Model Train Journal

I need some advise Ive come into a Key UP FEF and I have a KTM vershion which Im happy with. SO Im going to sell it on the Bay. The queston is whats a realistic price to ask for it, a selling price not a sit there for ever price. Its in good nick in the Grey, its missing its elephant ears unfortunetly. Any thoughts are great thanks.

If I understand correctly, you're selling the Key not the USH, is that right?

If so, the condition of the model (and box) is important on these higher priced models. TRAINZ has had a black version (more desirable color IMHO) lamenting on EB for many weeks and they keep dropping the price.....$1339 now. It should sell at the price point even coming from TRAINZ who I think many avoid...I would never buy from them. I don't see any damage to this model, but you never can tell coming from TRAINZ.....and the box is rough.

An OMI version just sold for $2600-2700 in the same gray paint scheme. For some reason the same model by OMI brings more $$$$ than those imported by Key. I just bought a gray Key Challenger recently with minor damage (my 1st Key Challenger) and I'm very impressed with the build, innovation and robustness of the model. I expect the FEF is built to the same quality level.

If your model is mint and the box is good it should be worth the same money as the OMI IMHO. If you want to PM me, I will send you my email address and you can send photos. I have no interest in the model, but I'm happy to help you get a fair price.

Butch

Butch the difficulty is sending you some pics, I dont have a host currently.

steamaheadstephen59 wrote:I need some advise Ive come into a Key UP FEF and I have a KTM vershion which Im happy with. SO Im going to sell it on the Bay. The queston is whats a realistic price to ask for it, a selling price not a sit there for ever price. Its in good nick in the Grey, its missing its elephant ears unfortunetly. Any thoughts are great thanks.

Which version is it? Key made an FEF-2 & FEF-3 in TTG…

up148 wrote:If I understand correctly, you're selling the Key not the USH, is that right?

….

An OMI version just sold for $2600-2700 in the same gray paint scheme. For some reason the same model by OMI brings more $$$$ than those imported by Key. I just bought a gray Key Challenger recently with minor damage (my 1st Key Challenger) and I'm very impressed with the build, innovation and robustness of the model. I expect the FEF is built to the same quality level…..

Butch

Butch,

Been watching that model since it was listed in January on Trainz site. They never reduced the price. Was hoping to pick it up someday but almost relieved it sold, there’s enough FEFs around here to fund a college degree, haha.

I agree with your statement about OMI FEFs tend to sell higher than the Key version of the same model. OMI FEF-3s are still holding $2500 and above. And, that’s a “deal” compared to a few I’ve seen at shows for $3K or slightly above. It’s a gorgeous piece, IMO, the second place trophy to a KTM/USA FEF, but it’s also less than 1/2 the price. The OMI version runs fantastic, the drive is great and holds its own to any aftermarket drive. And, they did many different versions of the FEF-3: TTG, black, triple stack (all road numbers) & Excursion.

For whatever reason, the OMI FEF-1s sell around the $1K-$1500 range and they are just as nice as the ‘3s. They’re one of my favorite pieces in the collection. Like the -3, they did several -1s versions: delivered (bare/painted) late (TTG, black, bare) with GSC or Buckeye tender trucks, even the experimental “sky case” version. Really great model for the $.

Fun fact: when TM researched the project, he sent people to do actual measurements on real FEFs across the US. There’s more to it but I’ll leave it at that. Thankfully TM was a UP fan!

Aaron

This is the model I spoke of Aaron and it's still available. I'm tempted, but I have 4 already and that in itself is stupid.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/397732018907?_ ... R-7fx5DYZw

steamaheadstephen59 wrote:Butch the difficulty is sending you some pics, I dont have a host currently.

I sent you an email Stephen.

Okay first thanks for the help, second the model is definitely Key loco ,number as on the side of the cab 839 fine lettering under the cab number FEF 3-80 270B. There’s one on the bay right now same number in grey for $3000.00 but the eBay price is not always right. Lastly remember Im in Aussy land ,way down under.

steamaheadstephen59 wrote: There’s one on the bay right now same number in grey for $3000.00 but the eBay price is not always right.

Listing prices are meaningless; sold prices might have meaning.

steamaheadstephen59 wrote:…..There’s one on the bay right now same number in grey for $3000.00 but the eBay price is not always right…..

That one has been on there for at least two years now….there’s a reason for that…

I agree selling prices are all you can really go on.

Rufus is right.

The BIN prices are like a fallacy.

Try "just overpriced."

A fallacy is a defect in reasoning that weakens an argument, rendering it invalid, unsound, or deceptive