Greg:
No worries Mate on the AF mentions. Shucks, I learned a lot about AF during that discussion and I'm always up for learning something new about model trains, vintage stuff in particular. (Of course, I know it all when comes to HO. If 'n you don't believe me, just ask me! 
)
What impressed me the most about AF is their scale look and fidelity to detail. To my eyes, AF was likely the most discriminating engine maker among the toy market.
As for my collecting goals:
There ain't none! At this early juncture, I only have some vague general ideas about any future purchases.
I am confident that my actual tinplate interest (that is, thin metal trains that are litho printed and stamp shaped) will be limited to items among the Marx 3/16" 8-wheel rolling stock offerings. I just really do like the looks of most of their 3/16" 8 wheel stuff. At a glance, it's impressionistic nature tricks my mind into accepting it as "realistic", and I think that is a major reason for its appeal to me.
I don't receive the "mind game" thing when I view a 4 wheel litho stamped offering, or 8-wheel offerings that are more "caricature" and simplistic in nature. Those types of litho trains always look like toys to my mind. Such a mind reaction is NOT a "bad" thing... just a difference in perception. But in my case it's a difference in perception that guides my preferences, thus my budding interest in select Marx 3/16" 8-wheel litho rolling stock. Like a late forum member used have as a signature here at OGR concerning toy trains: "It's a great big tent with room for everyone!"
Andre
