Collector or operator?

Collector or operator?

Is this an image from a collector’s Marx shelf, or is it a photo from an operator who runs New York Central? There seems to be a bit of an artificial divide between “Collectors” and “Operators,” but there really shouldn’t be any gap at all!

The late John Grams (aka Ray L. Plummer) was one of Classic Toy Trains magazine’s most prolific contributors. Many years ago we had a discussion about operators versus collectors. He said there was no difference at all. I was a bit surprised at hearing that.

His point was that collectors accumulate trains by manufacturer, or era of production, or road name, or a myriad of other factors like the number of rivets a car has, or the variations in the type of truck sideframe, or even one of every car type.

“In spite of how they might protest,” he said,  “Operators were also collectors – just with a slightly differing focus.”

Operators accumulate trains by era of manufacture (prewar, postwar, or modern production) or era of prototype railroad operation (steam, transition, or diesel era). While fidelity to the real thing may be important, they may be willing to sacrifice a bit in the detailing to fit the theme (say coal hauling or intermodal operations or even prewar­ - or postwar-only operations). But they would be no more likely to allow 19^th century cars to be pulled by high-powered Canadian Pacific GE Evo locomotive than a die-hard postwar operator would pull a scale-sized Atlas O auto parts car behind their trusty Lionel 2020 turbine.

Where the collector might try to “collect them all,” he certainly has at least a notion in the back of their mind of an increase in re-sale value. The operator, however, is focused on acquiring trains that fit in with their concept of their model railroad. Few would expect to make a profit on re-sale, but all would hope to make a nice down payment on their next new locomotive.

As the years have passed, I’ve come to the conclusion that John was correct. Collectors and operators just may be closer than they might think. I’d never consider myself a collector, but in my own accumulation of trains I do have a “system” and the primary concern is more road name than rarity.

Unless it might make a good repaint (to NYC of course), I’d never think of buying a locomotive from a Western or Southern railroad. New York Central is almost always a  “yes,” New Haven is a maybe, Pennsylvania would be a long-shot (save their steamers). Rolling stock is generally boxcars, TOFC, or tank cars. Oddball cars need not apply. Passenger can be streamlined or heavyweight. But while I consider myself an operator, I clearly have a collection that I add to with my own requirements.

Do you have a system for train accumulation? Consider yourself a collector or operator or both? Or does the difference really not matter at all to your enjoyment of toy trains?