Update:
I received my items from the 2nd auction on Saturday. Opened everything up, and I am very pleasantly surprised.
All items had their boxes and complete packaging which was nice (and not expected for two of them). Most significantly, the Unfinished MTH Premier S-1 steam engine, which was advertised as "No Motor / Parts" and which appeared in the photos to be ONLY the shell and chassis / trucks, turned out to include everything except the board (which I already have inventory of), motor and the drive shafts.
Unexpectedly, all of the exterior detail pieces (train diver figure, cab covers, pop valves, ladders and grabrails, running board texture strips, lights and headlamp assembly, wiring harnesses for PS2, PS2 smoke unit, number plates, coupler panel cover...It was ALL there in a separate parts bag packed nicely with the loco in the correct box. So I got essentially a DIY kit for a $1,200 loco for a couple hundred bucks and I couldn't be happier. Even if I put $250 more into it to get the motors and shafts (although I don't think they'll be that much), I'd still be thrilled. (Which reminds me...anyone reading who might have a motor / drive shaft let me know!)
The Railking Production Sample BN E9 ABA units are superb, everything present (including 3V PS2 board) and just needs a BCR and it's ready to run. Although I am thinking of putting that PS2 board into the S1 and using one of my PS1 boards in the RK E9...
I know everyone's experience will be different, but I am really very pleased with my orders and with how quickly they got to me. Pics of the S1 attached.
I'll be watching the next auction closely. @Cabin Fever Auctions did a great job of communicating with me and shipping my stuff quickly via FedEx. Couldn't be happier.
