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I traveled up to Douglasville, PA today to pick up a couple of lots from Cabin Fever for which I was the winning bidder.  This was my first experience with them.  I had a few railroadania items and a set of passenger cars from the MTH auction. I waited to go up so as to make only one trip, and scheduled an appointment using the website from the email I received after the auction ended.  I emailed them to let them know I’d be picking up items from two different auctions, and Jared responded quickly and was very accommodating.  Overall it was a pleasant encounter, and someone greeted me within 2 minutes of walking in the door.  I had one of my items very quickly (the MTH one), but had to wait a few for them to get the other one as it was fairly large and heavy.  

My appointment was for fifteen minutes and I definitely had everything in less time than that.  Afterwards I perused the lots from the second upcoming MTH auction.  It was pretty well organized considering that there are so many items and several different consigners with different auctions all at once.  The items were laid out, already out of the packaging and easy to inspect and take photos.

When I got home I had one nice surprise and one disappointment.  The nice surprise was a hand signed card from Mr. Wolf saying this was an official Item from the MTH Archives.  The disappointment was that a few of the couplers on the set of coaches I got have zinc pest and one crumbled when I tried to operate it.  A pretty easy fix, but a small annoyance nonetheless.  The truck frames and wheels all look good so no issues there and the cars were clean, no marks, with good bright paint.  Other than the couplers, the item looked pristine for being nearly 25 years old, and the box was in great shape too.

For what I paid I’d say I got a fair deal, not bad, not great.

 

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Really appreciate the feedback!  We handle A LOT of merchandise but we have systems to keep things organized (no matter what an outsider may think!).  While we can't see every minor detail such as the couplers, we do try our best and as you mentioned about items being available for preview - we are MORE than happy to provide preview either in person or answer detailed questions as best we are able.  Hope to have you back!  Thanks!

Jared Schoenly

I have a customer that got a locomotive that was sold as a PS/3 model, and it actually is a PS/1 model.  Clearly, he paid way more than the PS/1 model was worth, but he didn't know.  That's the primary reason I didn't jump into this pond, too much chance of not getting what you think you're getting!

I've also seen a coal turbine set from the auction that was half-n-half, PS/1 for part of the set and PS/2 for the other part.

Make sure you look the stuff over very carefully.

I took a chance on production sample PS2 RK 2-10-0.  Paid more than I wanted to, but really wanted this one.  The package arrived today.  The paint and lettering is factory fresh without blemish.  I made sure the smoke unit was full of fluid and installed a BCR before I put her on the tracks.  I'm happy to report that the model fired right up without a problem and all DCS functions (smoke, lights, sounds) are working as expected.  The one issue is the rear coupler.  It's bent upward at an awkward angle.  I haven't fiddled with it yet, but I'm optimistic I'll be able to get it straightened out.     

All in all I'm a happy customer and glad I took the plunge.  None-the-less, I think GRJ's recommendation to look things over before you bid is sage advice.

I’ve seen their ads in the TCA newsletter, but just skimmed past them.  The MTH auction made me pay more attention and I was happy to see they are about 45 minutes from me.  I bid on a few things from the 9/19 auction and put some low bids on the 9/26 auction thinking I would pick up stuff from both after 9/26.  I only won a few pamphlets from the 9/19 auction so I asked to have that shipped.  Shipping and handling seemed a bit high for a few pamphlets, but aside from that, I was impressed with their responsiveness and the prices they got.  I have instructions that I keep with my will for what to do with my stuff.  I am thinking of adding Cabin Fever to those instructions.

Would be nice to have more complete descriptions.  Not sure if the seller does that or Cabin Fever.

Last edited by Lehigh74

I received my 2 engineering pieces today. Packed well. All looks good. If the person that bought the Power Station, and was missing something. Email me, and tell me what your missing, I might have it. Thanks, Dave

In that vein, I just noticed that in the set of Amtrak Amfleet passenger cars I bought there is a duplicate road number.  To the person that purchased the other set from the Sept. 26 auction, email me at the address in my profile with the number of the one you are missing or the one you have a duplicate of and we can swap if you'd like.

OK I will kick in too. If someone bought a UP Engine and it is #80 and DOES NOT connect to the tender due to plug mismatch let me know. I purchased the UP Coal Steam Turbine and the lead engine plug is one PS and the rest are another PS  (PS1/PS2).

Email is in profile.

And YES If no one responds I am still perfectly happy to have it as a shelf Queen as it is a magnificent piece!

Curtis

"If you aren't going to be Happy if it doesn't work DON'T Bid"

Thanks for the ongoing replies all!

Joe - I'm not sure what to tell you about not being able to bid.  We had HUNDREDS of bidders actively bidding with no issues we are aware of.  You mentioned you tried for days to figure it out but as I'm aware of, you never called or emailed for assistance?  We are always happy to help.  Thanks

Jared

I probably should have called, however, everytime I remembered to call, is was late evening, nd I knew you were closed.

Joe

@RSJB18: I bought an item listed as "Undecorated / Unfinished" in the 3rd auction and it specifically said "no motors / parts" in the auction listing.  It had no motor or PS2 board, but it had all of the externally applied detail parts which a big deal for me.

I realize that these are auctions of non-retail parts and everything needs to be carefully considered before bidding.  However, I have noticed several things on the items that might give clues as to its overall readiness or operability.

MTH clearly had some sort of internal process to bring a new piece from design on paper to final product.  As with most engineering and manufacturing processes, there are several "milestone" steps along the way.  MTH has marked many of these items directly on the product or on the packaging in similar ways which MIGHT lead to the conclusion that these things are in similar states of readiness / completion:

For example, these all appear in MTH's handwritten notes visible in many of the phots and are NOT simply a description offered by the auction house:

  • Pilot Sample
  • Prototype
  • Engineering Sample
  • Production Sample
  • Photography Sample

I'm guessing that MTH's internal procedures had a specific meaning for writing those words on the boxes.

In my line of work, the most "complete" would be a "production sample", which we would refer to as a part randomly takes out of a full-production lot intended for sale to make sure it's up to par.  Another clue would be if the original box is included, which means that it's more likely (though not guaranteed) that it came from a lot that was finished to packaging.  Beware, though...several of the auction items show "OB" but the box is clearly mismatched and is a clue that maybe not a true production sample.

Next level down in my guess would be "prototype" which indicates the first real completed version of a new product, before full production, in order to find out what bugs to work out.  I would wager that these typically have some working guts of one type or another, although it may be clunky and they may have raided prototypes for parts for warranty work down the line.  So still no guarantee.

Then would be "Engineering Sample" which might indicate that they ran a part to check a specific design feature and, unless the sample was taken to test operating functions, is likely not ready to run.

"Photography Sample" : beats me...I'm guessing minimal guts and just a shell to look nice in photos for ads and stuff.

Then there are descriptions of items that Cabin Fever uses that don't necessarily have any meaning from MTH like

  • Unfinished
  • Undecorated (This description was used a lot in the 3rd auction, much less this time around)
  • Unpainted


I don't think these are as helpful,. especially without additional written context in the auction listing.  But with thousands of parts to get rid of, I don't blame Cabin Fever for having a pretty limited descriptor attached to each listing.

These are all my guesses only.  But it's another level of clues that I used to determine whether I bid on an item or not.  Interesting note this time around: in the 3rd auction @Cabin Fever Auctions included a line in most of the loco listings indicating whether motors or guts were present or not.  In this auction, I don't see any of that. Also, previous auctions generally showed more complete underside photos so you could get a glimpse of what components were installed and maybe help decide if there were enough guts in the loco to place a bid.  This time around, full underside photos still exist, but strangely absent from many listings and fewer contextual clues as to the completeness of an item.  Wonder if Cabin fever did that on purpose, figuring they might get higher bids on locos if people still had to guess about their completeness.

I'm perfectly happy with my "Undecorated" PRR S-1.  I've got a thread going about its rebuild here so you can see what went into bringing the "undecorated" item to a working state.

Good luck!

@RSJB18: I bought an item listed as "Undecorated / Unfinished" in the 3rd auction and it specifically said "no motors / parts" in the auction listing.  It had no motor or PS2 board, but it had all of the externally applied detail parts which a big deal for me.

MTH clearly had some sort of internal process to bring a new piece from design on paper to final product.  As with most engineering and manufacturing processes, there are several "milestone" steps along the way.  MTH has marked many of these items directly on the product or on the packaging in similar ways which MIGHT lead to the conclusion that these things are in similar states of readiness / completion:

For example, these all appear in MTH's handwritten notes visible in many of the phots and are NOT simply a description offered by the auction house:

  • Pilot Sample
  • Prototype
  • Engineering Sample
  • Production Sample
  • Photography Sample

I'm guessing that MTH's internal procedures had a specific meaning for writing those words on the boxes.


I'm perfectly happy with my "Undecorated" PRR S-1.  I've got a thread going about its rebuild here so you can see what went into bringing the "undecorated" item to a working state.

Good luck!

Thanks Jeff- the loco I'm looking at is a production sample with matching OB. Looks like a PS-2 model. I will look it up on the MTH site to see if it has 5V boards or not.

@gunrunnerjohn- I agree that the bargain may not be worth it in the end.

Bob

Last edited by RSJB18

Jeff - We have asked MTH and the answer is not always as clear as you surmise above.  You describe a good progression and this could have been the general intent, but per MTH and by definition most all "samples" are technically a prototype.  Prototype does not mean "the only one" - there can be prototypes for various reasons. 

That being said - in handling the actual items there does not seem to be clear consistency as to what "term" on the boxes might bring as far as the stage or completeness of any item.

We have a number of people that all work together in the cataloging and photographing of all auction goods so your observance of some variance in the descriptions of photos is purely coincidental.  We try to take photos to highlight the most noteworthy views or features of any individual item all the while moving along at a pace so we are able to present everyone the goods in a timely manner.  As the terms state and we mention often, we are MORE than happy to provide more photos of any item or look a little further into something if there are any questions we can help with.  We also allow anyone to inspect the items in person (or send a friend if you are not close by!). 

John - One of the main examples you mentions of not "appearing" as stated was a coal turbine which ended up with a mix of PS 2/3 I believe.  I've spoke to this customer a few times and he's still happy with his purchase and has asked more questions on other items.  "Represented as complete" only goes so far as the photos can show, everything is presented as is.  We can not test all these items and will not disassemble all to inspect so the presentation shows the features as best as possible.  We handle THOUSANDS of items each month so there is only so much time that can be spent on each in the cataloging and why we ask anyone to ask specific questions if desiring more information than you are able to glean from the listings.  Yes there have been other items that are missing internal components from wires to all hardware, boards, and motors - but this can not always be observed easily without disassembly.

So again for all, please read the terms and feel free to email any and all questions you have on items and we are happy to help.  Thanks!!

Jared Schoenly

I have purchased several items with mixed results. For example, the rotating plastic belts in two of the aquarium style cars will need to be replaced. Hopefully these parts will be available from MTH.  Engines required maintenance to be expected of something that hasn't run in 15+ years. To be fair, I would not expect an auction house to discover such issues.

As previously mentioned on this forum, be careful about bidding on items that can be found in other train collector trade sites where the quality can be more assured. Also realize that after you win the bid, you will be paying an additional 15% as well as packaging and shipping costs.

It all adds up fast.

Wow!  Just wow!  Some crazy ending bids being made!  Deals are basically nonexistent!

Yep.  It's nutso.  I feel like you can buy some of these retail at a dealer, with confidence that it actually has motors and electronics, for less than these bids.  Glad to have scored my deal last time, cause it doesn't look like it's happening any more!

Some ending prices were high. Some were extreme to me. For example, I wonder if some buyers realize what they paid after fees, for a dummy engine?

Wow. I bought in the past and they will be 2 project engines. One was for parts that actually weren't all there.

When I bid today ( 3 or 4 2 rail items?), I had to consider what parts, they may not include. So when I was outbid, I was actually relieved.

I hope everyone had fun and will get something that has history and meaning for them.

@RSJB18 posted:

....
I was watching a couple of engines but the prices went above what I was willing to pay for a roll of the dice.

Bob

So far I haven't won anything.   Unfortunately one of the engines I was truly interested in was near the end, other wise I might have been aggressive with one near the beginning.   10 minutes to go and I get jumped by over $120.  Rats!!!  It's just not worth the risk to me to bid any higher. 

O well,  I may still come out with a piece of rolling stock or two.

Someone seriously like Rudolph. Multiple 300 dollar+ sales of Railking cars as @frank mulligan noted above, one even exceeded four hundred bucks???

An extra Benjamin would have scored a neat looking PRR Centipede complete with both units! That may have been the best deal if it had motors and cards, but still not a door buster.

Looks like the Auction guys are doing alright!

Once again I was out-bid by $10.00 on the one and only loco I was interested in, at the last minute!!!!!

Wanted to score the MTH RailKing Collector Club diesel loco with the led boards that attach to the handrails. Thought it would be a good collector item for me to remember MTH by...here in Australia.

That wasn't to be the case. I was not prepared to go past $200.00 for a loco that I didn't know if it worked, and was all there, and then add on the 15% premium, and the international shipping fee to get it to me here in Australia. Wasn't prepared to take that big of a risk. Oh well, it is what it is!!!

Peter......Buco Australia.

I think so too.

Some complained about their website.  Works perfectly fine for me.  I can easily find what I've put a bid on.

Some complained it was not what they expected.  I don't understand.  What did you expect?  That rare item you've been looking for for dirt cheap!?

What I wish Cabin Fever would do is tell what scale a box of, let's say, box cars is so there is no doubt what you are bidding on. Each and every item.

Dick

@Buco posted:

Once again I was out-bid by $10.00 on the one and only loco I was interested in, at the last minute!!!!!

Wanted to score the MTH RailKing Collector Club diesel loco with the led boards that attach to the handrails. Thought it would be a good collector item for me to remember MTH by...here in Australia.

That wasn't to be the case. I was not prepared to go past $200.00 for a loco that I didn't know if it worked, and was all there, and then add on the 15% premium, and the international shipping fee to get it to me here in Australia. Wasn't prepared to take that big of a risk. Oh well, it is what it is!!!

Peter......Buco Australia.

Not true as you can bid at the last second and the clock sets back to 2 minutes giving someone plenty of time to bid again against it. I know as I had it happen on this auction on one item that someone kept waiting till the last second to bid not realizing that it reset to two minutes, giving me time to think about it.

Curtis

I probably overpaid for what I got, but did so with complete intention.  I wanted a piece of nostalgic history that was meaningful to me.  I wanted to have something that I could point to as the end or an era (or preferably the beginning of a new one) with someone willing to step up and invigorate the o-scale market and challenge market share dominance, declining customer service, etc.  and force innovation - just like Mike Wolf did.  Big fan of the big 4.  But healthy competition breeds better products for us, IMO, and losing MTH sets the market back as a whole.

I totally agree with what VADarthDad said. That's why I joined the auction. I wanted a piece of MTH closing history. I had a little mishap on Wednesday morning (not relevant here) so I didn't have as much time to pick and choose what I wanted and I quickly placed 3 bids with 40 minutes to go. I was outbid on two items but I won the 3rd item which is a 2 Rail Premier PRR Atlantic for $299 (fee included). I was shocked that I won it. There was another locomotive which I wanted more. It wasn't labeled 2 rail but you could clearly see in the picture that it was 2 rail. It was a Northern Pacific 0-8-0. I figured I could re letter it for the NYC. Anyway, it was only at $140 and I figured it was low because no one was sure what it was. I bid $210 but it sold for $295. Darn, I really could use another switcher. Oh well, another one may turn up someday.

I saw that Rudolf car going for over $400 and I just couldn't believe it. I guess MTH did not make many of those cars?

I didn't know what to do after the auction so I emailed Jared. He responded quickly. I did not realize that they charge your credit that is on file after you win which is okay by me I just didn't know it. So far my experience with CFA is good. I have no complaints.

Well I wouldn't pay $400+ for any piece of rolling stock unless it was packed full of hundred dollar bills. I think the driving force here is that this is branded product which can't or won't ever be reproduced much like the COORS Light Silver Bullet set.

Think about it, a random mass produced UP boxcar made year after after year by multiple manufactures will never appreciate in value. Now if you take a licensed product brand like Disney, COORS, Harley Davidson, John Deere, or Lionel Tinplate, that stuff is only being made in certain quantities for a limited time.

I watched a John Deere SD9 sell on the "bay" for just under a $1000 and the MSRP from MTH was $320 and it's Railking! Look at the prices on the MTH COORS silver bullet sets and the tail car. One set that I always kind of wanted was the LIONEL bicentennial set with the 13 boxcars, they made lots of them but to find one that is complete with good  boxes, and in good shape will cost you way more now than what you would have paid for it when it was new.

To some the $400 Rudolph car was too much to pay and to others who know that this may be one of the last chances to get one (plus it's the one that MTH held in their archive) and it worth that to them or someone else. Go look at the SOLD prices on the "bay" for MTH Rudolph items and you'll see what people are willing to pay.

Last edited by H1000

I ended up getting the one engine I wanted, but for just slightly under the max I was willing to pay ($200). I plan to use it for the PS-3 board to upgrade one of my current PS-1 engines of the exact same type. All in all, its the same as retail price for a PS-3 upgrade kit, but since I can just swap the engine bodies it saves me the $100+ for getting a tech to install it.

So fingers crossed that it actually has the functioning electronics on the inside... From the pictures it clearly has the motors (visible through the cab windows) so I assume it also has the other components. 

Hey Curtis: I am aware of the 2 minute extension on the auction deadline, but it becomes awful tricky when you live on the other side of the world, and tucked down-under as well.

Just the international time difference between the US and Australia confuses my mind. You ought to live here and see how hard it is to win and receive anything "O" gauge related from any auction held in the northern hemisphere.

Peter (Buco Australia)

@CurtisH posted:

Phil

It was clearly stated in the signup that your card would be charged $1 to authenticate it and then be charged at the end of the auction for all bids you won. Jared is definitely a top guy to deal with. He will bend over backwards trying to help you and accommodate any questions with a quick answer.

Curtis

Curtis, please don't misunderstand me. I was extremely rushed that morning and didn't have time to read everything. I was actually glad they charged my cc. It made everything so much simpler. Like I said I have no complaints. Jared quickly answered my email and he said he will get back to me about shipping. I live 90 minutes away and if weren't for the remote learning I would pick it up myself. I am actually happy they are not shipping it right away. Better to give the shipping companies a chance to recover and catch up from the Christmas rush.

Well, all can say is I bid on several items. Bids that I thought were fair and all I was willing to pay

Rolling stock went for 3 times retail. There was a holiday caboose that I really wanted. When it reached $140 I gave up. It worked out as I found one on the buy and sell board here, for almost a 1/3 of that

I also bid on a few tinplate engine shells. Went for ridiculous amounts.

A week later I saw them on ebay for same amount ridiculous amount. I then later saw them listed for $200 less.

My feeling is people are trying to obtain something to remember MTH by, and are paying too much. Something I am not willing to pay for.

Joe Gozzo

I made a purchase about 6 weeks ago.  Logistically speaking, was handled professionally and very well.  Folks running it answered questions promptly and made the process easy.  Yes, prices were high and that is likely due to people wanting what was never going to be available (unless resold) again from Mike's 'shed' (i.e the warehouse).  I am not complaining about the price - it was market based.  Eyes wide open and that is what happens with auctions.  I have been waiting 5 years for the item to show up here or elsewhere, and it never did; so price was not an issue.  Ended up paying (all in) the original MSRP.   And becasue Mike decided to go the route he did (through the auction house) I had the chance to get what I wanted.  Happy camper here.

Well, all can say is I bid on several items. Bids that I thought were fair and all I was willing to pay

Rolling stock went for 3 times retail. There was a holiday caboose that I really wanted. When it reached $140 I gave up. It worked out as I found one on the buy and sell board here, for almost a 1/3 of that

I also bid on a few tinplate engine shells. Went for ridiculous amounts.

A week later I saw them on ebay for same amount ridiculous amount. I then later saw them listed for $200 less.

My feeling is people are trying to obtain something to remember MTH by, and are paying too much. Something I am not willing to pay for.

I think this a generalization of the auction.  I got a a pretty rare PS-3 Premier steam locomotive for less that half of retail.  I also got a set of passenger coaches for just under retail that I haven’t seen for sale in probably 5 or more years anywhere near msrp.

Stuff is worth what people are willing to pay.  It goes both ways.

@rplst8 posted:

I think this a generalization of the auction.  I got a a pretty rare PS-3 Premier steam locomotive for less that half of retail.  I also got a set of passenger coaches for just under retail that I haven’t seen for sale in probably 5 or more years anywhere near msrp.

Stuff is worth what people are willing to pay.  It goes both ways.

Consider yourself one of the lucky few. 😁

When I place a bid on an auction I generally place my highest bid and let the chips fall where they may.  This way there is no missing out at the last minute.  If I win, great.  If not, then someone else was willing to pay more and it wasn't meant to be.

I've been very happy with the way the auctions have been run.  I receive timely emails in regards to my winning(s).  That Jared is a real workhorse!

I won the bid on one of the few pieces I was interested, from the first round of auctions. I wanted at least one item from the MTH archives. I thought the whole process went smoothly and I am very happy with my purchase and at a fair price, a nice addition to the collection. I think as the following rounds of auctions went on the final prices have been going up, I assume because more people know about the auctions.

I purchase three locomotives in Auction 2,  an Undecorated Prototype, missing motors and other components, and Undecorated prototype, missing motors and components, and  an Unpainted Kit.  All three were missing parts: motors, worm gears, worm covers, etc.  The tenders have no coal load.  I installed large Pittman motors in all three, had to modify the worm housing - rear on one because the worm would not mesh with the spur gear on the drive wheels, modify the internal engine housing on one to accommodate the motor.  I installed lights, will install PS3, and get them all running.  I have no desire to paint them or install coal loads in the tenders.  After all - how many collectors or ASC-Technicians can say they have authentic "Engineering Prototypes".

Be careful what you buy at these auctions - I have been in the warehouse during Tech Training and know what the word Prototype means.  Also have a certificate with each stating they are from the MTH Archives.

As for Cabin-Fever, they are listing as accurate a description as they can.  There is a tremendous amount of train items to auction off.  When they list about 1,000 items per auction, that is a lot of work.

Again, be careful and stay safe.

Bruce

I purchase three locomotives in Auction 2,  an Undecorated Prototype, missing motors and other components, and Undecorated prototype, missing motors and components, and  an Unpainted Kit.  All three were missing parts: motors, worm gears, worm covers, etc.  The tenders have no coal load.  I installed large Pittman motors in all three, had to modify the worm housing - rear on one because the worm would not mesh with the spur gear on the drive wheels, modify the internal engine housing on one to accommodate the motor.  I installed lights, will install PS3, and get them all running.  I have no desire to paint them or install coal loads in the tenders.  After all - how many collectors or ASC-Technicians can say they have authentic "Engineering Prototypes".

Be careful what you buy at these auctions - I have been in the warehouse during Tech Training and know what the word Prototype means.  Also have a certificate with each stating they are from the MTH Archives.

As for Cabin-Fever, they are listing as accurate a description as they can.  There is a tremendous amount of train items to auction off.  When they list about 1,000 items per auction, that is a lot of work.

Again, be careful and stay safe.

Bruce

Did one over the summer. It was a model used for catalog photos. Got it through a back channel. Apparently MTH used plain shelled locomotives and used photos editing software to add color/road numbers.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...locomotive-from-junk

Wasn't hard to do at all. But I have a stash of worm shafts, motor mounts, drive shafts, flywheels, and Pittman motors. Well plus boards and wiring. I'm a little ahead of the curve.

Just another voice here... I've picked up lots now from 3 auctions and each time was a great experience.  Arrive, they bring your items, quick signature and you're gone.

Of course, it's an auction... buyer beware... so far I think I did well!  My only issue is that the headlight and one of the marker lights on my J609 don't work.  If that's the only issue, I certainly can't/won't complain.

Not being able to pick up on Saturday makes things difficult for me.   I hadn't picked up before because it was always one or two items, this time it's 5.  This last round I was going to pick up but could only get a particular day off.  The pick up schedule was already full for that day, and  I emailed about still getting in.  I was told politely but firmly that all pickups are made per the scheduling tool. I asked about Saturday and was told that customers have repeatedly not shown up on time if at all when special arrangements were made.  So shame on us for not following through on commitments with vendors.   Not having Saturday or evening hours for pick up is very frustrating to me.  This same business used to have auctions on Wednesday evening if memory serves me correctly.

I know they are very busy, but now I am still waiting to hear about charges for shipping. If anyone else from the  York area is picking up and willing to bring my items closer let me know.   It's only about an hour and 20 minutes for me to get there, but I can't blow vacation days every time I make a purchase.   I really wish they had evening pick up hours.  This is one more wrinkle for me to deal with in buying auction items. 

Sorry for the rant - jhz563

jhz563

Yep, I agree BUT they are 100% correct. They have to pay someone to be their and then if we are a no show or late BAM they are out more than the commission sometimes. I can not even begin to count the times people say can I do it at this time and I agree to only get there and either they aren't home or can't do it then as something came up. Excuse me? A phone call would have helped but nothing. Then they get mad when I send a bill for on site repair that did not happen. I don't remember my truck saying "I won't use gas and no wear and tear this trip". Or time backing up so I didn't lose it. YE,T WE feel everyone should bend over so they will fit OUR schedule. Try calling Lionel and let me know how that works out for ya. NO, while I agree with you, I fully understand their position. This is a case of a few bad apples ruining a complete basket.

Curtis

Last edited by CurtisH
@jhz563 posted:

Not being able to pick up on Saturday makes things difficult for me.   I hadn't picked up before because it was always one or two items, this time it's 5.  This last round I was going to pick up but could only get a particular day off.  The pick up schedule was already full for that day, and  I emailed about still getting in.  I was told politely but firmly that all pickups are made per the scheduling tool. I asked about Saturday and was told that customers have repeatedly not shown up on time if at all when special arrangements were made.  So shame on us for not following through on commitments with vendors.   Not having Saturday or evening hours for pick up is very frustrating to me.  This same business used to have auctions on Wednesday evening if memory serves me correctly.

I know they are very busy, but now I am still waiting to hear about charges for shipping. If anyone else from the  York area is picking up and willing to bring my items closer let me know.   It's only about an hour and 20 minutes for me to get there, but I can't blow vacation days every time I make a purchase.   I really wish they had evening pick up hours.  This is one more wrinkle for me to deal with in buying auction items.

Sorry for the rant - jhz563

I don't see why you even felt it necessary to post this.  They have been up front about their terms since the beginning.  Why didn't you confirm there was availability on the schedule before taking that day off?  Or reschedule your day off?  I emailed Jared about leaving items from one auction there until the end of another auction that I planned on bidding on that was a week or two later so I could pick up that item and any others I won.  He had no problem with that.  I found them flexible with scheduling a time to pick up my items based on the online tool and the times and days that they have posted ahead of the auction.

Are the deals great on every item? No.  Are some things probably too expensive? Yes.  Are some things a great deal? Yes.  It's an auction, much of the value is in the eye of the beholder.  No one is forcing anyone to make the highest bid.  If it's more than you want to pay or pay to ship, or coordinate a time during the hours they are open, then DON'T BID.

@rplst8 I posted about my experience because that is the topic of the thread.   Looking to physically pick up was a new experience for me and discussing it was a follow up to the response above mine.

I have been quite positive about this whole series of events regarding Cabin Fever auctions and the closing of MTH in general.

If things worked out great for you, fine. The pickup hours unfortunately do not work for me.

Rescheduling days off doesn't happen in every workplace just because someone wishes it so.

If you can't stand a little venting or dissatisfaction in a thread then DON'T READ IT.  Discussing this inconvenience to me is nothing compared to the years of complaints on this forum over Lionel quality control.   

I hope you have a good evening,  jhz563

Last edited by jhz563

Hi All,

Well, I can probably say I had one of the most complicated auction purchases of all from Cabin Fever and MTH. I won the MTH Factory Showroom Layout during the first auction. My wife said "Go for it" and well... soon I realized what I got myself into. It was not easy to remove accessories, track, and scenery, and then cut into precise sections, all while trying very hard to preserve the layout. All 500+ miles from where I live. It required 4 trips from Cincinnati Ohio, to Columbia Maryland. My first trip out was October 28th, 2020, and my final trip to pick it up was yesterday (January 18th 2021). I would like to give a big shout out to both Cabin Fever and MTH! Especially Gary and John from Cabin Fever and Mark Hipp from MTH. Everyone involved was so great with coordinating and supporting my trips out to the factory. Here is the first of many videos to come about this journey.

Thanks, TrainFinder Craig

@PH1975 posted:

Jhz563 - Unfortunately it may boil down to you making a decision as to which you prefer more - using a vacation day (to pick up your trains) or incurring unknown (at this point) shipping charges?  It's an unenvious position to be in - that's for sure.

Good Luck!

Well my purchases arrived in a timely manner and the shipping cost was quite reasonable since they were all packaged in one large box.  Unfortunately there was some small damage.   The locomotive headlight was loose but working- no problem at all.  A Weaver box car has a broken truck assembly that will need replaced. The boxcar is a lower end car that wasn't out of the box for pictures. Its quite possible that it was broken before shipping.   I still feel I got a fair deal and am looking forward to participating again.

Thanks again for everyone's responses.  It's great to hear the perspective from our buyers to know how we might improve and continue to provide our services!

Don't forget there are auctions on the calendar all the time and there are plenty of (non-archival and other) MTH trains we sell on a regular basis.  We'll be doing MTH Warehouse auctions for some time yet but check out all our sales.

Tonight - MTH, some private collection Archival goods as well as Weaver Brass and Others:

https://cabinfeverauctions.bid...om/ui/auctions/58819

We have Toys and Antiques this Saturday the 23rd:

https://cabinfeverauctions.bid...om/ui/auctions/58820

And there are 500 lots live for the MTH Warehouse Auction with more being added this and next week:

https://cabinfeverauctions.bid...om/ui/auctions/58951

Thanks!!

Jared Schoenly

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