The value is priceless, nothing, or somewhere between the two.
It depends on who's holding the train
.
You wouldn't catch me trading my scratched up 2037 for it, for nearly the same reason you bought yours ♥
I think an automobile is an unfair comparison. Advancements in production, and huge numbers, have skewed that price. I think $350 was only half the price of most nice, but non-prestige grade autos.
A Chris-craft boat was $1,200-40,000.
From a dollar for this or that stand point, I think $350, would be equal to as high as $15,000 in comparable entertainment items today.
A high end, floor sized radio for the home could be $200. I think the table top ones were $40 for a cheaper one on a good day, $70 for a quality one.
I think the consumer price index puts it at about $7000 by now.
Id guess that is low too.
Would I ever pay $100,000+ for a train set??
If I could, think I would. So thank you for this vicarious opportunity
But they could find a pallet full tomorrow. Don't let value ever spoil things for you.
You own it! You've ran it! And even improved its condition! That's love
.
Could you replace it, or the experience, at any price?
No!
Money well spent
I've dealt with other collecting as a business some.
From that standpoint, it was a once in a lifetime item. I do not feel you overpaid.
I think you got off light.
