First off I know this engine isn't technically "scale", so if I'm posting to the wrong forum I apologize in advance. I'm mainly a post-war guy, but I'm seriously considering buying a Lionel 6-18010 Steam Turbine from 1991. I've always wanted one, but never thought I could afford one until now. I've been looking at listings on Ebay, since in all my years of attending the Great Midwest Train Show (held monthly in Wheaton, IL), I've never actually seen one for sale in person. I looked at Ebay sold listing prices, and as recently as November 2021 one was sold pre-owned w/original box for as low as $400. I'm seeing listings now from $447 in C7 condition (pre-owned but with no box), to $699 for one that has O run time (it was a static display) with a so-so condition box. My question is: how much should I pay for one of these engines? The one for $447 seems reasonable, but I'd really like to have an original box. The "new" one is also tempting, but the price seems kinda steep. I realize that with the "new" one, I'd have to do a complete service on it before running it (cleaning out all the old, dried-up grease and such). What do you advise? This isn't something that I have to have right away. I've considered just waiting for the warmer months when train prices always seem to be more reasonable. Your thoughts?
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