On the topic of Chicago shows
I was at Dupage, and found several Lionel switches “new” in the box. I unwrapped one, factory Lionel tissue, nice black wire tie holding the lever and full inserts instructions and really clean outer box. Didn’t think to unwrap the tissue. Didn’t think I needed to. It was crowded, people bumping into me and I was excited as was looking for these exact switches. Went in another direction on layout and switches no longer needed, (didn’t open them further). Sadly not a unique situation on my layout.
Went to trade the switches at my LHS, guess what? Someone went to the trouble to repack all the used switches. The LHS showed me the rub marks. Felt like crap at LHS because I told them they were new and my honesty matters, but they understood.
Thought I was being careful.
