Although I dont have too much experience with ebay, I certainly know a lot about model trains.  Here, I will give you some tips on how to pick the right model trains for you on ebay.

1.  Will this item fit your layout?

a.) First of all, you want to make sure that the item that you are looking at fits on the track of your layout.  The scale of the train is the type of track that the train will fit on.  At the top of every listing is the category breakdown.  For example, of you are looking for an "O scale" train, the category breakdown should look somthing like this: Toys & Hobbies > Model RR, Trains > O Scale > Lioenl > 1970-86.  The many different train scales include: O scale, O-27 Scale, O-72 Scale, HO Scale, N Scale, Z Scale,  OO Scale, and G Scale so make sure you pick the right train for the right layout.

b.) For thoes who are looking to get into the great hobby of Model RR/Trains, look to use to newest and most abundant scale on the market, Lionel's fastrack.  The fastrack provides premium support for your train, and is great to have.  The only down side to the fastrack is the price.  If you can afford it, definitly go with the fastrack (can be found on ebay), but if you have a lower budget for making your layout, go with the abundant O Scale or O-27 scale.  In comparison to fastrack, they have the same rail, however, fastrack has an extra bed layer under the rail to accieve maximum support.  Although Lionel stopped making O-27 guage, and it is not available on Lionel's web site, they produced enough of these kinds of track to last for over 100 years.

2.  Is the item priced right? 

a.) Next, you want to make sure that the item that you are buying is worth the value that you are paying for it.  The model train's make (manufacturer) has a lot to do with the value of the train.  For example, Lionel is one of the better known manufacturers of model trains.  Lionel has always had a great reputation for making strong and durable locomotives and train cars, therefor the value of each of these items may be greater than another manufacturer which lacks the same great reputation as Lionel.

b.) Another way to make sure that the price is right is by comparing what you see on ebay to the manufacturers web site.  Lioenl for example, has a great web site with 15 different catalogues, one of which will contain the item that you are looking to purchase on ebay.  You can log on to Lionel.com, go to products, then catalogues to view each of the 15 cataloges.  You should check out the price that Lionel is offering, and see if you are really getting a bargon on ebay.

3.  What is the condition of the item?

a.) The condition of the item makes the difference in a good layout and a great layout.  Most of the trains that are being sold on ebay have a grading on the item that you are purchasing.  This is a number scale to rank the condition of the item.  For example, 10 means that the item is absolutley brand new, and the lower the grading, the worse the condition of the item is.  Make sure that you check this out located at the top of most listings.

b.) Probably the most obvious way to check on the condition of an item is by looking at the pictures and reading the description.  However, you must not overlook these things.  If the decription says "very good condition," do not assume that the item is mint.  You must look at pictures very carefully for and type of oxidation or rust at all (this is your worst nightmare) and make sure that the paint and the body of the train car/locomotive are in tact.  If the pictures dont prove to be too promising to you, request extra pictures from the seller, and do not hesitate to ask any questions.

4.)  Is this item authentic?

a.) First, to check the authenticity of a train, look for a box, and instructions to the train that you are buying with the manufacturer's lable.

b.) Second, and probably the most accurate way, you can check for an engraving anywhere on the item of the manufacturer.  For example, for a Lionel locomotive, you will always find an engraving saying Lionel, and other copyright information under or on the corner of the body of the train.  If you dont see this in the pictures of the description, and are suspicious, request additional pictures contaning this engraving.

     I thank you very much for reading my guide on Model trains, and hope that you have success in picking the right train for you on ebay.