The dilemma..go for it or be patient?

Is that item supposed to be a reproduction of a Lionel engine? If so the number don't match up with any in my Greenberg's guide for pre war or post war standard gauge.

Maybe you can find it in Doyle's guide.

It must be an MTH item number.

So you be the judge.

Lee Fritz

The engine is a MTH tinplate reproduction of an IVES 3245r electric engine.

For me the question is always "What is it worth to me?"

If the asking price is reasonable, then I would buy it, whether it is MSRP or not.

Items in short supply often go above MSRP.

Never ever pay msrp.  Nothing made today is rare, keep looking it will show up again. But if you must have it now, then pay the premium. 

I agree.  If it's worth it to you buy it and forget about the MSRP.

No dilemma for me, I would buy it!  MSRP would not bother me at all if I really wanted the engine and had been looking for it.  And how much are you going to save with a discount $20, $30, $40 on a $600-$700 engine.

Sounds like you will also be supporting your LHS.  I try to support my LHS, buying almost everything I have from them, and they don't do much of a discount ever. There is really only 1 good O-gauge shop in my entire city and I want them to stay in business so I can go in and look at trains!

If you have the money, buy it.

I visited my college roommate a few years ago.  We had a BBQ on his beautiful deck.  He and his wife told me the deck was only one year old but they had lived in that house for almost fifteen years.  They always wanted a deck since they first purchased the house and even had the money for it.  They kept putting it off telling themselves "what if we move?"  As it turned out they regretted not building it as they watched their four children grow from toddlers to teens and think of all the family fun they missed out on.

Ever since then I have thought that if you want to do something and can, then you should.

Buy the train and enjoy it!  And don't get upset with yourself when you see one available afterward for a lower price.

I have been where your at. The question for me is will I regret not getting it later on. It is a beautiful engine. If it is something you truly want, I would get it. I still think about a set I passed on 6 years ago at the Cal Stewart Show. If you have the extra money, so what if it is msrp. It only matters if its worth it to you. Good Luck,

Bob

That locomotive has an MSRP of $799.95.  If it's new in box and if it's something you have been really wanting, and have been looking for and not found, I would say go for it.  A plus is that you would be supporting your local hobby shop.

I've paid MSRP for some items I have, and have even paid more than MSRP for a particularly hard to find item or two.  If it's something I really like, and if it's an elusive item to find, I figure it's money well spent.

The fact that it is Traditional and not Contemporary (PS2) really doesn't matter because (1) you said it doesn't matter to you, and (2) MTH always prices both Traditional and Contemporary items the same.  That's because the Contemporary units significantly outsell the Traditional models in most cases.

Look at it this way.  You pass on the locomotive now. Wait another year or so let's say.  You find the locomotive for $700 either on the forum or on the bay.  But wait lets not forget those pesky shipping charges.  Now, a year later, what did you really save.  There is not one person on this forum who has not paid a little more than they really wanted to pay to get an item that they truly wanted.  We have also come across some deals of the century and saved a bundle.  Consider that savings as an investment for a situation like today.

Thanks for the input.  The engine isn't from a local retailer.  However, the shop has agreed to free shipping. Going to go for it. I was initially thinking about the orange/black 3245r but I figured this would be a bit more versatile.

Sunrise

think you made the right decision.  this is one reproduction where not very many originals still exist plus you'd have to consider whether or not this niche type of power (large, electric) will be available again as a repro in the near future.  i did see some MTH 3245's sell for considerably less than retail, but mostly the orange frame version, and of those not for a few years (most sales dates were 2010/11).

did Ives ever make an all black 3245?  frankly i think it looks good, but just curious about the originals.  though the whole set with the orange Olympian passenger cars does look sharp.

cheers...gary

Gary,

The all black version was never made by Ives. I too have seen the orange/black version go for less.  Currently I have MTH Ives 240 series orange/black passenger cars as well as Ives freight cars. Just need something to pull them with!

Sunrise

from the archives... MTH 3245 short hood traditional pulling vintage Ives freight.

As sort of previously stated, if the retailer is out of state (no sales tax) and you get free shipping (that really jacks up the price), you probably just saved more than the discount right there. And you will soon be enjoying it rather than still looking for a better price! IMHO, I think you got a good deal!

Like Joe Lyons and CP Bob's posts.  I would buy it if you have the extra.  I used to put off purchases all the time and had the money .  After my wife left me for another man I cannot even buy track now .  

Glenn

Sunrise, in response to your earlier questions about the long vs. short hood versions of the 3245, I stand corrected.  MTH did use different stampings for the sheet metal frames on the long and short hood engines, so they look like they should, if you don't look too closely (the original Ives short hood had a cast frame).  As for the shells, the long hood MTH seems to be pretty much a stretched version of the MTH short hood.

Also, in answer to your question about height, the two MTH locomotives are exactly the same height.  Of course the long hood has the bigger, operational Lionel pantographs, but when they are folded down they are the height of the small pantograph on the short hood.

david1,

May I ask, "How long have you been in the hobby?" There are times when due to limited availability one has to do what one has to do. In some cases limited production pieces GROW in value...even if they are modern pieces. Pardon me.. I have to go and smell some more ozone.

Sunrise,

Can you give us an update?

Happy Pappy,

I've not purchased an Ives engine yet. I'm trying to sell my Circus 400e and matching caboose to generate the funds.  The Gov't furlough is hurting the wallet...20% pay reduction until 21 Sept.

Sunrise

Been really active in the hobby since the early 70's and I never pay msrp or above. Nothing made in the modern era is that rare. I get everything I want at a price I am willing to pay. 

My advice to sunrise stands.