly based on how much a certain person wants it. I have sold thousands of items on eBay and it is funny how 2 identical items can sell for double or triple of what previous ones have sold for just depending on how much someone wants it at that time. No, older Bachmann's aren't great trains, then again there are some older sets that just aren't reproduced alot, such as the TGV, John Bull, DeWitt Clinton, etc so if someone wants them they will be willing to pay more. As for the value, here is one that is used and missing pieces that sold for $79 TGV Hi Speed FRENCH HO Scale Train by Bachmann - eBay (item 220515134906 end time Nov-29-09 16:53:21 PST) and a Model Power, again not great quality, that is like new that sold for $98 Authentic Model Power TGV Electric Train Set HO Scale - eBay (item 350284377364 end time Dec-02-09 08:30:45 PST)
The op was told what the value is and that wasn't what he wanted to hear. Hummm, yep that is real funny! hummmm. The e-bay item, the point of this discussion, will sell and then go from one buyer, after another, until someday it ends up in the hands of someone who will put it out of it's misery. But, look at the income it will generate. A false market with suckers living off of each other, one born every half minute. Yep, that's funny! :munhappy:
Then why don't you buy up all the Bachmann items currently on eBay so others don't fall victim? Nobody makes people buy the stuff, they do it cause they want to, if they don't research the quality it's there fault. Must be miserable being as almighty and intelligent as you and yet not have everyone follow your every word, you'd do well in a non-democratic country.
i think rick and the others that warned of the quality of bachmann's stuff are a god send! Go over to spookshows site and tell him he's wrong about all his prase and warning's. I for one would rather hear the train i'm about to spend MY hard earned money is worth it or NOT. But i guess some people like buying lemons and dont worry about it.....
Nlevo, Hummm, a set income, budget restraints, moths in my wallet. Do you get my drift? Sooner then later, we all learn the truth. The question is how does that reflect on you and I? The last time I checked you are free to make your own choices and mistakes. I've enjoyed your comments and not in a way that laughs at you. What I thought was truly funny is your remarks above. Nice description of who I appear to be. I wish you knew me better but oh well, it is what it is. You see, I did buy up a bunch of junk from Bachmann and learned some lessons the hard way. I've been suckered in more times, then I care to admit. Just not from e-bay (another topic for another thread). I would rather see the new beginners and even the more experienced get started out on the right foot. I despise actions taken that take advantage of the inexperienced and newbies. I couldn't sell any of the early Bachmann stuff on e-bay and do it with a clear conscientious. Alas, I'm not the Great Father and I know that there are times when after I've given my best advice, I have to step back and let others make their own mistakes. Did you say, "Non-democratic world"? Now, I know you don't know me. You do want to get acquainted with me before you go and hang your hat on that one. I've enjoyed this discussion with you. A true thought provoking exchange. I hope it brought a chuckle and grin to you as well. Thanks for keeping my mother out of this. Grin! You take care.tongue: Bigford, Thanks for your recognition and kind words. You stated my purpose better then I. Regarding those lemons. Some would rather turn around and sell those lemons and make a profit doing so. Did I hear lemonade out of lemons? I'm not at all sure this is the appropriate application. A honest to goodness bond fire works for me. Oh, and it's cold outside. Now, let's get back to having some fun with our new, New, NEW!!! Bachmann train equipment.
Listen, I've got no problem with someone giving there opinion, especially if it is going to save someone from the heartache (and wallet emptying) mistake of buying something thats junk. My point to all of this is that more often then not you pipe up with your opinions that very often have very little to do with what was originally asked or posted. Usually it's in a negative way while you try to push your view of what is "correct". A couple examples are this thread and my first thread about pulling power. The OP in this thread even stated that he figured Bachmann to be cheap, he wasn't asking about the quality, simply what people thought it was worth $ wise. If he would have said he was thinking of buying one for X amount and if people thought it was a good idea then that would open up more debate. Often in this hobby we are left buying something of less then great quality simply because its not widely available or we hold a special place for it for some reason or another. Are you going to bash someone for purchasing a certain Bachmann train set because they had one as a child and it has sentimental value? Even in more technical threads like the one on pulling power you really didn't have anything constructive to say other then how a "real test" would have been done by you. Truth is most of the time it is better to give your opinion as just that, your opinion, instead you try to come off as speaking the gospel truth. I can't tell you how many times I have done research before buying something and heard all ranges of the spectrum from it being the best thing out there to it being trash. One of the beauties of the internet is being able to have such a vast resource to search and make your own decision. Man, haven't typed that much since high school, hand is cramping now:tb-biggrin:
