Interesting thought that about the traders having a bad day. Ages ago, at least 4 years possibly 5, I went to a Toy Fair at Exeter and even then there wasn't much money being exchanged between traders and punters.

My belief is that the recession is only partly to blame, because at the time (2006/7) the meltdown hadn't even started, I feel that ebay is has really been the killer for the toy fairs simply because most people will look on there for bits and bobs and if they see a HST on ebay for £35, they won’t pay £45 at a traders stand. Before ebay the traders could charge as much as the punter is was willing to part with, and I feel that is why the traders are perhaps suffering.

The other major factor is the number of new models which are now in production, when you can get a new Hornby Castle Class loco from Hattons for £80+ why would you pay £45-£50 for a second hand one? I certainly wouldn't. A few years ago the then Hornby HST wasn't much better than a second hand Lima one, I feel that Lima paint work on some of my older models was better applied than the Hornby ones! So that I feel is another factor which has contributed to the poor success of some traders.

At Wells last year a trader was charging silly prices for items, an old Mainline Pannier tank for £45 was one memorable example! It wasn’t even detailed, had it had lamps, a crew and real coal then maybe, but not in original form!

Anyway enough moaning!

Regards,

Nick.

HI Nick, there was certainly some bizarre disparity in the pricing of models at Slough. Lima 47's on FGW 'Merlin' colours (both 47813) could be found one one stand for £20 and another stand at £48.

 

They both appeared to be in excellent condition.

 

Matt

It's daft isn't it! I suppose I am more incline to an approach of drop the price and sell twice as much! But £48 is a stupid price for a Lima model; I'd pay £20 for an old Lima 47 to use as a detailing project if I modelled that period, as I still think that highly detailed older models have a place on a layout.

I have as a very long term project a box of old Hornby Castles, Counties and 28xx waiting for Comet chassis and detailing, but I wouldn't imagine that someone would pay more than £40 for one in the current condition!

I do wonder at times what some of these traders are on!

Regards,

Nick