Most everyone here knows I'm in the same league as CW. I collect (first), operate (second), service, repair, (third) and buy the value and resell it. I've done this since day one, sometime back in circa '72. I've gone thru several collections and have always done well.
I've posted many pictures of my Pennsy by Lionel collection and my operating accesories layout, also my service bench/work area.
I service for two local dealers and I am always on the lookout for good buys, whether it be for parts or to sell to the shop owners so they can in turn sell to the public. I bought a heavily discounted Lionel medium/high end CSX set from the local Hobby Town. I added a decent profit and sold it to the dealer that operates out of an Antique Mall/Flea Market near Kutztown. He in turn sold it to a very pleased buyer the second Saturday he had it, and cleared $90.
Items for sale get a second look from me if they are in EXC or better condition or priced very low.
At a local flea market a couple had a table full of Marx, Scout Lionel and a Lionel Prewar set or two. Nothing I could use pricewise but off to the side was a little rusted, Postwar, plastic trucked, whistle tender chassis. I asked how much, the woman said five bucks, I said "sold". That's the stuff I can always use.
For me, the hunt never ends, and there's some OGR Forumites that use the FS board that can attest to that.
This is a fun hobby, that I enjoy, and for me, it is mostly self sustaining.
