$222.50 for a Proto GP-9?

[Scarpia]

ATLANTIC CENTRAL

OK, you caught me, the real reason is I have never liked the feel of front wheel drive, and the wife likes it even less than I do. They stopped building Crown Victorias which we drove for over a decade, so we bought an AWD 2008 Taurus and loved the feel of the AWD - so the new car needed to be AWD as well. As long as there are AWD cars, that's what I'm driving from here on out - unless they start building Checkers again.

....

I am a bargin shopper, but I don't criticize those who spend more. And I will admit, that there are times when I pay whatever it takes to get what I want. In fact, some years ago, right before the Walther buy out, Proto rereleased the EMD E8's - I paid just a little under full ist to get a set right away undecorated - I wanted them and that was that.

Sheldon

That's fair enough - just having a preference for rear wheel drive (although my experience in winter driving has clearly demonstrated the superior snow handling qualities of a front-wheel drive) is enough for me.  I'll admit that the last car we bought 5 years ago also is AWD, as that came either rear wheel or AWD, we opted for the latter living in NH.

We're now driving that car (a Mercedes) on it's 3rd continent - it has run flawlessly in -40 to 130 (f) degree temps, in heavy snows, rains, and sandstorms. Humorously, we don't really need the heated seats, mirrors, or AWD here (although that later does help get off the line).  Based on my experiences, it was worth every penny (actually less than your Ford), and I'd buy another in .15 seconds.

When it comes to the hobby, I'm also willing to spend some money if it has value to me.  As someone who models a smaller road, the only way I'll ever see some equipment is either a scratch build, custom painter, or brass, and to do any of those "correctly" is never cheap.

Like you, I'm not willing to criticize those who choose to spend the money on their hobby.  It's their hobby and their choices.

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

Scarpia,

Benz builds great cars, no question. Our needs this time around were best met with the "station wagon" and the FLEX is by far the best thought out "station wagon" on the market today.

I simply don't by into all the hype of these new car styles and names, it is BS.

As for front wheel drive, I hate the torque steer - it stinks. And most are front tire eaters.

Simple fact is that from a utility standpoint, the automobile reached its ulimate size and shape in the mid to late 50's and that is why the single most successful SUV has been the Ford Expolorer - it was shaped like a 50's wagon - or a Checker wagon. And that is why Checkers lasted as cabs unitil the 1980's. Had electronic fuel injection come along sooner we might still have Checker cabs, but the auto industry problems of the early 80's did them in.

Cars can/need to do lots of different things for diffeent people. But if you have others to carry or stuff to carry, it is hard to beat simple and boxy for room and comfort. I hate that feeling of sitting on the floor on a boat cushion that so many cars have.

The Flex has a long wheelbase, making its ride superior, and the shape speaks for itself regarding utility.

I learned to drive on this:

 

And the FLEX is everything that car was plus all todays modern advancements.

Sheldon

[slammin]

I see very few "bargains" on eBay for Proto GP9s regardless of road names. I've been looking for one for months at the right price. I've come to the conclusion I'll have to dress up my two undecorated Atlas/Kato GP7s. 

[Anonymous]

This started out as a thread about the price of a Proto GP-9, as seen on the "Bay". Are we into discussing the merits of certain car brands now?

Let´s come back to a model railroading related discussion.

[MonkeyBucket]

That a pretty good tangent there...

[blownout cylinder]

Somebody had to do it...roight?

[Anonymous]

Any more bids for lot # 7,123? OK, then - going, going, gone!