How much is too much?

Mike only you can answer that question.  What I or the next guy would pay has no bearing on how deep your feelings or pocket is willing and able at the time.

 Whatever I was comfortable paying and not one penny more.  Wild Mary has already said it - there really isn't any general answer to this question because it is much too personal.

$19.95

Of course it depends on what I am buying as well as the cost. In terms of buying, my sense of what is valuable to me in a non monetary way has changed over the years, and if could generalise this change is that my buying is more focused as well as what I keep. If it sits in a box collecting dust, my version of this situation is now I realise, to some extent, I am hoarding for no apparent practical reason. This would have never dawned on me  decade ago. I asked myself whom or what am I saving this for, as I am in the only one in the family who has an appreciation of it and I cannot appreciate it if it's in a box. If I should croak ( at 63 you think on this) who is going to untangle this collection. More hassle than it's worth. I have traded items instead of purchasing lately, and if I do buy something...I step back and ask, do I really need this or that and in most cases I don't... meaning the days of impulse buying are over, which went on for what seemed like in retrospect, forever.

Around $200.00 is my current self imposed limit. Buying and the scope of  a collection are now linked to my decisions. If it does not run or can be displayed..bye..bye. All this is personal to me, and not a criticism of others, buried as some goofy editorial. 

originally posted by jumijo:

$19.95

What are you..an Earl Scheib?

Well, I just bought a 3rd Rail N&W 2300 Jawn Henry. My Dad was a mechanical inspector in the Motive Power Department and was assigned as a "Rider" on the 2300 from 1954-1957. This is the one locomotive I had to have.

In the Tinplate world, a year ago Christmas I had the opportunity to see a pristine Lionel No. 7 that was "more than I could afford".

Gilly

And to answer your question, "A lot". BTW, 2013 is a vintage....

BUT WAIT!!!!!!!

For a VERY LIMITED TIME, We will DOUBLE our Offer, Just pay seperate shipping and handling.

Doug

when it comes to empty boxes without even some graphics, sorry, but i see no value in old cardboard whatsoever.

Guys,

Of course, I agree with hojack  150%! We can't put a price on someone's sweet memory or shouldn't. Agree that a memory be it visual or tactile is something that is sacred.

If a long forgotten toy, (in this case a train) brings back a sweet childhood memory who are we to judge what it is worth to the individual. Those of us fortunate enough to be in this hobby for the long haul are very fortunate indeed!

I applaud those of you who are committed enough to enjoy this hobby from your own vantage point whatever that maybe!

This hobby will NEVER die as long as we preserve our memories!

Mike Maurice

There has been a big price correction since 2008. It's changed how I value items in this hobby. I no longer am willing to pay what I paid for an item back then. I generally do not buy with the intention of selling, but I do sell off items that I have lost interest in, so that I can buy other items. Some of the items I bought in the 2006-2009 time frame, I suppose will remain in my collection until prices swing around the other way.

Basically, it appears that even high condition items that are common and made in large numbers, such as Classic Era Lionel have taken the biggest hit, price wise.  But early Lionel, Ives, Flyer wide gauge, and odd variations seem to be holding their own.

I think you buy what you like and can enjoy. The days of investment have passed. You cant put a price on memories so each to their own. One thing I learned is that there will be more trains. So pay what you can afford and dont get caught up on the must have quest. But things have leveled off so most people can enjoy the hobby again. I used to have a small budget with the first wife and only dreamed of buying a Flyer Challenger or a Lionel 773.. I dont see prices going up anymore. Some will still drop but just not as fast.

Guys and Gals,

I'll keep it short and sweet!

Lucky thing for me is because my father went to the trouble of closeting my American Flyer trains away, initially at least (I am fortunate that all of them are there) what was unfortunate for me is that for the greater part of 40 years, I had forgotten all about them!

Then I saw them again! I was hooked again!! It was instant for me a long forgotten dream of mine was reawakened. So I don't spend that much! Because my dream is already there......But for the guy or gal who's had a fire happen in his/her life or a favorite train memory that his/her father or mother made....That is priceless.....so I understand the gotto have it mentality that follows our hobby closely as it does all childhood memories they are fleeting yes but oh so precious and priceless!

Thank you for letting me express myself in this way, among some fine train affecianodoes! You guys are the best!

Mike Maurice