Buying used model trains on social media

There’s a robust market for secondhand model railroad products today. Hobby shops, online auction websites, and swap meets are a few of the typical places you can find used locomotives, freight cars, and structures, among other items.

In recent years, sellers have taken to non-hobby channels for secondhand trains, such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Before buying used model trains on social media, check out these tips that will help you be an informed consumer.

Do your homework

When buying used model trains on social media, you need to do your homework. If the secondhand item you purchase is defective or not what you expected, there may be little or no recourse to get a refund. Here are some steps to take before making a purchase.

First, read the item description carefully. Things to look for include: What scale is it? (This may seem obvious, but never assume.) Is the item new or used? What condition is it in? Is the price firm, or is the seller willing to negotiate or make a trade? What form(s) of payment does the seller accept?

Next, look at the photos. Images can often give you a better clue as to how the equipment was cared for. If the photo shows dusty locomotives and freight cars haphazardly tossed into a cardboard box, you’ll probably want to skip that listing. If the seller provides multiple, well-lit images showing the product from all angles, it’s a good sign they’re trying to help you make an informed purchase and aren’t trying to hide product defects.

If the description and photos don’t provide enough information, ask questions. However, not all sellers have a hobby background, so it may not be possible to get an accurate answer.

Know your limit

When buying used model trains on social media, set a spending limit. In the listings I searched on Facebook Marketplace, the prices varied from fair to ridiculous. Here are a couple things to keep in mind when purchasing secondhand model trains.

• Just because something is old doesn’t mean it’s valuable. Obviously, there are exceptions to this, but in the vast majority of cases, model trains are mass produced. When in doubt about the value of a model, consult references such as the Lionel Trains and American Flyer Pocket Price Guides or ask experts who are familiar with the secondhand train market.
• Contemporary products tend to come and go out of production. A few years ago, I was looking for an HO scale structure kit that was extremely hard to find. After much searching, I finally found an online seller who had one. When I asked the price, it was close to double original list. I passed on the model, and was I ever glad I did. About a year later, the manufacturer released another run of the building at a far more reasonable price.

Used may not be best

Most hobbyists I know enjoy getting a good deal on model trains. Over the years, I’ve found some secondhand locomotives, freight cars, and structures at bargain prices. However, used may not be best when it comes to scenery and track.

Why is starting new almost always the best option with scenery products? Opened, partially used bags of ground foam, lichen, and other materials that haven’t been stored properly may fade and dry out. Off-the-shelf scenery glues that have already been opened can break down over time and become less effective.

My colleague Nastassia Putz explained the pros and cons of secondhand rail in her article “Buying used track” on Trains.com. Can you find good secondhand track? Absolutely, but you need to check it with a discerning eye. In most scenarios, buying new track is a better choice.

Safety first

Safety first is a slogan many railroads use, and it’s good advice to follow when purchasing items on social media. Watch for red flags, such as the seller requesting payment in an unusually specific fashion (large bills) or wanting to exchange the product in a remote, poorly lit location.

Today, many communities have internet purchase exchange zones. They’re often located in the parking lot of a police station or municipal building. These well-lit locations have clearly posted signs and feature around-the-clock video surveillance.