This is an interesting thread. I currently own approximately 25 brass engines - mostly western railroads - I've collected over the last 25 to 30 years. Many years ago I purchased several Lionel engines but for personal reasons decided to sell all of them before their 'value' dropped like a rock. Just plain dumb luck! I can honestly say after purchasing each of my brass engine I've never given their appreciation or depreciation in value a second thought. I've always subscribed to the belief that one should collect what gives them personal pleasure not what will increase in value over time. I can't even honestly say today which engines have increased in value and which have depreciated in value. Collecting brass engines as a hedge to inflation is in my opinion just plain ridiculous. My primary interest then as now has always been collecting engines run by the Southern Pacific first, Santa Fe second and Union Pacific third.
If any of my brass collection increases or decreases in value I really don't pay much if any attention. Frankly there are many other more important things in life to deal with like ones personal health!
