Is this a good deal on Intermodal Containers?

[bc6]

I know this is really up to the purchaser but I need some help. I want to purchase some containers that I dont own I currently a bunch of APL 20' and a bunch of PacerStacker 45' containers. Id like to mix it up a little with different containers like China Shipping, Evergreen, etc. So I put together my list and Ive got 4 20' containers and 10 45' the total came to about $87.00, Im not worried about the money so much as I want to make sure I getting a decent deal, do you think this is a decent deal. I dont want to cardboard cutouts or resin blocks that I nee to paint , I think those options are for desperate times.

[Smike]

So if I decoded all that above correctly, I see you paid $6.21 per container? (btw you will not find 20’ containers for ½ the price of 40 or larger)

Seems about right in the middle between dirt cheap and overpriced.

The real issue with N scale containers is not what the price is these days, but can you find what you want (price aside) Selection and availability is scarce to say the least. At this point most of the Deluxe Innovations stuff is drying up in inventories with no re-stocks in sight, and Walthers hasn't announced anything new in ages. Kato is the only one right now that is producing decent RTR containers as far as I know. (in 40 and 53 lengths only)

[bc6]

So if I decoded all that above correctly, I see you paid $6.21 per container? (btw you will not find 20’ containers for ½ the price of 40 or larger)

Seems about right in the middle between dirt cheap and overpriced.

The real issue with N scale containers is not what the price is these days, but can you find what you want (price aside) Selection and availability is scarce to say the least. At this point most of the Deluxe Innovations stuff is drying up in inventories with no re-stocks in sight, and Walthers hasn't announced anything new in ages. Kato is the only one right now that is producing decent RTR containers as far as I know. (in 40 and 53 lengths only)

I also figured the cost to be about $6 per containers, youre right about Kato & Walthers. Do you or anyone else have any experience with Bachmann containers.

[jagged ben]

$6-7 is about right for new Deluxe or Kato cans.  I would not spend more than half that on Walthers or Con-Cor (unless they are JB Hunt 53 footers, haha). 

If you look for lots on eBay you can often get a larger number of containers for something more like $3-4 a can.

Bachmann containers that you see on eBay are usually for UK modeling and are 1:148 scale, they will NOT fit in most of your well cars.  If it's Bachmann or Japanese (other than Kato), check for the scale and do not buy if it doesn't say 1:160.   Lot of great paint schemes from Tomix and Tomytec that unfortunately are 1:150 scale.

[bc6]

$6-7 is about right for new Deluxe or Kato cans.  I would not spend more than half that on Walthers or Con-Cor (unless they are JB Hunt 53 footers, haha). 

If you look for lots on eBay you can often get a larger number of containers for something more like $3-4 a can.

Bachmann containers that you see on eBay are usually for UK modeling and are 1:148 scale, they will NOT fit in most of your well cars.  If it's Bachmann or Japanese (other than Kato), check for the scale and do not buy if it doesn't say 1:160.   Lot of great paint schemes from Tomix and Tomytec that unfortunately are 1:150 scale.

Wow thanks for that reminder about the different scales, you saved me a ton of money.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I think Arnold also made containers recently. Both 20 and 40 footers in multiple schemes sold as 4 or 8 packs. They were really nice and I wish I purchased some when I had the chance.

I'm not sure if the 20' containers on the Bcahmann flats are US or UK scale.

[bc6]

I just got confirmation that Bachmann containers are 1:148 British N scale.

[GaryHinshaw]

I agree, $6 is a decent price.  If someone were to come out with 53' Hunt or Schneider containers now, I would almost be willing to pay twice that price, and buy a lot of them.  Modern 1:160 intermodal is hurtin' for loads these days.  In the spirit of the "in case any manufacturer is listening" thread, I'll be specific:

http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH27977
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH27976
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH28983
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH26574
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH26573
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH26575
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH28978

Ok, I slipped in some green HUB, CSX and UMAX as well....  Sadly, I doubt Athearn is interested in doing these in N, but Kato could do them pretty easily.

[jereising]

Dave Ferrari is probably beside himself with frustration - along with everyone else caught in the Chinese meltdown.

You guys think WE'RE frustrated?