Older Stainz Locos
- Thread starter sparky230
- Start date
garrymartin
My Family,Railways, Beer and the Seaside
I'm sure there would be plenty of takers for a rebuilt Stainz if the end result ran well, pop one on ebay and see if the end result makes its worth your while doing more.
I personally believe that there is no market for rebuilt 'old' model Stainz unless they are bargains. Many think an old Stainz is four pin non direct decoder motor block.
I have Stainz dating back to 1968 growler models plus have had numerous clamshell and sandwich block models. At one time I had over 120 model variants from over eighty starter sets. Yes, I did have a bit of a thing for LGB starter sets. Most I have sold but have kept a few supposedly 'collectable' examples.
Believe me there is no market for clamshell models as many see these as antiques and not worth the trouble. I for one know that they are a sweet running motor block and were the backbone of most of LGB's early model range up until the mid-late eighties.
Rebuild for yourself but do not think you have stumbled on a new venture that will reap monetary rewards. Recently, I have been buying spares to complete several Stainz models. In reality it would have been cheaper to buy a running example and strip it for the needed spares.
I have Stainz dating back to 1968 growler models plus have had numerous clamshell and sandwich block models. At one time I had over 120 model variants from over eighty starter sets. Yes, I did have a bit of a thing for LGB starter sets. Most I have sold but have kept a few supposedly 'collectable' examples.
Believe me there is no market for clamshell models as many see these as antiques and not worth the trouble. I for one know that they are a sweet running motor block and were the backbone of most of LGB's early model range up until the mid-late eighties.
Rebuild for yourself but do not think you have stumbled on a new venture that will reap monetary rewards. Recently, I have been buying spares to complete several Stainz models. In reality it would have been cheaper to buy a running example and strip it for the needed spares.
sparky230
Registered
i didnt think there was any mileage,
Most people dont understand the older mechs
it is possible to get most stainz parts and not pay stupid money
but i would have to buy in a old unit very cheeply to get any return
I think it would be more buy units for what i want for collection and if enough parts come way every so often sell off a rebuilt unit to put somemore cash in the pot
Most people dont understand the older mechs
it is possible to get most stainz parts and not pay stupid money
but i would have to buy in a old unit very cheeply to get any return
I think it would be more buy units for what i want for collection and if enough parts come way every so often sell off a rebuilt unit to put somemore cash in the pot
Dtsteam
G Scale, Travel, Steam Boats, Mechanical Music
To be honest, you could probably throw more money into the pot by selling the bits you don't need, rather than buying more spares to complete a rebuild. I fell into a similar trap when all those cheap mouldings came on the market after the Nuremburg factory closed. The number of small details is huge and it could cost a lot to find them, whereas people always need the spares.
Having said that I've only parted with stuff from my bits stash for specific projects, because its amazing what comes in handy.
Having said that I've only parted with stuff from my bits stash for specific projects, because its amazing what comes in handy.
stevedenver
Registered
you know
i have a great appreciation for older stainz, even the clams (time consuming to open and lube /clean) -rugged, metal rods etc-simple reliable
i have many-some i bought only a few years ago used, and i had to rebuild a couple, gears and motors, water damage and overload
sharing my POV only
price is everything, as well as condition
pristine might bring some return
as might an interesting color
many parts are in fact expensive
and even if advertised as having new this or that, its still 'used'
and while i have a love for older LGB, just because i appreciate the history and the fact that its been my play toy since about 1986
and the evolution and older models have some nostalgia for me
i actually find i like the new Stainz's best, even with the plastic rods , as they have nicer valve assembly, and many other nice features including the switch, white lights, cab light and modern plug
my point is i think you may find its hard to turn a profit-
the fact is used is used, and most wont pay very much if theyre in the hobby -especially for the wonderful (but ubiquitous) stainz-they are green and red, common, plain featured, and small-and many do not appreciate these aspects -
what i would pay for, up to 350-400 US i think, would be an Uber Stainz, synch sound and smoke, great paint, constant lighting -just FYI
i mention this as it may be an avenue for a greater margin
i have a great appreciation for older stainz, even the clams (time consuming to open and lube /clean) -rugged, metal rods etc-simple reliable
i have many-some i bought only a few years ago used, and i had to rebuild a couple, gears and motors, water damage and overload
sharing my POV only
price is everything, as well as condition
pristine might bring some return
as might an interesting color
many parts are in fact expensive
and even if advertised as having new this or that, its still 'used'
and while i have a love for older LGB, just because i appreciate the history and the fact that its been my play toy since about 1986
and the evolution and older models have some nostalgia for me
i actually find i like the new Stainz's best, even with the plastic rods , as they have nicer valve assembly, and many other nice features including the switch, white lights, cab light and modern plug
my point is i think you may find its hard to turn a profit-
the fact is used is used, and most wont pay very much if theyre in the hobby -especially for the wonderful (but ubiquitous) stainz-they are green and red, common, plain featured, and small-and many do not appreciate these aspects -
what i would pay for, up to 350-400 US i think, would be an Uber Stainz, synch sound and smoke, great paint, constant lighting -just FYI
i mention this as it may be an avenue for a greater margin
funandtrains
Registered
There are so many of these about the good one only seems to sell for £50 to £60.
Often it is the motor than goes and LGB now want £45 for a new one so they are are worth more scapped as parts.
Often it is the motor than goes and LGB now want £45 for a new one so they are are worth more scapped as parts.
Neil Robinson
Registered
I'm afraid that £45 is about the going rate including P&P for a new replacement motor.sparky230 said:
stevedenver
Registered
parts prices have risen rather sharply
gone are the days of a dollar or so for the smaller and common bits like whistles, door handles, grab irons and lights, not to mention pick up shoes and plungers with brushes
yes over here the motors were about 35-40
then last year they jumped to 60-and that is in fact the going rate more or less (less often being really old NOS-like maybe thirty or more years old new in the bag)
so i bought a few entire stainz motor blocks with motor and wheels for the same price as the motor alone from a source
not to mention that in my experience,
its either the commutator ring or brushes that wear out
dont think a re-wind addresses that, ??
gone are the days of a dollar or so for the smaller and common bits like whistles, door handles, grab irons and lights, not to mention pick up shoes and plungers with brushes
yes over here the motors were about 35-40
then last year they jumped to 60-and that is in fact the going rate more or less (less often being really old NOS-like maybe thirty or more years old new in the bag)
so i bought a few entire stainz motor blocks with motor and wheels for the same price as the motor alone from a source
not to mention that in my experience,
its either the commutator ring or brushes that wear out
dont think a re-wind addresses that, ??
metzbahner
Registered
the stainz, old or new, is still a cheerished loco for second hand.
parts are a big deal--if you want to make some profit gut a single stainz, and put the major parts up separate.
a dude on ebay makes a killing off stainz parts...but it is frustrating for me , as no one realizes the major thing not available in the USA quickly, and priced right, is a LGB motor block. If anyone had any brains when selling LGB parts is to sell the motor block by itself--
the motor, gears, and wheelsets in one simple assembly. (you could leave off the outer stuff or included the metal rods depending on the series).
what is the greatest thing about Stainzy? its that an old 1979 motor block can get shoved up into even the latest version of the "modern" stainzy, and vice-versa.
the major reason people will need to buy a new loco is the motor died, and they have not the nerve to undo the gizzards and install one themselves...they see motors for sell everywhere....but as we know some of those gearboxes aren't the most pleasant thing to open!
if you are really series, offer a complete motor block with wheels/rods....but for those "Stainz-ologists" that know how to deal with the screwed on drivers, offer a NON-wheeled motor block as well.
PIKO G scale has brand new motor blocks for all its locos for under $100 each. a very sound and smart thing to have ....
LGB for almost a decade now has not even had one on offer --and I am speaking about the USA....where lots of us would like to go to a dealer or on Ebay USA and see these things offered.
use your brains and yes, you could make money off the parts of a stainz...think about it...the motor block can go a long way--for 2060H, 2090, and maybe even 2076D,etc.
there are a lot of cheerished LGB locos that just sit on the tracks because the gearbox won't be touched ...
parts are a big deal--if you want to make some profit gut a single stainz, and put the major parts up separate.
a dude on ebay makes a killing off stainz parts...but it is frustrating for me , as no one realizes the major thing not available in the USA quickly, and priced right, is a LGB motor block. If anyone had any brains when selling LGB parts is to sell the motor block by itself--
the motor, gears, and wheelsets in one simple assembly. (you could leave off the outer stuff or included the metal rods depending on the series).
what is the greatest thing about Stainzy? its that an old 1979 motor block can get shoved up into even the latest version of the "modern" stainzy, and vice-versa.
the major reason people will need to buy a new loco is the motor died, and they have not the nerve to undo the gizzards and install one themselves...they see motors for sell everywhere....but as we know some of those gearboxes aren't the most pleasant thing to open!
if you are really series, offer a complete motor block with wheels/rods....but for those "Stainz-ologists" that know how to deal with the screwed on drivers, offer a NON-wheeled motor block as well.
PIKO G scale has brand new motor blocks for all its locos for under $100 each. a very sound and smart thing to have ....
LGB for almost a decade now has not even had one on offer --and I am speaking about the USA....where lots of us would like to go to a dealer or on Ebay USA and see these things offered.
use your brains and yes, you could make money off the parts of a stainz...think about it...the motor block can go a long way--for 2060H, 2090, and maybe even 2076D,etc.
there are a lot of cheerished LGB locos that just sit on the tracks because the gearbox won't be touched ...
As stated there may be a market for a 'serviced' motor block. These old clamshells were fitted to the humble Stainz, through to the #2095 bo-bo and #2040 krokodile and most likely any other 'four' wheel block loco you can think of in the 1970's/1980's. The block is indispensible and very expensive if parts needed. I was lucky years ago to pick up clearance items on motors, gear sets and wheels, all new old stock. I am kicking myself not getting more motors at $14.95 each. The seller was selling her father's estate at the new prices the father marked on the unopened packs when purchased in 1987. Long since used the motors and wheels, but fortunately still have the gears for any mishap encountered.
themole
tramways
Like Tim I picked up some spares along the way, I started back in the late 60's with growler Stainz's and aluminium track (LGB at the time also sold aluminium track and brass track) Also when LGB had the great sell-off in 2006, before going end up, I bought spares etc, I have enough bits to keep me going. Even bought some Buhler motors (identical to what Buhler sold to LGB) for £1 each back in the 1990's some of the Buhler motors were used to remotor the Bachmann trams I run on my tramway. Alyn