BASIC BACKGROUND:  I have been a member of the TCA for 37 years so you can bid with confidence.  I have a pretty good depth of knowledge but I certainly don’t know everything about trains.  I am in the process of thinning out a lifetime train collection that started in the early 1970’s.  It includes many rare and unusual items most of which are very high quality in original packaging.  Some examples are a boxed 460P Piggyback Platform, boxed 3356-150 Horse Corral Platform, dealer and factory sealed items, as well as many pre and post war boxed sets.  Most of my collection is Lionel with some Ives, American Flyer and other manufacturers represented.  I do not have a collection list to share at this time.  Many things I list are being sold on behalf of consignors.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS: I have found that the best way to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships is to manage expectations up front.  Before placing any bids, it is important that all bidders understand the following:

DESCRIPTIONS:  I am a firm believer that pictures speak a thousand words.  I try to include a variety of brightly lit, clearly focused pictures from multiple angles in my listings.  The pictures are a key part of the description.  As a supplement to the pictures I also provide a reasonably detailed written description that discloses what I see, what I know and what I think.  Between the pictures description and written description, buyers should have a fair opportunity to understand what they are bidding on.  If there is something that you do not understand or if you need additional information or pictures please ask in advance of bidding rather than assume anything. 

TESTING & WARRANTIES:  Please understand that I am simply a collector who enjoys the rich history of The Lionel Corporation with a primary focus on the prewar and postwar eras.  I have no active layout.  I am not a manufacturer, Service Station Technician or operator.  I do not test everything I sell and I do not perform anything other than the most basic testing when I do.  I do not perform any kind of detailed and/or internal examination of any engine or motor and make no representation about its suitability for any particular purpose.  Accordingly, no warranty of any kind is provided regarding operability even if an item has been tested. The results of any specific testing are provided in good faith as a courtesy only. Your experience may be different. Most items I sell range in age from 50 – 100 years old.  At a minimum, basic maintenance and/or lubrication will probably be necessary if you plan to operate any piece you purchase.  

PAYMENT:  Payment via PayPal is expected within 3 days unless other arrangements have been made.  eBay rules require you to inquire about alternative payment methods.  TCA members are given special consideration.

SHIPPING:  When practical, multiple items may be sent together to save on shipping costs. All items are carefully packed and typically shipped via USPS Priority Mail, First Class Parcel or Retail Ground within 1 business day after payment clears. Very large packages sometimes are sent via UPS.  I reserve the right to select the shipping method at my discretion.  Shipping is not a profit center for me so if I overestimate the cost by $2.00 or more I will voluntarily refund the difference.  In the unlikely event of damage that occurs during shipping, buyer agrees to process any claim eligible for insurance coverage directly through the carrier.  If carrier tracking indicates an item has been delivered, but somehow you did not receive it, buyer agrees to follow through with the local carrier and/or postmaster and process any claim eligible for insurance coverage directly through the carrier.  If carrier tracking indicates an item has not been delivered, I will handle the insurance claim on my end. 

COMMUNICATION: Your inquiries are very important to me and I will make best efforts to be prompt and thorough with my responses. However, because train collecting and eBay are not my primary business my ability to continuously monitor and quickly respond to eBay related communications may be limited. Kindly allow for a reasonable response time to your questions. Alternatively, please feel free to call me at (703) 946-9219 – ask for Pete.

I appreciate your interest in my listings. Thanks for looking and good luck bidding!