"Runs great but could use a good lubrication."

Yeah, I was looking at that one too. Just walk away, and I'll put in a bid. If you really want it, say the word and I'll leave it alone. As I mentioned in another thread, a lot of engines get the wheels run off of them until they start making noise. Too many people completely ignore lubrication.

I see that phrase used a lot on the bay, "runs great but needs lubricated". I usually assume the worst.

I just bought two locomotives. One "like new" which actually was. And another the guy "bought for his grandkids and they weren't interested so light run time" and it needed about 30 qtips with alcohol to clean the filth from the wheels. Dirtiest locomotive wheels I've seen, but "lighty run".  It seems hit or miss.

There must be a translation reference for that auction site's seller descriptions. For myself, not being a US resident, I only use them for window-shopping these days. The overblown shipping costs alone drive me away, never mind a MTH (Rare!!!) caboose at an ask over $200, or questionable "TLC projects". I've honestly see better prices and shipping with retailers and private sellers on this here forum. Rant over, as you were.

"Cute Doll House" in real estate means a really small micro house - around the size of a large Coleman camper.  "Could use refreshing" means it has shag carpet, padded toilet seats, and everything else is harvest gold or orange.

Buyer BEWARE..words to live by...know what you are buying...

“Checks in the mail”

”That scratch will buff out.”

”I’m from the government, I’m here to help.”

”Steve”

"Not tested" or the equally infamous "I have no way of testing."

I simply avoid all of these. Don't believe I have ever missed out on a so-called great deal by doing this. There's always another seller with the same item that meets my criteria as a buyer.

I love the word untested engine!  Haha, we know that means it doesn't run.

OK guys, I get what you are saying...BUT would you rather the seller be honest about the condition...or try to take the locomotive apart without any idea of how it should work....oil it up with gallons of  WD-40 and then lard on some automotive grease that's been sitting open in the garage since 2004, then try to put it together again.  I'm no expert, but I'd RATHER do it myself.  Remember, you guys know what you're doing.  Most of the public (while maybe experts in their own field) have little idea of how toy trains are taken care of.  And remember, most people are honest...but if they do misrepresent what they're selling you do have recourse.  There are two sides to this question.

                                                                                                                                                     Logan

I'm with Logan on this. 

If those eBay listings bother you so much, look someplace else.

Mark in Oregon

I usually seek these items out when the price is right since my skillset for fixing them is always growing (Thanks OGR! haha)

Missing parts usually scare me off though. Parts hunting isn't one of my favorite things to do because I do it quite a bit at work and it gets old having to learn part number schemes and whatnot. But I don't mind repairs in the basement, hanging with the dog, and a beer or six. That's not too bad at all.

I think the only other adage that I haven't seen mentioned above is "SOLD AS IS - NO RETURNS."  That one is sure to inspire confidence about the item that's listed.

Seems like some over-thinking, among the good points. I have been buying items, among them locomotives, on eBay since 1999, and have had almost entirely decent luck. Only one - one - overt engine misrepresentation, and even that was something I took care of.

Part of that is just blind luck, and my expectations are not for perfection, but I do avoid anyone who seems less than competent, uses overly bad grammar, and is incapable of taking good photos, intentionally or not. Rating must be 98% or better. It can still be a nerve-wracking experience - "all that money for a stupid toy and it comes in messed up!" - I've said a few times.

I would question the "needs lubrication" loco, also - but I might go for it if everything else in the listing looks really good and legit. If you are new at this "used loco" experience - I am not - then caution is always the way to go.

And -

In a response above: "runs great but needs lubricated". When did this get to be proper? I hear this ("needs restored" on old car and old house shows) regularly now. "Needs to be lubricated" or "Needs lubricating" are both proper English."Needs lubricated" is not. What does that mean?

I try to at least test an engine before listing, I will say it runs good, okay but squeals, new and will test before shipping if you wish, or what have you but, I also will include recommend a complete cleaning and lubrication before use. If I buy something, I consider it needs a complete cleaning and lubrication before use, also.

@D500 posted:

In a response above: "runs great but needs lubricated". When did this get to be proper? I hear this ("needs restored" on old car and old house shows) regularly now. "Needs to be lubricated" or "Needs lubricating" are both proper English."Needs lubricated" is not. What does that mean?

This has been bugging me ever since I've lived in Pennsylvania 15 years ago.  I *think* this is some sort of grammatic colloquialism that originated in the PA hills, and has been gradually spreading over the past couple decades.  I've NEVER heard this in the earlier part of my adult life (90's 2000's) but hear it all the time now, mostly from East Coast / Appalachian folks, but I was surprised a couple weeks ago when one of our younger employees from Colorado said something like "that part needs fixed"

I guess Hamlet's question has been answered:  " *To be* or NOT *to be* "

Lots of folks are choosing " NOT *to be* ".  OR at least they're leaving it out of their lexicon.

And as for the OP's topic...I've bought several engines on eBay, knowing it was generally a crapshoot, and have been successful in getting them all to work properly with minimum effort.  Possibly luck, but (at least on PW stuff) there's just not that much that can actually be BROKEN.  The electronic modern stuff might have blown guts, but I bought a whole gob of PS1 boards a while back and in the single instance where a board wasn't going to work in an engine I bought, I just swapped it out for one of my spares.  "Needs lubrication" as a catch-all for "maintenance generally neglected" really doesn't scare me like it might have a year ago.

@Jeff_the_Coaster_Guy posted:

This has been bugging me ever since I've lived in Pennsylvania 15 years ago.  I *think* this is some sort of grammatic colloquialism that originated in the PA hills, and has been gradually spreading over the past couple decades.  I've NEVER heard this in the earlier part of my adult life (90's 2000's) but hear it all the time now, mostly from East Coast / Appalachian folks, but I was surprised a couple weeks ago when one of our younger employees from Colorado said something like "that part needs fixed"

Not to get off-topic - and we shouldn't, much, I agree - that is interesting. I must admit for all of my 72 years on the Alabama Gulf Coast, I never, ever heard it, so we're innocent!

Having grown up around several of my Appalachian relatives, and having lived for 12 years at the foot of the Appalachians, I can tell you what is going on.

These folks know that  many of the things they say are grammatically incorrect.  But, they use the incorrect wording for Emphasis, with a bit of humor thrown in.   

For instance, "Ain't no way. Never gonna happen."

Or, "Where the heck is she at?"

Or, " I am stumpified by this problem."

Or,   "Don't never do that!"

Larry the Cable Guy, whom I can't stand, speaks like a normal person when he is not performing.  But, just listen to his Hillbilly sayings when he is on stage or in movies.

Mannyrock

When I read the subject line, I knew exactly what this thread was about.

Every time I see "...runs great but could use a good lubrication", I ignore the ad.

The phrase makes no sense.

Also, when the USAF moved me to Central PA 25 years ago (I stayed here after I retired because Gettysburg is close to York; but don't tell my wife), that is when I first heard "...that part needs fixed...". This is the only place I have heard this type of grammar, and I hear it a lot.

Well what can I say to what's been already said? 

I'm just glad I've lived in the Midwest where English isn't a second language!!