American LaFrance steam fire engine

redryder · American LaFrance steam fire engine

I must admit I would truly love to have a piece like this but at the price they are asking it is not even a consideration.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Live-Steam-La...nd-Machined_W0QQitemZ230246016335

So I bought this nicely detailed very small plastic model instead.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI....em&rd=1&item=120250276415

Gil

Wallace

That engine is incredible. Way way too pricy. One of those "not even if I had the spare money items".

The model you got is brilliant. Looks really neat and can't go wrong at that price.

Great buy

johnreid

I like that a lot, I think I will keep my eyes open for one like it, the model that is.

Nick

How can they even ask that much for it?!?

Manxman

I love it and I know that these old fire engines go for very high prices but......... that is something else.

mc_mc

$40,000?

Yes it's nice but it ain't that nice. At that price it's not something you're going to steam up and play with so what's the point.

tmuir

That is nice but not at that price.

You would be better keeping an eye out for an old Weeden one.
Not as impressive as that but atleast they sell for only a couple of thousand dollars.

Mamodman123

I feel sick

20 grand

IndianaRog

Gil, you got the bling and still have $39,990 in your pocket!!!!

Good buy in my eyes!

Rog

redryder

kusuchi

Great deal on the replica, Gil.

Where does Doug get these prices on the original? Does he think the kind of collector who might buy such an item is surfing the toy steam section on E Bay?

Sure is beautiful though.

redryder

I don't think that is Doug's piece. I think he represents the builder.
I have photographed that one at the NAMES show and it was there again just last week.

Cedge

Gil
Doug usually takes these kinds of engines on consignment. I was offered the collection which had the other La France engine, but those nosebleed numbers spooked me. I took a pass, although I did make an "attempt". All it would take is one single damaged piece of that caliber to take all the joy out of things... especially if you were having to try to replace it or pay off the owner.

Maybe I'll tackle building one of those in the future, but I'm sure not going to put $40,000.00 in it. Those prices just don't have any true relationship with any actual values, even with a piece as nice as that one.

I think the Mona Lisa is a wonderful painting, but it's still just a painting when all is said and done. I wouldn't pay the perceived value to own it.

Steve