TM Terry posted:breezinup posted:Dave45681 posted:
Considering every one of the cars is an operating car of some sort (and 2 of them being Vision cars - which are normally sold in 3 packs, if offered at all), I would not think the odds of those cars becoming available for separate sale so as to "build a set" yourself later would be easy to do.
I'm missing something in the logic that suggests it would be easy to pick up these cars later vs. anything else that is BTO.
-Dave
I think you're right, Dave. First, there won't be all that many of these sets made. Second, it's a set, and that's what people will be buying it for, and it's unlikely anyone buying the set will have any intention to split off the cars. Actually, I'd think it would be easier to find the GS-1 pilot later, than the cars from the set.
The only real possibility for someone wanting the cars is that Lionel may offer somewhat similar ones at a later time for separate sale, but the actual cars from the set would be extremely hard to come by, IMO. However, even if similar cars were offered in the future, it's highly unlikely they would have the special features these set cars do.
Some thoughts:
- Will both the GS-1 and GS-4 Vision Stock Express Set actually be built?
- If I were to buy the GS-1 it would be one of the two Southern Pacific GS-1's with the brass Class 160 C-4 tenders. (I'd opt for more brass) I am not that interested in pilot locomotives, but I do like that their details are much more apparent.
- I would guess many more GS-1's would be built than Vision Stock Express Sets. If you were a collector, I would think, the Vision Stock Express Set would be the best "investment" (not that I believe model trains are a good investment.One aspect of my O-gauge modeling is I find locomotives and cabooses that meet my criteria. Then I seek freight to build my consists. My consists change as my railroad dictates (my whims).
- I prefer unshrouded steam locomotives, so the GS-1 has me interested.
So my original thought was basically trying to decide between the Pilot OR Freight set. I do not think “building the set later” would be easy or even 100% possible. However, I already have the SP PFE Vision Reefers from a past catalog and maybe I’ll just pick up one of the the Visión stock cars they offer in this catalog to simply get close to the set. I’m not looking to be prototypically exact. I guess I see the GS-1 Pilot as a more unique piece as I don’t think it has been offered before and certainly not as a VL engine with hybrid brass and who knows if it will come back anytime soon? And you’re right, maybe the freight has more value as a collector/investment purchase but for me personally I keep going back to that page and staring at the Pilot...but you all definitely make some great points and it’s certainly not an easy decision 😅
