Forgotten-Branch posted:Hello Ash, and welcome to a very exclusive club... And I understand your frustration. There don't seem to be as many of us standard gauge followers today, as there were just a short ten years ago. Which is why I believe most of the beautiful standard gauge trains being re-issued over the last few years have all been short-runs in terms of number produced. With a shrinking number of standard gauge collectors in the market place, the manufacturers are worried about getting stuck with un-sold inventory if they make too many units. As for myself... I never did manage to acquire that Red Presidents Special you were admiring. However, several years ago, I did stumble across a nice Flying Colonial in a small out of the way train store while on vacation. The place was called "The Holly Beach Train Store" located in wildwood NJ. I walked in the door on a whim, not really expecting to see any standard gauge. And the owner had this elegant set on the wall as a display piece with a sale price of $ 1399.00. ( including all the individual boxes, paperwork, and the master carton used for shipping 
. I thought about that for maybe two minutes, before asking if he'd take a check with my TCA number, and he said yes ! It's been up on my own wall ever since. Of course, now that I'm getting ready to retire, I may be willing to consider letting some of my more recent acquisitions find a new home.
Forgotten Branch, your kind and sensitive reply is well taken. I could use some of that practical wisdom. If you have an opportunity for us to speak on the phone if the rules allow I would really appreciate it. I am very interested in your generous notion of maybe open to a few pieces from your collection. I am a young hobbyist. I am fair and not a re-seller. This hobby needs more people like me to keep it alive for along time. I am getting my son into it as well. My cell # is 973-718-1275 and my email address is ashrajan5124@gmail.com
