"Curiouser and curiouser", maybe we are in "Wonderland"?
Flying Yankee set was issued by Lionel in the late 30s(?). It was re-listed in the Lionel 2008 Signature catalog at $599. 2012 Greenberg lists it in the pre-war section of the price guide as $560 (EXC). Not listed in "modern". I saw a new set listed by one of the mail order houses for less than that.
I bought one on the forum (C8), didn't care for it, tried to sell it (at a loss)--couldn't.
Now I have a "real" collectable ??? Actually I now like it--I think.
I love this hobby.---Charlie N