A Train loft deal on RMT Tank cars

Dave, where did you see this "deal"?  I can't see it on the website, although admittedly the web page is a hodgepodge of different links in a somewhat tough-to-follow style.  Perhaps I missed something.

Sounds like an old Three Stooges bit in an episode when they were salesmen.

“They’re $5 a piece or buy three for 25!!”

I'm not going to criticize the dealer but my impression after several years and some transactions is that he's always priced at the higher end, near enough MSRP. That's his choice; a long-established LHS nearer me does exactly the same thing. I've learned not to look to either for bargains. What they do have - and maybe because of price policy - are things you can't source elsewhere. The best things I have got from The Train Loft are some old K-Line special runs including the Big Boy "Survivors" caboose, three boxcars and aluminium tank cars. At today's prices for inferior rolling stock from Lionel I regard these as a bargain. The website is probably out of date but they are still advertised there: www.trainloft.com/page8.htm

I can't resist mentioning the Triplex, which is the only MTH steamer I have or probably ever will. Yes, MTH reissued this (in both Premier and Railking versions) and also made an HO version; I think they got their money's worth out of the tooling. It's a crowd-pleaser with all the running gear in action including that on the tender and smoke from stacks fore and aft. I don't know if MTH sold the tooling but I'd guess not because Lionel might not be interested in another big steamer that's been on the market repeatedly. (I absolutely dread to think what price they'd want to charge for a Legacy or VL version.)

Maybe capitalize "SEEMS"? 

Well I will chime in on Train Loft. I HAVE gotten deals there and also passed on some. When I bought my MTH DDX40A there were three dealers that had them. I called Jeff and was quoted a price well above retail and this was long after they were in the catalog. Like I said only three dealers had them. Called the second dealer, Had sold it but never updated the MTH database. Called the 3rd dealer and purchased at retail price. Called Jeff back to thank him and let him know I had purchased one. He got a little huffy and told me he had the one I wanted because the cab number on the one I got was not running. That is when I told neither was his. I could hear the keyboard clicking and then he replied "Next time remind me who you are and I will give you a discount". Excuse me? Duh I think you just identified yourself. Reminds me of a guy going around a down crossing gate and have his car destroyed and then saying next time I will speed up as I may make it.

Now with that being said he is entitled to sell at the rate he wants to. If he decides to sit on it and then sell higher than MRSP that is his choice. (PLEASE NOTE when I said this to him on the DDX40A his reply was he had to pay on it every year for inventory. DUH THEN SELL IT!) BUT WE CAN CHOSE NOT TO OR TO BUY IT. That choice is 100% ours.

As for me - I still purchase things from him Albeit at no discount, but he has what I want and no one else does!

Sometimes if you want it you just have to grit your teeth and move forward!

Curtis

PS My dentist says I have great teeth, no cavities or problems at 68 but he did mention I might be grinding my teeth. I just laughed!