I've read every post in this thread and would like to make a couple points not yet mentioned.
Phill's UP SD-40-2 is probably from the 1990 run. I think there were 50 pieces done. They had a list price of a little over $900 and they were unpainted. Phill's was painted and I figure that was worth about $250 so, $750 for the model itself? Compares to today's price but, clearly, no appreciation.
Phill's model is Union Pacific. I'm a brass dealer and I can tell you that the price of ALL Union Pacific brass took a big hit with UP's ill-considered licensing approach from a decade ago. Modelers (brass buyers at least) were honked off and the popularity of UP brass dropped to zero. I don't know if they feel they are getting back at UP, but it has not returned to former levels. Phil bought before the crash. I've done the same.
Folks have compared the 'value' of twenty year old brass with contemporary plastic. Try comparing with 20-year old plastic and brass is the winner.
Jus' sayin'
