in the secondary market MTH is probably cheaper. At the moment new MTH is not significantly cheaper than Lionel probably because of all the external factors driving up prices (50 year high inflation, shipping issues, labor issues, shortages of a ton of stuff, etc).
Seeing that thomas in the background reminds me: Percy and James have gone up in value, I got a killer deal on almost the entire range of lionel thomas and the more I see them for sale, I see them go for $100, $180, $300 it's insane for starter engines.
Fascinating to peek at the market for a different scale! I collect HO and OO. My most expensive engine is my Athearn Big Boy at $650. My most expensive OO model is the Hornby 2013 USA Tour Flying Scotsman, paid right around $500 for it. You certainly made my wallet feel a lot better about itself for this lol
Yeah, new scale O, especially big steam, is not cheap. IIRC the MSRP on Lionel's upcoming Vision Line N&W Class A is $2100. Most dealers will give you a slightly better price if you pre-order over retail. Lionel went to a Build-to-Order system about 5-6 years ago, so dealers only order what they think they can sell over their pre-orders. The result has been less XS inventory and, therefore, even higher prices on popular items.
The engine's you displayed are truly masterpieces. They don't fit my budget. I can recall a message you sent to me once. That's not the purpose of train collecting. It's the experience. I buy LC plus die-cast Engines and Tenders . My LC Plus NPR Hudson engine set (my favorite) and mixed spooky Halloween cars have been waiting to howl at the moon. It's time of the season to start.
Even the controller systems both Lionel and MTH are through the roof. Over $1000 for the Lionel cab 2 remote and MTH TIU with remote, it’s insane when the originally sold for $300-400.
The secondary market can be brutal on lionel and mth. I have several of the mth WM class M-2 challengers. One in rail king and 4 in the premier edition. The one premier version that gets the most questions is the actual prototype from mth. Some people have offered close to stupid money for it. This one locomotive is one of the Crown Jewels I have.
Even MTH proto 1 engines are now going for insane prices. MTH Pennsy T1's with PS1 still routinely go for over $800, and more often then not they don't even have a BCR in them. I got mine for 600 on a auction site along with 2 Premier NYC coaches. Probably saved a good 3-400 bucks altogether with that purchase.
I think the high prices on any gauge of the trains that are coming out is ridiculous. It is scaring a lot of the new people getting into it because they either can't afford it and it's almost like a house payment. I watch a lot of your Channel RBP and I watch a lot of country bunkers Channel and a new one i just found Audemus Trains I know guys are all O gauge but I think you guys are really funny and you have a lot of awesome trains. I hope one day that i have a lot of different trains in my collection
Prices on the secondary market are ridiculous! I use to buy a lot of trains on eBay but the rise in prices and shipping has made me take a step back. Tmcc engine’s that are 15-20 years old that are not even highly collectible are commanding full blown retail prices! Simply crazy!
That’s kinda the main issue with me and O gauge. I recently got into O gauge coming from N scale because I’ve always wanted a bigger scale and I even purchased a MTH GP40 in Florida east coast scheme but trying to find anything else at a decent price means spending upwards of $400. I’m gonna be sticking with N scale as of now and wait to model more O gauge stuff especially with a new Kato n scale big boy coming next year.
@@rjharmonproductions Well I really enjoy N scale and have invested quite a bit in N scale so I’m gonna be sticking to that but yeah HO scale looks great
Off topic but have the in-cab video cameras’ performance kept up with that of regular digital cameras and camcorders. Aldo, can you get engine sounds that feed into a head set? I got to sit in the Louisville & Wadley’s ex-Southern SW-1 as it idled and the surround sound and vibration were incredible.
I just was at a local show. And I saw a rare Ives engine and tender. Both original and when the owner told me the price and the amount that are left. It was hard to believe. It made me think of this video.
What a great video!! I was surprised to see if a few of my engines made the list, hahaha! Like many in the hobby, I often look at places like eBay for trains on my wants list, but never to track the costs of engines I have, mostly cause I have no interest in selling them. I’m sad that I didn’t get the 49er when it was originally sold. I actually was in the minority in my train shop of guys who actually thought the paint scheme looked really cool. But I didn’t order it, deciding to go with a prototypical challenger to run along use my Big Boy.
@@josephholtrop5535 yes, but I was wondering if there was any data for engines that received the highest number of preorders when available from the catalog. I'm not sure if there's really any data out there for that
At 6:47 you can see some giant screws in that wheel piston. They look lik something out of home depo, is that suppose to be like that or is it just a cheap solution?
That’s quite an impressive setup. I just recently started an O gauge layout. Would anyone have any tips or pointers on how to add on to my layout? I don’t really know where to go from my current loop of track. I am currently using the lionchief control system. I am considering getting a mikado to supplement my f7.
The Big Boy and Polar express didn't surprise me but, the 49er Challenger was a bit of a curve ball. It kinda makes sence with the new releases of the brass hybrid Challenger in the 2022 val. 2 catalog haveing a 49er scheme to reintroduce hype. Honestly I think one train that would be on a list like this no matter what like the Polar Express would be if Lionel would just make a scale legacy Hogwarts Express. Not my cup of tea but people would buy it. Personally I would love to see Lionel make any scale British locomotives or rolling stock.
Ha. I have two GS VL'S. A Stockyard Express set and the 3 Dynamo's Black Santa Fe anniversary engine. I'd consider selling the Stockyard set.....😁 I'll also consider a VL Big Boy. Not the 3985 VL Challenger. Thanks for the top 5 list.
I like your videos Chriss , the one that may be worth what they are asking is the NYC Niagara , I think some of MTH engines are really going crazy and hard to get ,when you log on dealer sites there are way too many Lionel,The Vision line is in its own . I do wish Lionel would get real sound files , that’s what separates MTH from Lionel…..Nice job on the Videos!
People are at home instead of working due to CoViD! CoViD has actually been good for model railroading especially the HO scale market! As others have been selling their trains just to pay their utilities, I have been cleaning up!!!! I have more brass now than I have ever had!!!! Their are some incredible deals to be had out there!!!
Man, way to combo work and hobby! Aaaand then make that work for you too. lol Pops doesn't like the color change vibration thingy on the intro btw. ....He's said it enough times to make a comment lol Covered secondary marketing perfectly!
My son and I really enjoy your channel. We are looking for a Lionel Visionline Niagara 6-85267. Do you know of any sources that may have one? Thank you!
Maybe it’s just me but I have trouble spending large quantities of money on trains. I think the most expensive engine I bought was an lgb set for $200, or an n scale t1 duplex at around $220… but even that’s a rarity. I couldn’t see myself spending thousands…
I totally agree with you I have lots of trains that were purchased many years ago at really reasonable prices and still have and love them but I’m pretty much out of the hobby buying anything new it’s just too ridiculously priced.
@@lotsatrains ive gone to n scale and g scale. It’s comical that g scale stuff is actually cheaper than o scale stuff! Just recently I decided to get into prewar o scale as a collector hobby to restore and stuff. O scale is just crazy!
@@thesheq5023 that’s awesome I have quite a bit of N scale too and always wanted to get into G scale but I think I’m just going to hold on to what I have for now and enjoy my other hobby of collecting kerosene lanterns but even those have gone up in price over the last several years but still seem much cheaper than my O scale stuff 👍
@@lotsatrains honestly ive found a lot of g scale under $200. I think with the exception of track I haven’t spent much over $500 on 3 train sets and a bunch of extra cars
Much of the Sunset / 3rd rail brass, or even their plastic line, Golden Gate Depot, is nearly impossible to find on the secondary market. With their move to build to order, Lionel is pretty much following the same business model with the same market results.
Excuse me while I pick myself up off the floor and take a shot of "Calm-Down." Yikes! Well, I know Warren Buffett's an O gauger, maybe HE'S bidding these prices up? Or maybe he's in a bidding war with Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg? Well, different strokes for different folks as the song says. All I know is I can buy a hell of a lot of post-wars and MPC Lionels for what these units are going for. I'll pass. Fun video as always Chris! It's always a pleasure to tune-in!
I seen someone had a big boy listed for over 5 grand on E Bay and said hell no lol. You can buy a car or bike or something for that much, plus Lionel re releases them every 5 to 8 years it seems.
Lionel will never make the vision line big boy again they just released them a couple of years ago as legacy only can no longer make the rubber coal load
And I think the model train craze is partially due to the lockdowns in quarantine and people not being allowed to leave their homes for the last two years… just saying… covid trains 😂
I'm glad they chose to render a Berkshire steam locomotive. You need a superpower locomotive in order to get to the north pole on time. Plus a little magic. Loved it when the house shook right before the train pulls in. Nothing like a steam locomotive.
The secondary market is a blessing and curse. If you are really desperate for a specific engine, you could always go with something a little older as an alternative. For example, the Lionel JLC Series Big Boys released back in early 2000's are a pretty solid alternative to the Vision model. While it lacks a lot of features such as the smoking whistle, it's still a very well detailed, and running model. Same could be done with pretty much any other engine mentioned in this video. Sure the model may not be as up to date as the latest and greatest but, it will more than likely save you some money and headache in the long run.
I couldn’t afford larger scales ho scale is already a budget buster. To complete my layout at this current moment it’d likely cost an additional 10 grand maybe more. And it’s about 60% structurally completed, with 2 of the 3 decks mostly completed, the third not started, and the two decks have mostly completed track work, and first layer scenery. As for rolling stock and motive power, after 15 years of collecting mostly all 60-90’s BN SF and Sp diesels, to now flipping to only 1900-1940’s rolling stock and motive power it’s a lot. So anyone on here wanting to trade small steam for that era diesels I’m highly interested
I have always wanted an HO scale big boy for my layout I have the bachmann DD40AX number 6900 and having the big boy would be a perfect match up for it so that I could run them side-by-side but the big boy is going to need a big boy of a wallet
Fantastic idea Chris! Very well thought out and a great overview on a interesting topic. Never thought some of these engines would give you enough money for a used car or bills for a house! Haha! All are absolutely fantastic models, some I'd consider lionels best of the last decade
Hey Chris. Great video! All great steam engines! I am so glad I got the scale Polar Express when it first came out. It is such a crowd pleaser!! I loved watching all the kids faces light up whenever I would run it during Open House weekends at my train club.
Great video! The hotdog challengers secondary market prices was definitively a surprise considering how many people hated it when they first saw it in the book. I love how that scheme looks on the new FEF.
Sometime when you got to have it you got to have it and pay eBay prices but unbelievable amounts on those engines Lionel top self engines are like the Harley Davisons of trains Great info Chris
As someone just getting into the hobby and whose first purchase is the VisionLine N&W 1218, I feel like I should just sit on it and flip it in a couple years. I'd like to pick up some older engines but not for these prices. Thinking I should either drop the hobby or switch to HO.
HO! Oh NO! 😵💫 Listen, depending on what you're looking for or are willing to compromise O Gauge doesn't have to be expensive. Check Chris' videos on MPC and post-war Lionels. Certainly, they don't have all the "bells and whistles," no pun intended, that the current high-end engines have, but they DO have the bodacious table-shaking presence Lionels have always had. I don't have any of the high-end stuff, can't afford it and I'm not sure I'd go that way if I could, but I love my classic old conventionals! 🤩
I enjoyed the video as I always do with your content. It just reminds me why I have never start collecting in volume any scale items and stick with tinplate/semi-scale (using tinplate in the 90's term).
Personally think the whole thing is insane, both in terms of what they want for them new and the secondary market. I've said it before and I'll say it again, this smacks of a replay of the standard gauge era. A small clientele of wealthy people chasing big expensive trains. The manufacturers are making profit, the resellers are making profit, the well heeled scale fans are happy. But sooner or later, the bottom is going to fall out, it always has. And I don't think a $1 Mickey Mouse handcar is going to save the day this time. It doesn't make things easy on those of us who just want a good locomotive to run, but it's not all doom and gloom either. Just have to look into the stuff that isn't hot right now and do a bit of wheeling and dealing, you might just be surprised. Got pleasantly surprised myself the other day to find a UP GP-38 for $75. Common as dirt, as it was in a set and the Geep tooling's been around a long time, but it's still a neat engine to me.
I do wish I had been able to preorder the hotdog train. I have an ailing B&O camelback in the shop at The Train Depot, waiting for a new board, also building my wife a train table/layout for her 2020 Halloween set that she can put the Christmas tree inside of. Se wants to get a Christmas set as well
what I find funny about the Polar Express is how Lionel just recently released their 2023 catalog and what is front and center but the Polar Express for the 20th anniversary of the movie with 3 legacy line locomotives with two exclusive color variants, a locomotive and carriage set and a new track and train combo set
I bought a K line semi scale big boy it was delayed until 18 months later a box showed up on my doorstep with the engine. It was all a of $400. Like all of the 027 locomotive it with scale down but proportionately looks good it was not made to be an investment or a commodity it was a train made to be enjoyed. When I put back up my 027 under the layout layout I might just take that engine out of the box and run it.
The worst purchase I ever made was for a Lionel Lionchief RS 3 pos I came with manual couplers, no smoke but they did generously add in the revers lights.
I learned the same lessons u did....if u see something in the catalog, go for it and ordered it.... My dealer has told me u have about month to decide if u desire something... Keep the videos coming!!!! My son and hope we run into u at York!!!
The lionel poler express and the big boy going up in price is not new to me but the other ones though is I have a Lionel poler express but its the ready to play set which is way to big for my HO scale layout and it runs on 6 C battery’s I often have to change but not that often, I still wish I had a big boy and poler express in HO scale though, but even in HO scale they are still expensive big boys over $1,000 and I don’t remember how much the poler express cost but I know its more than what it should be.
These engines were so expensive they sold in limited numbers so they were sold out and shooters ever sold out the money people doubled the price of the engine other people saying the price of the engine doubled would buy it hoping it would double but that would not be the case. I make it a point not to be in a hurry to buy anything because the dealer will always make you a better deal if you seem disinterested.
Chris, I feel that it is alot of greedyness is why the people that are sellers that are driving the prices on the secondary markets and also look out for the people that are scamers that say they are selling these steam engine and all. Alot of people that are jacking up the prices of these train sets have fallen and bumped there heads I say.
It is all a matter of supply and demand. That's the unfortunate way it works. I buy what ever I want by saving for it in my "Special Train" bank account that has no fees and pays a little interest. It is a great system!
@@brianmuhlingBUM I understand that, what I have been trying to do over the years is find all the extra first generation black top roof polar express passenger cars and the upgraded first generation coal tender that has the different sounds from the movie the polar express.
Dear Doctor, I am so sorry that I won't be of any help to you in finding your much wanted "Polar" stock as I have only just this year started buying Lionel. I have put down some track and have 2 locos and some rolling stock. I must say Lionel is very well built. I am impressed.
@@brianmuhlingBUM I understand and it dose take time and saving up money. I also do buy used rolling stock and different kinds of train car's in 0 27 and 0 gage, my polar express train set is the 0 27 gage and the trucks under the passenger cars only have 4 wheels per truck.
@@doctordeath.5716 There are many bargains to be had if you are prepared to wait until the stock you are looking for comes up at auction. I won a perfect 4-6-2 heavy pacific for $70 in green, and a 2-8-2 Atlantic Crescent for $180. Both boxed with instructions. Both great! My next locomotive will be a Lionel Big Boy.
Lionel is re-releasing the 49er Challenger so I just may have to scoop up that one too, apart from my other pre-order *hint hint* fantasy paint scheme🤔 Thanks for sharing once again. Always entertaining, never disappointing 👍🏽
@@trainandtruckmodeler786 OK cool and thank you, those passenger cars and cqol tender with the talking sounds from the movie are what I am looking for to complete my 0 27 gage polar express train set. The one train shop I have gone to, the guy has some stuff i am looking for, but the prices he puts on each used and brand new is way to high of price. I bought a used observation polar express 0 27 car that someone decided to modify it and put the people that are from the movie on the back and it is the black girl and both of the boys, one is Billy and the other is in the blue robe. And also the person that modified the car also put in a rear working red light and a working white light under the roof of the car where the people are at so you can see them. The price i had to pay for this modafiy used polar express observation car was 150.00 plus tax. I think that is to high of a price and I feel that he is price gouging and I think that he feels that it brings the value up to the car, the people and the deck are all hot glued back on with a hot glue gun. I do not go there to that train shop very much because his used prices are outrageous and also some of the different cars that are used and partly broken to the point of not even putting any money into fixing them at all.
I'm surprised about the hot dog locomotive since Lionel is making another release. The scale sized rolling stock is also going for higher prices. Take for example what I consider the #1 wanted freight rolling stock is the Atlas O TTX Berwick. I seen those sell for $200 and up. The moral of the story is to make sure to pre-order or you just may pay more later on the secondary market.
Well, Chris, although I usually support your enthusiasm over O gauge locomotives for their detail and visual elegance, as a retired person on a fixed income, I'm appalled at these prices for what is essentially a toy! It's a fad driven by unbridled greed, nothing more! It is unbelievable that a nation of inflation belly achers right now has people in it that would expect and receive payments of more than I receive in a month. Sorry to be a balloon burster, but this is disgusting!
You are right Tom, but as a hobby, I have a Train Account and a set portion of my pension goes into that account automatically each fortnight. When it has enough in it, I buy the loco that is next on the list. Auctions on ebay are usually the best way to buy. So start your Special Train Account today, and good luck and best wishes.
I have been watching these trends for the past few months and it has gotten so wild that I had to make a video on it. I am sure these will settle down the line but it is certainly an interesting trend at the moment. Thanks for watching Tom
@@brianmuhlingBUM Thank you for your thoughtful remarks, Brian! I guess I went a bit overboard in my comments. I guess they were the result of being unable to get started financially (though I did build up a whopping debt in my desire trying). Now 80 y/o and limited physical capability, I'm no longer able to even attempt to have a suitable layout that I would like. But all the best to you, Brian. You're a fine gentleman!
@@RBPTrains I feel I must apologize to you, Chris, because upon reflection, it was as if I was blaming you for this trend. I enjoy your videos a great deal and your wonderful enthusiasm and humour are always refreshing.
@@RBPTrains Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Chris. I seemed to have been blaming you somehow for this trend. You know the wise, old saying: 'Don't shoot the messenger!' I guess I forgot it. I enjoy your videos and commentary very much because of your enthusiasm and humour. I will continue to look forward to more videos.
I am sticking to buying MTH. They have better prices in the Railking line. Lionel has gone too far with prices.
But they are no longer around
in the secondary market MTH is probably cheaper. At the moment new MTH is not significantly cheaper than Lionel probably because of all the external factors driving up prices (50 year high inflation, shipping issues, labor issues, shortages of a ton of stuff, etc).
but why?
@@trainandtruckmodeler786uhh yes they are
Seeing that thomas in the background reminds me: Percy and James have gone up in value, I got a killer deal on almost the entire range of lionel thomas and the more I see them for sale, I see them go for $100, $180, $300 it's insane for starter engines.
They are some unbelievable prices Chris.
Bet you are glad you got them when you did!
Enjoy them!
Fascinating to peek at the market for a different scale!
I collect HO and OO. My most expensive engine is my Athearn Big Boy at $650.
My most expensive OO model is the Hornby 2013 USA Tour Flying Scotsman, paid right around $500 for it.
You certainly made my wallet feel a lot better about itself for this lol
Yeah, new scale O, especially big steam, is not cheap. IIRC the MSRP on Lionel's upcoming Vision Line N&W Class A is $2100. Most dealers will give you a slightly better price if you pre-order over retail. Lionel went to a Build-to-Order system about 5-6 years ago, so dealers only order what they think they can sell over their pre-orders. The result has been less XS inventory and, therefore, even higher prices on popular items.
Haha! There are some high value H O Scale trains too from what I have seen. :)
The engine's you displayed are truly masterpieces. They don't fit my budget. I can recall a message you sent to me once. That's not the purpose of train collecting. It's the experience.
I buy LC plus die-cast Engines and Tenders . My LC Plus NPR Hudson engine set (my favorite) and mixed spooky Halloween cars have been waiting to howl at the moon. It's time of the season to start.
All about the experience. Despite the hype around these 5 trains, there is so much to explore and enjoy in the hobby!
they don't fit anyones budget, unless you own a hobby shop or ur dad is rich
Even the controller systems both Lionel and MTH are through the roof. Over $1000 for the Lionel cab 2 remote and MTH TIU with remote, it’s insane when the originally sold for $300-400.
What ?
Too expensive
The secondary market can be brutal on lionel and mth. I have several of the mth WM class M-2 challengers. One in rail king and 4 in the premier edition. The one premier version that gets the most questions is the actual prototype from mth. Some people have offered close to stupid money for it. This one locomotive is one of the Crown Jewels I have.
Even MTH proto 1 engines are now going for insane prices. MTH Pennsy T1's with PS1 still routinely go for over $800, and more often then not they don't even have a BCR in them. I got mine for 600 on a auction site along with 2 Premier NYC coaches. Probably saved a good 3-400 bucks altogether with that purchase.
Great video! I would love to see a top 5 most hyped diesel locomotive countdown, be interesting to see which one would be top of the board there!
Make a Diesel video Chris.
I think the high prices on any gauge of the trains that are coming out is ridiculous. It is scaring a lot of the new people getting into it because they either can't afford it and it's almost like a house payment. I watch a lot of your Channel RBP and I watch a lot of country bunkers Channel and a new one i just found Audemus Trains I know guys are all O gauge but I think you guys are really funny and you have a lot of awesome trains. I hope one day that i have a lot of different trains in my collection
It is a crazy time for sure! Thanks for watching! Bunker is a riot! Johnny cracks me up as well with his skits
The fact that I can see a guy talking about trains about the size of my foot to my chest is entertaining, keep it up
You really should try and make a series for people how want to make a high-quality layout like yours
Thank you! I would check out folks like Chris Trains and Things, Norm or JDStucks. Their layouts are insanely well done compared to mine :)
Should do a MTH List. One of my favorite videos in awhile. Don’t own any of these engines and I want to get some big steam into my fleet.
Prices on the secondary market are ridiculous! I use to buy a lot of trains on eBay but the rise in prices and shipping has made me take a step back. Tmcc engine’s that are 15-20 years old that are not even highly collectible are commanding full blown retail prices! Simply crazy!
That’s kinda the main issue with me and O gauge. I recently got into O gauge coming from N scale because I’ve always wanted a bigger scale and I even purchased a MTH GP40 in Florida east coast scheme but trying to find anything else at a decent price means spending upwards of $400. I’m gonna be sticking with N scale as of now and wait to model more O gauge stuff especially with a new Kato n scale big boy coming next year.
Just get ho scale
@@rjharmonproductions Well I really enjoy N scale and have invested quite a bit in N scale so I’m gonna be sticking to that but yeah HO scale looks great
Yes you can get used ho diesels for 20$
Why it's just as bad
@@trainandtruckmodeler786 well they are used but are still very strong after some maintenance
Off topic but have the in-cab video cameras’ performance kept up with that of regular digital cameras and camcorders.
Aldo, can you get engine sounds that feed into a head set? I got to sit in the Louisville & Wadley’s ex-Southern SW-1 as it idled and the surround sound and vibration were incredible.
I just was at a local show. And I saw a rare Ives engine and tender. Both original and when the owner told me the price and the amount that are left. It was hard to believe. It made me think of this video.
Extraordinary video Chris 📹 👏 👌 God bless you and your family
Thank you Eric!
Hi Chris. Thanks for the informative research. Love all your videos and your layout. Can't wait to see your new changes.
Thanks Robert! The video series on the rework is coming next month :)
What a great video!! I was surprised to see if a few of my engines made the list, hahaha! Like many in the hobby, I often look at places like eBay for trains on my wants list, but never to track the costs of engines I have, mostly cause I have no interest in selling them. I’m sad that I didn’t get the 49er when it was originally sold. I actually was in the minority in my train shop of guys who actually thought the paint scheme looked really cool. But I didn’t order it, deciding to go with a prototypical challenger to run along use my Big Boy.
That 49er was unexpected!
@@RBPTrains it really was!! If I coulda afforded it, I would have bought both challengers, hahaha!
Super. Hello from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙 T.E.N.
I would like to see more of these list videos, maybe like top 5 best selling legacy engines. I'm not sure if data for that would be available though
Werent these all legacy ?
@@josephholtrop5535 yes, but I was wondering if there was any data for engines that received the highest number of preorders when available from the catalog. I'm not sure if there's really any data out there for that
Would be a great idea! That data would be tough as it would really need to come from Lionel.
Great video Chris! Keep ‘em coming. Why doesn’t Lionel offer more production run’s of their more popular engines?
I’m happy. I just picked up a polar express for 550.00 in the box never opened! I thought I was over paying! 😊
Funnest train I have ever owned! Yay
The scale ones are more fun
@@Craiggg12345 I’m just moving out of post war.. what is the difference? Other than size.
The Lionel 990 all the transformers and the MTH tiu are crazy prices too…
At 6:47 you can see some giant screws in that wheel piston. They look lik something out of home depo, is that suppose to be like that or is it just a cheap solution?
thanks to Galaxy Railways for helping Big Boy become popular and contributing to the Big Boy popularity
Yeah dude the price people are asking for the 1225 is nuts! I’ll just wait for the 20th anniversary.
That’s quite an impressive setup. I just recently started an O gauge layout. Would anyone have any tips or pointers on how to add on to my layout? I don’t really know where to go from my current loop of track. I am currently using the lionchief control system. I am considering getting a mikado to supplement my f7.
I think I'll stick with high mileage Post War and MPC locos. Those new ones are too rich for my blood.
Can’t go wrong with Post War and MPC! I always have fun running those!
The Big Boy and Polar express didn't surprise me but, the 49er Challenger was a bit of a curve ball. It kinda makes sence with the new releases of the brass hybrid Challenger in the 2022 val. 2 catalog haveing a 49er scheme to reintroduce hype. Honestly I think one train that would be on a list like this no matter what like the Polar Express would be if Lionel would just make a scale legacy Hogwarts Express. Not my cup of tea but people would buy it. Personally I would love to see Lionel make any scale British locomotives or rolling stock.
My favorite is the Polar Express
Ha. I have two GS VL'S.
A Stockyard Express set and the 3 Dynamo's Black Santa Fe anniversary engine.
I'd consider selling the Stockyard set.....😁
I'll also consider a VL Big Boy. Not the 3985 VL Challenger.
Thanks for the top 5 list.
Lionel's Jupiter and #119 brass hybrids and their matching coach sets!!!
❤🚂🚃🚃🚃❤
I like your videos Chriss , the one that may be worth what they are asking is the NYC Niagara , I think some of MTH engines are really going crazy and hard to get ,when you log on dealer sites there are way too many Lionel,The Vision line is in its own .
I do wish Lionel would get real sound files , that’s what separates MTH from Lionel…..Nice job on the Videos!
Lionel made a 2014 version of the polar express as well.
Indeed!
I thought the big boy was number 1 but I guess not😮
People are at home instead of working due to CoViD! CoViD has actually been good for model railroading especially the HO scale market! As others have been selling their trains just to pay their utilities, I have been cleaning up!!!! I have more brass now than I have ever had!!!! Their are some incredible deals to be had out there!!!
Lionel: our Hudson is so famous
Warner Bros: “wanna make the Berkshire more famous than the Hudson?”
Lionel: “hit me with your best shot”
I think the market will soften on the Polar Express after its rerelease this season.
One time I saw a basic MTH railking 4-4-0 for one thousand dollars on eBay 💀
Crazy!
Man, way to combo work and hobby! Aaaand then make that work for you too. lol Pops doesn't like the color change vibration thingy on the intro btw. ....He's said it enough times to make a comment lol Covered secondary marketing perfectly!
I can imagine my intro is not for everyone. Thanks for watching!
I still 1 of the lights flicker On the daylight engine that you ran on this video you might wanna get that checked out !
On your daylight
Camera frame rate does that with some of the lights. No worries!
My son and I really enjoy your channel. We are looking for a Lionel Visionline Niagara 6-85267. Do you know of any sources that may have one? Thank you!
I would keep checking eBay. Not sure if any at the moment. Thanks for watching and enjoy those trains with your son!
What year did they put the scale version of The polar Express out division line I had the $450 version with the extra cars
Maybe it’s just me but I have trouble spending large quantities of money on trains. I think the most expensive engine I bought was an lgb set for $200, or an n scale t1 duplex at around $220… but even that’s a rarity. I couldn’t see myself spending thousands…
I totally agree with you I have lots of trains that were purchased many years ago at really reasonable prices and still have and love them but I’m pretty much out of the hobby buying anything new it’s just too ridiculously priced.
@@lotsatrains ive gone to n scale and g scale. It’s comical that g scale stuff is actually cheaper than o scale stuff! Just recently I decided to get into prewar o scale as a collector hobby to restore and stuff. O scale is just crazy!
@@thesheq5023 that’s awesome I have quite a bit of N scale too and always wanted to get into G scale but I think I’m just going to hold on to what I have for now and enjoy my other hobby of collecting kerosene lanterns but even those have gone up in price over the last several years but still seem much cheaper than my O scale stuff 👍
@@lotsatrains honestly ive found a lot of g scale under $200. I think with the exception of track I haven’t spent much over $500 on 3 train sets and a bunch of extra cars
@@thesheq5023 wow that’s great I always thought you would have to spend a whole lot more maybe I will start looking into it 👍
Much of the Sunset / 3rd rail brass, or even their plastic line, Golden Gate Depot, is nearly impossible to find on the secondary market. With their move to build to order, Lionel is pretty much following the same business model with the same market results.
The legacy polar express is my favorite I have the full set
nickel plate road #765 or UP #844 need to be rereleased before anything else. Change my mind.
Chris, do you think the Lionel Hogwarts Train will fetch similar interest?
Chris great video I have the 4014 with the oil tender does it make a difference coal or oil?
Depend which era of the big boy you’re modeling.
This particular 4014 is the Vision Line version with the depleting coal load. I have seen the Oil Tender versions rise as well.
You should do a video on the ugliest paint schemes for train
We now live in a world where they can sell a train with enough detail for the rivet counters that was originally based on an animated movie🙄
How can you call any Lionel engine scale with those huge couplers.
The big coupler is just as prototypical as the third rail. ;) Kidding!
Excuse me while I pick myself up off the floor and take a shot of "Calm-Down." Yikes!
Well, I know Warren Buffett's an O gauger, maybe HE'S bidding these prices up? Or maybe he's in a bidding war with Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg?
Well, different strokes for different folks as the song says. All I know is I can buy a hell of a lot of post-wars and MPC Lionels for what these units are going for. I'll pass.
Fun video as always Chris! It's always a pleasure to tune-in!
Hahaha! These are some crazy prices.
N gauge sees the same. I am from the netherlands and dutch trains in N gauge are not plentyfull. Used they go for insane prices up to 600%
They should call the hotdog the Oscar Meyer wiener express.
Attending the Fall 2022 York meet?
Yup! I will be there.
You did forgot one. Thomas the Tank engine. And Thomas is behind you.
I seen someone had a big boy listed for over 5 grand on E Bay and said hell no lol. You can buy a car or bike or something for that much, plus Lionel re releases them every 5 to 8 years it seems.
Lionel will never make the vision line big boy again they just released them a couple of years ago as legacy only can no longer make the rubber coal load
What about the Santa Fe 2-10-10-2?
That one is still available from dealers so it did not make the cut for the secondary market this time around. Maybe next time!
Top of the line product from Lionel doesn't mean very much.
This is why I switched to lego trains.
See lots of eBay sellers putting items on sale for 50% more than MSRP. Do they sell? Don’t know. I’m not buying.
Wow, none of the locomotives has less than 8 total drivers.
Remember hype and bullshit are synonymous
I just want to find a legacy Berkshire… that’s not for $2000
And I think the model train craze is partially due to the lockdowns in quarantine and people not being allowed to leave their homes for the last two years… just saying… covid trains 😂
I'm glad they chose to render a Berkshire steam locomotive. You need a superpower locomotive in order to get to the north pole on time. Plus a little magic. Loved it when the house shook right before the train pulls in. Nothing like a steam locomotive.
I agree, I'm a huge fan of the polar express movie, and I've been wanting to get the train set of it
I might see if I can snatch the ho scale set from Lionel.
I mean, they couldn't really change it to any other locomotive because it would stray away from the original book and real life inspiration
This is kinda why I still to traditional postwar and MPC stuff. I look at all the modern stuff and think "How can people afford these things?!"
I really enjoy MPC and Traditional as well! I actually ran my MPC trains all weekend
The secondary market is a blessing and curse. If you are really desperate for a specific engine, you could always go with something a little older as an alternative. For example, the Lionel JLC Series Big Boys released back in early 2000's are a pretty solid alternative to the Vision model. While it lacks a lot of features such as the smoking whistle, it's still a very well detailed, and running model. Same could be done with pretty much any other engine mentioned in this video. Sure the model may not be as up to date as the latest and greatest but, it will more than likely save you some money and headache in the long run.
The JLC Series really is an excellent alternative. I think you just gave me another video idea!
There are going to be alot of disappointed people decade's to come. They will not hold there value. Collect for fun.
I couldn’t afford larger scales ho scale is already a budget buster. To complete my layout at this current moment it’d likely cost an additional 10 grand maybe more. And it’s about 60% structurally completed, with 2 of the 3 decks mostly completed, the third not started, and the two decks have mostly completed track work, and first layer scenery. As for rolling stock and motive power, after 15 years of collecting mostly all 60-90’s BN SF and Sp diesels, to now flipping to only 1900-1940’s rolling stock and motive power it’s a lot. So anyone on here wanting to trade small steam for that era diesels I’m highly interested
One question. Do you have any on30?
Good question. I do not have any at this time.
I have always wanted an HO scale big boy for my layout I have the bachmann DD40AX number 6900 and having the big boy would be a perfect match up for it so that I could run them side-by-side but the big boy is going to need a big boy of a wallet
Fantastic idea Chris! Very well thought out and a great overview on a interesting topic. Never thought some of these engines would give you enough money for a used car or bills for a house! Haha!
All are absolutely fantastic models, some I'd consider lionels best of the last decade
Thanks MattyC!
Hey Chris. Great video! All great steam engines! I am so glad I got the scale Polar Express when it first came out. It is such a crowd pleaser!! I loved watching all the kids faces light up whenever I would run it during Open House weekends at my train club.
Great video! The hotdog challengers secondary market prices was definitively a surprise considering how many people hated it when they first saw it in the book. I love how that scheme looks on the new FEF.
Sometime when you got to have it you got to have it and pay eBay prices but unbelievable amounts on those engines Lionel top self engines are like the Harley Davisons of trains Great info Chris
After seeing so many of these listings, I just had to make a video on it. Wild!
Crazy is right, way beyond my pocketbook. Every train shown is beautiful
i think when the atlas mp36 and metra cars come out for ho scale the price on the market will sky rocket pre orders got very close to sold out
As someone just getting into the hobby and whose first purchase is the VisionLine N&W 1218, I feel like I should just sit on it and flip it in a couple years. I'd like to pick up some older engines but not for these prices. Thinking I should either drop the hobby or switch to HO.
HO! Oh NO! 😵💫
Listen, depending on what you're looking for or are willing to compromise O Gauge doesn't have to be expensive. Check Chris' videos on MPC and post-war Lionels.
Certainly, they don't have all the "bells and whistles," no pun intended, that the current high-end engines have, but they DO have the bodacious table-shaking presence Lionels have always had. I don't have any of the high-end stuff, can't afford it and I'm not sure I'd go that way if I could, but I love my classic old conventionals! 🤩
I enjoyed the video as I always do with your content. It just reminds me why I have never start collecting in volume any scale items and stick with tinplate/semi-scale (using tinplate in the 90's term).
Personally think the whole thing is insane, both in terms of what they want for them new and the secondary market.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, this smacks of a replay of the standard gauge era. A small clientele of wealthy people chasing big expensive trains. The manufacturers are making profit, the resellers are making profit, the well heeled scale fans are happy. But sooner or later, the bottom is going to fall out, it always has. And I don't think a $1 Mickey Mouse handcar is going to save the day this time.
It doesn't make things easy on those of us who just want a good locomotive to run, but it's not all doom and gloom either. Just have to look into the stuff that isn't hot right now and do a bit of wheeling and dealing, you might just be surprised.
Got pleasantly surprised myself the other day to find a UP GP-38 for $75. Common as dirt, as it was in a set and the Geep tooling's been around a long time, but it's still a neat engine to me.
Some sellers are just plain GREEDY! Especially on Evil-Bay! Even in HO Scale---buyer beware!
I do wish I had been able to preorder the hotdog train. I have an ailing B&O camelback in the shop at The Train Depot, waiting for a new board, also building my wife a train table/layout for her 2020 Halloween set that she can put the Christmas tree inside of. Se wants to get a Christmas set as well
only if the currency disparity wasn't so heaven and hell in this part of the world, lionel would've been a star in India
what I find funny about the Polar Express is how Lionel just recently released their 2023 catalog and what is front and center but the Polar Express for the 20th anniversary of the movie with 3 legacy line locomotives with two exclusive color variants, a locomotive and carriage set and a new track and train combo set
Same thing happened in the 1980s, you could flip Lionel all day long, the 1983 daylight set went for crazy money.
I bought a K line semi scale big boy it was delayed until 18 months later a box showed up on my doorstep with the engine. It was all a of $400. Like all of the 027 locomotive it with scale down but proportionately looks good it was not made to be an investment or a commodity it was a train made to be enjoyed. When I put back up my 027 under the layout layout I might just take that engine out of the box and run it.
And I thought new Lionel catalog stuff was expensive
The worst purchase I ever made was for a Lionel Lionchief RS 3 pos I came with manual couplers, no smoke but they did generously add in the revers lights.
I learned the same lessons u did....if u see something in the catalog, go for it and ordered it.... My dealer has told me u have about month to decide if u desire something... Keep the videos coming!!!! My son and hope we run into u at York!!!
Hope to see ya there!
The lionel poler express and the big boy going up in price is not new to me but the other ones though is I have a Lionel poler express but its the ready to play set which is way to big for my HO scale layout and it runs on 6 C battery’s I often have to change but not that often, I still wish I had a big boy and poler express in HO scale though, but even in HO scale they are still expensive big boys over $1,000 and I don’t remember how much the poler express cost but I know its more than what it should be.
These engines were so expensive they sold in limited numbers so they were sold out and shooters ever sold out the money people doubled the price of the engine other people saying the price of the engine doubled would buy it hoping it would double but that would not be the case. I make it a point not to be in a hurry to buy anything because the dealer will always make you a better deal if you seem disinterested.
Chris, I feel that it is alot of greedyness is why the people that are sellers that are driving the prices on the secondary markets and also look out for the people that are scamers that say they are selling these steam engine and all. Alot of people that are jacking up the prices of these train sets have fallen and bumped there heads I say.
It is all a matter of supply and demand. That's the unfortunate way it works. I buy what ever I want by saving for it in my "Special Train" bank account that has no fees and pays a little interest. It is a great system!
@@brianmuhlingBUM I understand that, what I have been trying to do over the years is find all the extra first generation black top roof polar express passenger cars and the upgraded first generation coal tender that has the different sounds from the movie the polar express.
Dear Doctor, I am so sorry that I won't be of any help to you in finding your much wanted "Polar" stock as I have only just this year started buying Lionel. I have put down some track and have 2 locos and some rolling stock. I must say Lionel is very well built. I am impressed.
@@brianmuhlingBUM I understand and it dose take time and saving up money. I also do buy used rolling stock and different kinds of train car's in 0 27 and 0 gage, my polar express train set is the 0 27 gage and the trucks under the passenger cars only have 4 wheels per truck.
@@doctordeath.5716 There are many bargains to be had if you are prepared to wait until the stock you are looking for comes up at auction. I won a perfect 4-6-2 heavy pacific for $70 in green, and a 2-8-2 Atlantic Crescent for $180. Both boxed with instructions.
Both great! My next locomotive will be a Lionel Big Boy.
Lionel is re-releasing the 49er Challenger so I just may have to scoop up that one too, apart from my other pre-order *hint hint* fantasy paint scheme🤔 Thanks for sharing once again. Always entertaining, never disappointing 👍🏽
That 49er Brass Challenger is going to be great! Good to hear from you David!
@@RBPTrainsLooks amazing in your vids. Always great to hear back from you Chris! Keep on chuggin'...
Love to have some of these engines but I couldn't imagine what the repair cost would be if something like the circuit boards went out.
The price back in 2004 for the first generation of polar express train set was around 250.00 to 300.00 dollars for lionle is what I paid for mine.
That's the time I was working at a hobby shop.....this set was the 0-27 set and not the scale one he is talking about....
@@trainandtruckmodeler786 OK cool and thank you, those passenger cars and cqol tender with the talking sounds from the movie are what I am looking for to complete my 0 27 gage polar express train set. The one train shop I have gone to, the guy has some stuff i am looking for, but the prices he puts on each used and brand new is way to high of price. I bought a used observation polar express 0 27 car that someone decided to modify it and put the people that are from the movie on the back and it is the black girl and both of the boys, one is Billy and the other is in the blue robe. And also the person that modified the car also put in a rear working red light and a working white light under the roof of the car where the people are at so you can see them. The price i had to pay for this modafiy used polar express observation car was 150.00 plus tax. I think that is to high of a price and I feel that he is price gouging and I think that he feels that it brings the value up to the car, the people and the deck are all hot glued back on with a hot glue gun. I do not go there to that train shop very much because his used prices are outrageous and also some of the different cars that are used and partly broken to the point of not even putting any money into fixing them at all.
I'm surprised about the hot dog locomotive since Lionel is making another release. The scale sized rolling stock is also going for higher prices. Take for example what I consider the #1 wanted freight rolling stock is the Atlas O TTX Berwick. I seen those sell for $200 and up. The moral of the story is to make sure to pre-order or you just may pay more later on the secondary market.
Those Berwick cars have been trending. Agree 100% about pre-ordering!
Well, Chris, although I usually support your enthusiasm over O gauge locomotives for their detail and visual elegance, as a retired person on a fixed income, I'm appalled at these prices for what is essentially a toy! It's a fad driven by unbridled greed, nothing more! It is unbelievable that a nation of inflation belly achers right now has people in it that would expect and receive payments of more than I receive in a month. Sorry to be a balloon burster, but this is disgusting!
You are right Tom, but as a hobby, I have a Train Account and a set portion of my pension goes into that account automatically each fortnight. When it has enough in it, I buy the loco that is next on the list. Auctions on ebay are usually the best way to buy. So start your Special Train Account today, and good luck and best wishes.
I have been watching these trends for the past few months and it has gotten so wild that I had to make a video on it. I am sure these will settle down the line but it is certainly an interesting trend at the moment. Thanks for watching Tom
@@brianmuhlingBUM Thank you for your thoughtful remarks, Brian! I guess I went a bit overboard in my comments. I guess they were the result of being unable to get started financially (though I did build up a whopping debt in my desire trying). Now 80 y/o and limited physical capability, I'm no longer able to even attempt to have a suitable layout that I would like. But all the best to you, Brian. You're a fine gentleman!
@@RBPTrains I feel I must apologize to you, Chris, because upon reflection, it was as if I was blaming you for this trend. I enjoy your videos a great deal and your wonderful enthusiasm and humour are always refreshing.
@@RBPTrains Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Chris. I seemed to have been blaming you somehow for this trend. You know the wise, old saying: 'Don't shoot the messenger!' I guess I forgot it. I enjoy your videos and commentary very much because of your enthusiasm and humour. I will continue to look forward to more videos.