Back in the 80's and 90's I used to buy post war locomotives and part them out. I could double and triple my cost of the items I bought. I did it with scale Hudson's, F3's, trainmasters, etc.
There were guys who hated my guts for doing it and would confront me at some meets saying I was ruining the hobby. I paid them no mind and kept buying and selling. To me they were only toys.
If if you have a problem with what I did just read Rich Melvins post.