I was browsing though e-bay yesterday and came across this ad:
http://cgi.ebay.com/CUSTOM-Union-Pa...ryZ19130QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem.
Those of you who are UP modelers know that this is the standard Athearn rear cupola caboose based on a AT&SF prototype. This seller has been selling this kind of thing on e-bay for a while and always makes it seem like he's making one of a kind models that no one else has. This ad really galled me since not only the caboose itself is a fantasy for the UP but the paint scheme isn't even right and he's advertising it as lighted when the lighting actually doesn't work. I sent him an e-mail saying that the caboose is not "custom", both the caboose itself and the paint scheme are fantasy jobs, and his claim that you'd have to scratchbuild or buy brass at "four times the price" to get a better caboose is patently false since both Intermountain and Marklin have produced accurate copies of CA-3 and CA-5 cabooses in plastic for about $30. I told him I would not report him to e-bay this time but I would do so if he keeps posting these kind of misleading ads
This is his reply:
"Sir; If you do not like my models please do not bid on them. Thats OK & it's your privledge. Your opinion is your freedom of expression. Like I said before I take Athearn stuff & try to improve on it. The word 'Custom' refers to anything that the caboose has added toit other thanfactory items.Just like an automobile. If you buy a new auto & have tinted window put into it that is considered 'custom windows'. Model Railroading is a fantasy world; it is to enjoy & experiment. If u r dead serious about it -fine! Build your layout the way you want to. If u will read my feedback I have many, many satisfied customers. I do not take kindly to your threats of turning me in to Ebay. I am retired,on disability, a fixed income and make these models to help ends meet. I would not care to fight with you r ebay as it would b to detrimental to my already failing health. Take care & may God bless, Robert"
Notice the appeal that I'll kill him if he has to defend his misleading claims. Am I being too tough on this guy or what? He stated in another e-mail he worked for the Katy for 37 years so it's not like he doesn't know anything about railroads. I don't really care that he sells fantasy cars and paint schemes but his ad wording makis it look like this is some one of kind thing that you should buy right away before Athearn stops making the zillionth copy of that caboose.
http://cgi.ebay.com/CUSTOM-Union-Pa...ryZ19130QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem.
Those of you who are UP modelers know that this is the standard Athearn rear cupola caboose based on a AT&SF prototype. This seller has been selling this kind of thing on e-bay for a while and always makes it seem like he's making one of a kind models that no one else has. This ad really galled me since not only the caboose itself is a fantasy for the UP but the paint scheme isn't even right and he's advertising it as lighted when the lighting actually doesn't work. I sent him an e-mail saying that the caboose is not "custom", both the caboose itself and the paint scheme are fantasy jobs, and his claim that you'd have to scratchbuild or buy brass at "four times the price" to get a better caboose is patently false since both Intermountain and Marklin have produced accurate copies of CA-3 and CA-5 cabooses in plastic for about $30. I told him I would not report him to e-bay this time but I would do so if he keeps posting these kind of misleading ads
This is his reply:
"Sir; If you do not like my models please do not bid on them. Thats OK & it's your privledge. Your opinion is your freedom of expression. Like I said before I take Athearn stuff & try to improve on it. The word 'Custom' refers to anything that the caboose has added toit other thanfactory items.Just like an automobile. If you buy a new auto & have tinted window put into it that is considered 'custom windows'. Model Railroading is a fantasy world; it is to enjoy & experiment. If u r dead serious about it -fine! Build your layout the way you want to. If u will read my feedback I have many, many satisfied customers. I do not take kindly to your threats of turning me in to Ebay. I am retired,on disability, a fixed income and make these models to help ends meet. I would not care to fight with you r ebay as it would b to detrimental to my already failing health. Take care & may God bless, Robert"
Notice the appeal that I'll kill him if he has to defend his misleading claims. Am I being too tough on this guy or what? He stated in another e-mail he worked for the Katy for 37 years so it's not like he doesn't know anything about railroads. I don't really care that he sells fantasy cars and paint schemes but his ad wording makis it look like this is some one of kind thing that you should buy right away before Athearn stops making the zillionth copy of that caboose.