Brass as an investment...........go to Vegas, catch some shows, play some slots, cards, dice it's entertainment just like my trains. Buying brass is like buying a new car, soon as it leaves the lot the value starts going down. There are exceptions and from what I see the exceptions are in rolling stock not in locomotive power. Locomotives may go up some if all the units are sold out when they are originally delivered such as some of Key Imports E units.
The items I see appreciating in price are unusual rolling stock. The perfect example is Rich Yoder's boxcar with the art deco ends. They are constantly going for higher than list on ebay. Cabooses that are factory painted with limited runs go for higher than retail. I'm noticing some brass structures going for higher than retail.
The funny thing is when someone sells a piece or brass or kit on ebay for higher than retail all of a sudden you see several more models for sale......the early bird gets the worm and most of the other sales go for lower prices but some still go for higher than retail.
Buying high end brass is the chance you take. I have ordered a Midwestern Model Works N&W SD-45 win the bicentennial paint scheme. I have always wanted this diesel and committed before I heard about the MTH model. I have the Overland N&W 1776 caboose and found the decals. If you see this caboose it's going for a much higher price on ebay.........still unpainted. I know I may never get my money out of this model but it's in the top 5 of my bucket list. Another is the VGN Berkshire which if Kohs does come thru, IT"S MINE!!!! I already have the rolling stock and caboose to go behind it.
