I usually stay away from threads like this one because they often degenerate quickly and are deleted. However, I felt it necessary to make a comment this time. While I realize there are many people who can't or won't, I am one of the people who "actually buy this stuff!" My company has a bonus program called "gainsharing" that means once a year I get "extra money." This bonus money is not used for "regular expenses." Our philosophy on it has been that it buys the "goodies" that we might not otherwise buy. This is how we pay for that special engine or train set. In the past we have also occasionally set aside part of the income tax refund for trains. This is how after over 30 years of buying (and selling) Lionel trains I have far more trains than I need or could use on a home layout. I was accumulating a lot of trains without a plan or purpose, if I liked an item I bought it. I have been thinning the collection for a while now but still have a few items I would like to part with. I have also been more discerning regarding what I buy for the last few years. As a result I have passed up many nice items especially engines. I do have a few items on the "want" list but until I sell a few more items they will stay on the wanted list.
I just want to add that I think a lot of the selling going on is because the trains available today have more features and details which appeals to many hobbiests. I know I prefer the scale engines more than the non-scale engines and really prefer engines with speed control. Also I have been buying Atlas products because of their detail level etc. When a person has decided to dispose of an item it often is necessary to reduce the price to generate any interest. I think this is because any potential buyer knows that there is a possibility that the next catalog from one of the major suppliers will have something they would rather spend their money on so they have to believe they are getting a real bargain. I know this affects my purchasing decisions. I won't even mention the warranty issue, opps, I guess I just did.
Buckeye Riveter wrote: And it sure would be nice of you when you see that stuff, especially a William Genesis Dummy with the Phase II markings for less than $50.00 to tell me about it. I promise I will run the wheels off of it and not place it on a shelf. Now that I think about it, I don't have any shelves to display anything.
And it sure would be nice of you when you see that stuff, especially a William Genesis Dummy with the Phase II markings for less than $50.00 to tell me about it. I promise I will run the wheels off of it and not place it on a shelf. Now that I think about it, I don't have any shelves to display anything.
well Buckeye - I always try to do a good turn for a good fellow, but I have no idea what that is. But you know of where I speak, and it seems to me taht an incredibel amount of material hits there often - usually there are a number of posts which start with PRICE REDUCED!
Frank53 wrote: And again, I then see the stuff on the Buy/Sell forum a year later advertised as "mint in box" and "never run" for a lot less money than was paid.
And again, I then see the stuff on the Buy/Sell forum a year later advertised as "mint in box" and "never run" for a lot less money than was paid.
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
As I stated above, I don't get the logic behind buying so much new stuff, or having doubles, triples and quadruples of the exact same thing. And again, I then see the stuff on the Buy/Sell forum a year later advertised as "mint in box" and "never run" for a lot less money than was paid.
I also see post after post about buying new engines from folks who have no layout - buying it for the future layout, so to speak. However, if you stop buying and start building, you get to enjoy those trains. There is a fellow at my local shop who buys many new issues who not only doesn't have a layout, he also doesn't have room for one and has no intentions of building one. He orders the stuff locally, when it comes in, they test run it for him on the store layout, he packs it up and takes it home and it won't be run again until it's sold. Doesn't make a lick of sense to me.
Being highly motivated to finish a layout and actually run my trains, perhaps I do not understand the mindset of the buying frenzy, when the stuff can't be put to good use, and might never be taken from the box - and only be sold for quarters on the dollar down the road.
pbj Yep....there is a market for it. And you can find things that are just as expensive and even more so in other scales....not just larger ones. There is a company in Germany called Railex that makes very limited editions of their locos and rolling stock. It's not uncommon to find some of their locos going for $1000 and more.......one more think....Railex makes Z scale!!! Even more expensive yet are antique trains.
underworld
It's all about priorities and choices.
We've enjoyed the less expensive Railking products and I still enjoy my first, very beat up, Marx set. I've always felt a little uncomfortable spending the big dollars for toy trains and up until last fall I just hadn't done that. I can be just as happy with an inexpensive set that catches my eye or a new Preimier steamer.
It was our first trip to York last fall and we had set aside X amount of money for purchases. My wife knew that I had always wanted the Premier Climax logging steamer but I just couldn't bring myself to spend the money, however, when we were dealing on said steamer with Justrains she asked if they had the 3 truck shay, as that was another engine I've lusted over. Long story short, we bought both of them because the price was right. She made me do it
Casino gambling is a big deal in Iowa and I hate it but I could care less if you want to go out there and blow your money, I need something tangible in my hands when I lay my money on the table, like a 3 truck Shay. We have several close friends that spend a lot more money gambling than any of us do on trains, it's a choice and I choose not to participate. But we will go with them and bet a few $$ on the pony's during the summer but we ususally spend more on beer and nacho's than the race! I have no problem with them spending their money that way but I think when they come to our house and see the trains they always ask "how much have you spent on the trains" and my response is I don't know and I don't want to know.
One of the things I really enjoy about this forum is I like hearing about the good buy's that you guy's find, whether it's a new Batmobile or a 442 '67 Olds or a post war Lionel. I stopped at the LHS yesterday and three of us retired hobbyist's just had the best time laughing and trading stories. I didn't spend a dime, nothing I really need at this point. I honestly think I am done buying steamers and diesels, I have more than I deserve. I will keep my eye's open for logging cars because that is a priority at this time and maybe a train for that precious granddaughter!
It is all about priorities and choices. And it's all good.
Jon
So many roads, so little time.
Hey PUAL,
Tell your wife that we could put it on layaway, and pay a little off at a time. See what she says about that one.. I did that a few times it sorta kinda works.
laz57
LS1Heli wrote: Thats exactly right!But what I can't understand is why ever other post on this form is "why do people buy this stuff" meaning $1,000 engines or "why did that guy spend $900 on a mint 682 Turbine".It doesn't make any sense and it's not "conversation." All does is bash someone- like 75% of the people did on the "out of control postwar turbine" post. And on top of it all I don't even buy $2,000 engines!! I can only imagine what some of you think of the guy who spent $101,000 on a sealed 700E!
Thats exactly right!
But what I can't understand is why ever other post on this form is "why do people buy this stuff" meaning $1,000 engines or "why did that guy spend $900 on a mint 682 Turbine".
It doesn't make any sense and it's not "conversation." All does is bash someone- like 75% of the people did on the "out of control postwar turbine" post.
And on top of it all I don't even buy $2,000 engines!!
I can only imagine what some of you think of the guy who spent $101,000 on a sealed 700E!
OK, to answer your question.....I guess he had that much money to spend. I don't let it bother me. More power to him. I once knew a guy who bought the entire Lionel catalog every year. Hurrah for him. I bought a box car. I'm happy. That's life, Son !!!
csxt30 wrote: LS1Heli wrote: Again, as with other posts concerining this, people who ask the question don't understand and are/or cheap. These seems to be a common theme throught this entire hobby. If you can't afford it than take up hand sewing. Lionel Trains have always been expensive quality railroad equipment. I wonder if there was as many complaniers and bicthers back in the prewar/postwar era as there are today.If you can't afford it then don't complanin about. Nothing in this world is for free! Well, there's a real expert opinion for ya "!! Strong words for toy trains. It doesn't mean we don't understand or that we are cheap. I'm pretty sure when Paul started this thread he was simply making a little small talk or conversation. Much like a few of us guys setting around a table talking about some engine we can't afford but wish we could & one guy we know, got it . We don't care, & most of us would be glad the guy with a good amount of disposeable income can get it to keep the companies in business or at least break even, whatever. Oh, and kids read this forum & above it says profanity is forbidden. The "Nothing in this world is free" statement is also false. Thanks, John
LS1Heli wrote: Again, as with other posts concerining this, people who ask the question don't understand and are/or cheap. These seems to be a common theme throught this entire hobby. If you can't afford it than take up hand sewing. Lionel Trains have always been expensive quality railroad equipment. I wonder if there was as many complaniers and bicthers back in the prewar/postwar era as there are today.If you can't afford it then don't complanin about. Nothing in this world is for free!
Again, as with other posts concerining this, people who ask the question don't understand and are/or cheap. These seems to be a common theme throught this entire hobby. If you can't afford it than take up hand sewing.
Lionel Trains have always been expensive quality railroad equipment. I wonder if there was as many complaniers and bicthers back in the prewar/postwar era as there are today.
If you can't afford it then don't complanin about.
Nothing in this world is for free!
Well, there's a real expert opinion for ya "!! Strong words for toy trains. It doesn't mean we don't understand or that we are cheap. I'm pretty sure when Paul started this thread he was simply making a little small talk or conversation. Much like a few of us guys setting around a table talking about some engine we can't afford but wish we could & one guy we know, got it . We don't care, & most of us would be glad the guy with a good amount of disposeable income can get it to keep the companies in business or at least break even, whatever. Oh, and kids read this forum & above it says profanity is forbidden. The "Nothing in this world is free" statement is also false.
Thanks, John
Toy Trains are for everyone. That's why there are different prices for them. Period.
what do you call 1000 lawyers buried up to their necks in sand?
.
not enough sand!
Here are some examples.
Lionel 700E Scale Hudon: $75.00 in 1937. Using a CPI Inflation Calculator that same engine would cost $1,054.45 in 2006! There it is- that $1,000 engine everyone is talking about.
Lionel 4110WS Electronic Railroad: $199.95 in 1948. Using a CPI Inflation Calculator that same set would cost $1,744.03 in 2006!
Then people complain that Lionel starter sets are to expensive with ridiculous comments about making a $50.00 Lionel starte set.
Lionel 1115 Scout Set: $15.95 in 1949. Using a CPI Inflation Calculator that same set would cost $129.06 in 2006!- strikingly similar to what a simple set goes for!
For every engine and piece of rolling stock their is a complainer.
csxt30 wrote: jaabat wrote: RaleighTrainFan wrote: I stopped in the LHS a few weeks ago and was speaking with the owner. We were talking about the different people who have come in over the years and he said, 'You know I don't think I've ever had a Lawyer stop in.' I am a lawyer, and I go to the area LHS(s) all the time, even the ones who sell at list (whom I only buy small things from, like figures and packs of trees, which are not generally significantly discounted anyway in my experience). Well you're welcome here anyway! Jim Jim : Plus he knows The Chief !! Thanks, John
jaabat wrote: RaleighTrainFan wrote: I stopped in the LHS a few weeks ago and was speaking with the owner. We were talking about the different people who have come in over the years and he said, 'You know I don't think I've ever had a Lawyer stop in.' I am a lawyer, and I go to the area LHS(s) all the time, even the ones who sell at list (whom I only buy small things from, like figures and packs of trees, which are not generally significantly discounted anyway in my experience). Well you're welcome here anyway! Jim
RaleighTrainFan wrote: I stopped in the LHS a few weeks ago and was speaking with the owner. We were talking about the different people who have come in over the years and he said, 'You know I don't think I've ever had a Lawyer stop in.' I am a lawyer, and I go to the area LHS(s) all the time, even the ones who sell at list (whom I only buy small things from, like figures and packs of trees, which are not generally significantly discounted anyway in my experience).
I stopped in the LHS a few weeks ago and was speaking with the owner. We were talking about the different people who have come in over the years and he said, 'You know I don't think I've ever had a Lawyer stop in.'
I am a lawyer, and I go to the area LHS(s) all the time, even the ones who sell at list (whom I only buy small things from, like figures and packs of trees, which are not generally significantly discounted anyway in my experience).
Well you're welcome here anyway!
Jim
Jim : Plus he knows The Chief !!
"Houston, we have a problem."
Still,
PLEASE OH! PLEASE KEEP THE PENGUINS IN PITTSBURGH!!
DID I SAY PLEASE!
Buckeye Riveter wrote: I hear the Blues and the Black Hawks are also inspiring people to part with their money.
I hear the Blues and the Black Hawks are also inspiring people to part with their money.
Hello Buckeye:
Alas, I remember as a youth looking forward to seeing Mikita, Hull, Magneson and Esposito (Tony, not Phil). The Hawks owned this town! However, given their mismanagement over the past 30 years, you will not be seeing any comemorative Blackhawk trainsets any time soon.
Regards,
John O
RaleighTrainFan wrote:I stopped in the LHS a few weeks ago and was speaking with the owner. We were talking about the different people who have come in over the years and he said, 'You know I don't think I've ever had a Lawyer stop in.' I am a lawyer, and I go to the area LHS(s) all the time, even the ones who sell at list (whom I only buy small things from, like figures and packs of trees, which are not generally significantly discounted anyway in my experience).
Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale
DJSpanky wrote: FJ and G wrote:This leads me to consider going to a mountaintop and bottling a fresh breeze.Now that's an idea! Let's put together a marketing plan.
FJ and G wrote:This leads me to consider going to a mountaintop and bottling a fresh breeze.
'FJ and G filtered bottled mountaintop breeze. Bottled Fresh Daily. Safely removed from the atmosphere as to not harm the Ozone Layer.'MSRP: $4.99 / 6 pack.
johnandjulie13 wrote: Buckeye Riveter wrote: but I still don't have the big ticket items because I want to use my money on other non essential products and services, like a computer, TV, garage door opener, snow blower, hockey tickets, boat, travel, movies, etc. Hockey tickets???? Do they still play hockey? I thought you were in the heart of football country. I did not think that the Blue Jackets inspired people to so easily part with their disposable income
Buckeye Riveter wrote: but I still don't have the big ticket items because I want to use my money on other non essential products and services, like a computer, TV, garage door opener, snow blower, hockey tickets, boat, travel, movies, etc.
Hockey tickets???? Do they still play hockey? I thought you were in the heart of football country. I did not think that the Blue Jackets inspired people to so easily part with their disposable income
On Friday nights in October, when the Jackets are playing in Columbus and the local high school football teams are playing, the crowd at the hockey game is much smaller. When hockey competes for fans against the Ohio State Basketball Team, there is not a noticible or statistical difference.
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
To each his own,...
I prefer repairing/restoring post war loco's with my grandson. We may only get two or three parts in per day, but the 100 questions from the grandson keep me going, all the while granma is baking cookies. It's a family thing here. I do not know that we would have that connection if I went down and bought a complete set.
A very simple formula:
Grandson learning+Granpa fixin Trains+GRANMA's COOKIES = happiness around here!!
ps,.. after grandson goes home,.. granpa needs a little Pappy Van Winkle 2 fingers of medicine and good night sleep with smile.
God Bless America!
Bob Nelson
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