What am I missing?

[jerryrbeach]

This locomotive was listed and sold yesterday for $114.99 plus shipping.  It is listed as "parts / junk", and noted that when hooked up the motor started smoking.  After looking it over carefully, I believe this is a Riverossi engine.  It has been repainted, Kadee couplers added, and has what appears to be a brass stack, headlight, and generator.  It also has had one dome replaced, a coal load added to the tender and the cab windows modified.  It appears to have been been re-motored, but most likely that motor is toast and the drive shaft (roughly a $15 part) is missing. 


At least two people had to want it this badly to drive the final price to this point.  Can someone please explain what makes this engine worth what was paid?   


https://www.ebay.com/itm/HO-Scale-Unknown-Soo-Line-4-4-0-Steam-Switcher-Locomotive-22-DAMAGED-JUNK-/333002774599?nordt=true&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l10137

[NKP768]

Don't try to figure out the buying habits of e-bayers - just shake your head and keep on moving Jerry

Doug

[vinceg]

Well, maybe the buyers had exactly that engine when they were kids but their mom sold their trains without their notice and it had some deep sentimental value?

(No, I wasn't one of the bidders, and yes, my mom did sell my Lionel trains without me knowing. I wouldn't know the engines if they were sitting right in front of me now, anyway.)

[S&S RR]

I agree, ebay crazies, no logic. My Grandma used to say a fool and his money are soon parted.

[BandOGuy]

Was that site one of those that has the "This Way To The Egress" signs on it? One of those where the Back Arrow doesn't work?
Hey, it did have a brass stack on it. That's gotta' be worth something extra.

[jimmillho]

If it is a Riverossi Engine, it could be worth that much for parts.  Riverossi is no longer in business.

Jim