Thanks to everyone for their thoughtful replies. I have been thinking this "to myself" since I started "playing" with my trains again (about 2 years ago).
I honestly wondered if others think some of new items are "overpriced" too.
Will do on the Dupage guys too. This winter, I most probably will add some "space" to my layout just so I could finally run my beloved Weaver "Little Joe" & Hiawatha!
Cheers,
Ron W.