Collector quality auctions and empty boxes are not for me. Perhaps the Smithsonian one day will have a Lionel building, but I would not bet on it.
I am happy with the Postwar prices so far and feel if I am patient I will find what I want. This family still has our Diesel switcher's, Pacific's, Prairies and Hudson's from the early 50's, and about 2 years ago I 'discovered' the sturdiness and beauty of prewar steamers with stainless steel tires, Baldwin drivers or copper trim. And then, I caught the Berkshire bug bad, especially the 1946 Smoke Bulb variety which ranged from $300 to $700 with a good 2426W tender. I slipped into my niche and slowly acquired quality items at the lower end of the price range.
I have added a dozen or more engines (224, 225, 225E, 249E, 263E and 6 Berkshires) and lots of quality postwar rolling stock. So, if postwar is no longer King, it is far from dead, and as long as inexpensive trains can go round and round, the next generation of 'operators' is assured. They run them too, just as 'we' did 70 years ago. Run is Fun.
But...I do think that I may be stuck with a wee bit of Standard Gauge and Tin buildings, sometimes the prices were just too tempting or the items spiffy and unique. Lesson is to buy not only that which you want, but that which will not be boxed up for another two decades.
Or, wait for the next round of politicians to fund a new building for the Smithsonian...we can vote on that later.
