SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide
Gary DuPrey
N scale model railroader
Well you could model "today" and include UP 3985, Milwaukee 261, or N&W 611, at least as occasional visitors on fantrips.
I had originally planned on my layout to rotate times from roughly 1940 to 2000, even wrote an article in RMC about it years back. I'm starting to lean now for having each of the four towns on my layout (only one of which is anywhere near complete) being set in a different era - kinda like some layouts I've seen where the scenery covers all four seasons. Sounds wacky, but I've been testing it out a bit and it seems like it might work.
Hey, good feeling having those childhood Lionels back. I did the same in the late '80s thru '90s. Only thing was, I bought during the height of the market. Now, they are worth perhaps 1/3 of that.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
I buy and sell all the time. For like new locos in the boxes you will get very close to retail price. In many cases I have actually made a profit selling items that are now OPP (out of production).
Think of your unwanted locos as money in a savings account and now you want to spend it to buy something else. Sell them and spend the money on the items you now want.
The only items I’ve regretted selling were my old Lionel toy trains from my childhood. But now thanks to eBay I am buying them all back. I just found my very first train set from over 40 years ago in near mint condition. It looks like it came from the island of unwanted toys. Half of the track has never been opened. The transformer never wired up. Everything else like new. Never played with, possibly never touched.
Well, for me, I guess you could call it dumb luck. When I returned to the hobby in 1993 I was after one or two road names (and still am), and those railroads only lasted into the mid to late 70's. That kept me from buying "inappropriate era" locomotives. As for rolling stock, I have a few pieces that, although have built dates in the 80's, could concievably be in that late 60's to late 70's era that I model.
I've learned my interests lie more in the modern-ish era, so I started getting rid of a lot of my out-of-era stuff. Mostly rolling stock, though, but I did sell one Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-4 Heavy to help finance a new Intermountain ES44AC with Tsunami sound. I was sad to box up the 4-8-4, but got over it about five minutes after the last piece of tape went over the box. I will probably hold on to my remaining out-of-era motive power, but the rolling stock is on its way out the door.
BTW, I'd be happy to take one of those Kato SD90's off your hands
Dan Stokes
My other car is a tunnel motor
I have kept all of mine. If I want to run 1950`s, have it. Want to run 1970`s have it. I have about everything where I can run from the late 40`s to present day. Just run what I am in the mood for.
When I changed from European N to US HO, I bought virtually anything with Santa Fe on the side. Why, I don't know, as my European stuff was all based on anything that ran in the 1970's. However, after a while, I sold everything off that wasn't 1960's, gradually reducing it further to a more specific date.
Yes, I lost some money, initially, though some no longer available items, I did get quite a fair amount. However, I no longer need to keep buying, just getting the odd new model as it comes out.
Brian
www.deadwoodcityrailroad.blogspot.com
Gee, that pic looks like I took it 5 years ago. I accumulated "stuff" for many years for that huge layout empire to be. But when I retired I realized the 9x15 layout room was it - the last layout space.
I literally bought 1 of each ATSF / IC loco that fit pre 1960. At least half were never run. So I began selling on Ebay, and got down to about half (50 or so) powered units.
And then I moved to DCC, and realized that some of the locos were (at that time) over my head to convert, and so I sold them as well.
Today I have all the locos the layout can support comfortably, and some in a display cabinet, but that is all.
Do I regret selling the others? No, not for a minute. I now enjoy my locos, instead of looking at a hobby shops equivilent of boxed inventory.
Oh, all the proceeds went back into the layout - esp. DCC stuff.
Yes, sort of...
My HO railroad has been set around WWI for many years, and I remain comfortable with that. I do, however, appreciate all sorts of trains. Back in the 1980's I received a promotion that resulted in quite a raise but which I knew would also mean much less hobby time for a while. I "celebrated" by going out and buying a set of D&H Alco PA's. The D&H had such a diverse roster and that blue & silver paint scheme looked great. I kept adding some D&H diesels, and I found that adding some details and weathering was a nice change-of-pace for me and also provided a short-term sense of accomplishment while bigger projects had to wait. These diesels went into a display case.
Now retired, I recognized that these things would have to be disposed of someday by myself or by someone else. I sold the entire collection of D&H diesels in one transaction and felt that I was given a fair price. They were all plastic shell, but there were a number of Atlas and other quality pieces in there and a number had been custom painted. The purchaser even paid for the shipping. The proceeds went into the fund for a trip to the Great Scale Model Train show.
But there are still times when I see a nice D&H model - especially of one of their 6-axle Alco's - that I think "that would look great with my.... oh, yeah..." Overall it was a proper decision to sell, but I did get joy out of looking at that display case of Sharks & PAs & RS3's and SD45s and...
Bill
V8Vega You'l probably only get half of what you paid for them, I'd run them.
You'l probably only get half of what you paid for them, I'd run them.
First I tested all locos and got rid of any not perfect running, next I got rid of most, non era stuff, some I kept because they could have been made as the later models were almost identical to the earlier ones but different trucks which were sold in the right era, other changes were all interior. Sold off all the rolling stock of wrong era and even alot of right era stuff that wasn't detailed enough (into high detail now). Did I regret any sales, not a one!!!!!
Onewolf....So my question is if anyone sold all their 'non compliant' locomotives and then later regretted it?
For the most part, no regrets. I sold a couple hundred '60s- and '70s-era freight cars along with 30 or 40 well-detailed diesels, not to mention 3 or 4 complete passenger trains. Much of that had been detailed and custom painted, and I did make quite a bit more money on the sale than I had paid originally if I don't count the time spent doing the extra work. At the time, it was an enjoyable part of the hobby, so a win/win for me.
I do regret not having photos of some of the customised stuff, but that was before the time of digital cameras. There are a few more recent locomotives that I do regret selling - not that I need them for my pre-diesel era layout, but because of the work I put into them - almost like selling a part of myself, I guess.
Wayne
I never sell anything. I never know when I might decide to go a different way.
I already have enough S scale stuff for my main layout. So, I buy whatever appeals to me in different scales. A few years ago, I just admitted what was obvious, part of the fun of the hobby for me is collecting.
I have a small test layout table, 5'4"x12' where I can set up loops of track in HO, S, O 2-rail, O-3 rail, and Sn2. So I can run it all.
Enjoy
Paul
Selling off "stuff that doesn't fit" means I haven't put very much new money into the hobby in the past five years. Can't say there are any regrets.
Onewolf When I got (back) into model railroading 10-12 years ago I suffered from "shiny object" syndrome in a major way ... Selling these locomotives would allow me to acquire rolling stock I need for the new layout sooner rather than later but it is not an absolute requirement. So my question is if anyone sold all their 'non compliant' locomotives and then later regretted it? Thanks.
When I got (back) into model railroading 10-12 years ago I suffered from "shiny object" syndrome in a major way ...
Selling these locomotives would allow me to acquire rolling stock I need for the new layout sooner rather than later but it is not an absolute requirement. So my question is if anyone sold all their 'non compliant' locomotives and then later regretted it?
Thanks.
So far no. I have been collecting HO rolling stock since the mid-1980's when I switched from N to HO. At that time I was buying a lot of rolling stock that was modern by the standards of those times right up to the late 1990's. That means I had some wide cabs and some 90's era stuff. But what with all the graffiti and RR's starting to look not as I remembered them in the 70's and 80's, since 2000 I began selling off the more modern stuff - and by now I have almost nothing from 1990 or newer now. I don't regret it either, cause I really like the 70's and 80's best.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Over the years since 1964 I've sold or traded a number of locos and quite a bit of rolling stock that was the wrong scale, wrong gauge and didn't speak the language. Carefully excluded my first loco (now the only 3/4 scale PRR A5a in Japan) and five others with sentimental value. I haven't missed a one of the goners.
I still have some 'not to standard' rolling stock - all scheduled to be kitbashed into things for which I feel a need. They have no sentimental value and I'll work them over without regret.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - 1:80 scale)
In over 40 years at this, I have never changed modeling era after settling on the current one nearly 30 years ago - and I have never bought much that was not in my era or choice - so its never been a real problem.
In fact, in all that time, I've only changed my mind and sold off a handful of purchases........
Sheldon
OnewolfSo my question is if anyone sold all their 'non compliant' locomotives and then later regretted it?
Yes up to about 7 years ago.. I decided to keep my out of era cars and locomotives since they cost nothing to keep other then the price of a plastic storage tote.
That worked out good for me since I can change eras from 78/79 to the mid 80s or mid 90s at will.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I, as well, returned to the hobby 6 years ago after a 30 year absence making purchases all across the spectrum from steam to the modern era until settling on the mid 70's to mid 80's. I sold off some road name/era "non-compliant" locomotives and rolling stock much, now, to my regret. One can make a layout "generic" and by changing a few details such as vehicles the era is altered.
When you sell off your roster that you deem not appropriate you will only get a fraction of what you paid. I would rather have what I sold in my closet now and take them out every once in a while to run.
All the best.
Reinhard
Joe F
I've sold off a ton of "wrong period" stuff and haven't regretted it except for perhaps an occasional twinge once a year or so.But for the most part, the more closely I keep to my plan the happier I am. Give yourself permission to keep 2 or 3 pieces with particular sentimental value, and Ebay the rest of those suckers. You won't regret it.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
I have a lot of non-compliant stuff, too, but have only sold a few to date because I'm reluctant to just chuck things (to my wife's annoyance), especially things mean a lot to me (like the first engine my parents gave me for Christmas and the first engine I bought). Which is why, even though I don't model the NYC, I still have a few NYC engines, including a pair of Century Green E units I detailed and painted years ago. (You have no idea how upset some NYC modelers I know got when they heard about that!)
I guess the answer lies in whether you want a "pure" layout that's completely prototypical, or if you don't mind running things that "aren't right" even if it makes you happy. You could always try running a GEVO with your other stuff and see how you feel, if that's a concern. Or, you could model a couple eras and run trains from the '50s for awhile, then switch to the 2000's for awhile.
Not I. I soold off all non-era plus all of the Tyco, AHM, and Life-Like toy stuff left over from my childhood (except a couple of locos and special cars that were sentimental). I've avoided anything outside my era since, although Athearn plays dirty tricks - a 6 pack of hoppers I got had 2 with 70's reweigh dates, the other 4 were all 50's. I gave those two to the club. I just can;t bring myself to want to do any modern era stuff. If I'd ever go different era, I would go backwards to a pure steam roster - once I had the means and/or ability to buy or build the locos I would need, which would involve a lot of brass or scratchbuilding. First gen diesel suits me just fine right now.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Beings I don't model any specific time frame, location, etc. I buy what I like and always have. I love big articulated steam locomotives and I have them from early 1900's to the late super steam era. Road name to me does not matter. Although I do have to have a matching caboose For each steam engine.
I build my layout with nice scenery and watch my steam travel thru it. No operations, no worrying if this ran in that era. Just having fun.
Onewolf When I got (back) into model railroading 10-12 years ago I suffered from "shiny object" syndrome in a major way and I purchased numerous locomotives that were representative of the 1940s up to modern times. I wasn't sure what era I would eventually model but I knew it would be something with the Union Pacific. Eventually I decided I would model the transition era of mid 50s. So my question is if anyone sold all their 'non compliant' locomotives and then later regretted it?
When I got (back) into model railroading 10-12 years ago I suffered from "shiny object" syndrome in a major way and I purchased numerous locomotives that were representative of the 1940s up to modern times. I wasn't sure what era I would eventually model but I knew it would be something with the Union Pacific. Eventually I decided I would model the transition era of mid 50s.
So my question is if anyone sold all their 'non compliant' locomotives and then later regretted it?
I also got back into the hobby nearly 14 years ago and bought everything in sight at my LHS. I model the mid-50s in Chicago at Dearborn Station, but I loaded up on road names that never used Dearborn Station. And, locomotive types that weren't produced until the 1980s or even 1990s. So, over the past 5 years or so, I have sold off a significant number of locomotives that don't fit my scheme.
No regrets. None, whatsoever.
Rich
Alton Junction
Onewolf When I got (back) into model railroading 10-12 years ago I suffered from "shiny object" syndrome in a major way and I purchased numerous locomotives that were representative of the 1940s up to modern times. I wasn't sure what era I would eventually model but I knew it would be something with the Union Pacific. Eventually I decided I would model the transition era of mid 50s. I love the modern locomotives, but I also love the huge articulated steam engines on the 40s/50s and the early 'F's and 'E's as well. The good news is that I haven't purchased any "non compliant" locomotives in the last 5-6 years. The bad news is that I have 29 (DCC) locomotives that don't fit my layout's timeframe. Selling these locomotives would allow me to acquire rolling stock I need for the new layout sooner rather than later but it is not an absolute requirement. So my question is if anyone sold all their 'non compliant' locomotives and then later regretted it? Thanks.
I love the modern locomotives, but I also love the huge articulated steam engines on the 40s/50s and the early 'F's and 'E's as well. The good news is that I haven't purchased any "non compliant" locomotives in the last 5-6 years. The bad news is that I have 29 (DCC) locomotives that don't fit my layout's timeframe.
I sold some non era equipment a few times, my diesels (1970's) I did not regret, but some of the British equipment and an undersized 0-4-0 from my childhood, now those I regret getting rid of. That is part of why the Cherokee Valley is a railroad museum that is situated near its "child" road, the Cawdor Southern, and is set in modern times. I can run equipment regardless of its age/era/road and be just fine, which is perfect because I have a fair bit of equipment from various eras and roads. Where else will you find a modern SD-40 idling next to a British 2-6-2T, narrow gauged 0-6-0T, and a PRR H-9 (approximately)? I guess really, as long as you don't have any sort of sentimental attachment, then you should be fine. What engines are they? Any switchers?