@MELGAR posted:I usually buy model trains after careful consideration. I rarely buy on impulse and never sell anything. I prefer to read the catalog, decide what I want, pre-order, and wait for the item to be delivered. There are no hobby stores close enough for me to look at model trains before I buy. Train shows can sometimes cause exceptions to this policy.
Arnold Cribari and I have been Forum friends for several years. We talk a few times each week, discuss trains, layouts, politics, baseball, and anything else that comes up. Recently, a Forum post showed photos of two just-released MTH Premier models – New York Central and Maine Central EMD F3 diesel locomotives. The models looked stunning, but I resisted and didn’t order one or talk to Arnold that day. I looked at the Forum post over and over. By early the next morning I had decided to buy the Maine Central version and promptly called a Forum sponsor to place my order so that I didn’t miss out on what I thought might be a limited-availability model. After all, the MEC was a New England railroad. Exactly what I collect and run. How could I pass it up?
During our conversation that afternoon, Arnold quickly admitted to me that he had made an impulsive purchase of a New York Central A-B set that he had seen on the Forum. I confessed to having done the same with the MEC. We both had a good laugh and attempted to justify our purchases to each other – perhaps in a way akin to what might transpire between two ten-year-old boys. So much for careful consideration prior to purchase.
Some pictures and videos of my MEC #686 diesel are shown below. MTH did an outstanding job on this model. Arnold will show his NYC version next and also explain why his purchase was essential.
Do you make impulsive purchases of model trains? Arnold and I would like to hear your thoughts – and perhaps, your excuses.
MELGAR
Used to buy a lot when friend “Jack Daniels” came to visit. Not so much when he is not around🙈
