I think ebay and sites like this have opened up the whole early era of toy trains more than the TCA and shows of the past. I dont know if I would call older mentality collectors as hoarders, but it seems that the hobby in general wasnt something you talked about outside of a show or fellow collectors. It was almost frowned on for an adult male to still "play" with toy trains. This isn't the case now so much. I agree that "operator" grade prewar of any major brand is more affordable than ever. I picked up a super clean 225e, if it had a box I would have called it collector quality and even without a box it would have been 500 bucks a few years ago, got it for under $250 with its diecast tender. Same for Std gauge, pieces that are not boxed and near mint are of average to below average price and still may not sell for long periods. I have seen this and been told this by dealers selling such trains. Now York may be the exception but I have never made the trip there. But I do attend many of the major midwest shows like the Dupage Co fair ground show in IL, most shows in Indiana and just attended the huge Berea, OH show. Prices were excellent, ie low and affordable for me. For years anything prewar was out of reach due to my limited income. But I can get operator grade late prewar and some Std gauge for what I was buying common postwar for a few years ago. Now I am not going after a 400e or scale hudson, but a nice little 8e and some track, my 225e with a freight consist to pull, vintage type T transformer to restore and once my Christmas bonus arrives, something for my 8e to pull. Yes I could get the reproductions, but they lack the "story", the "history", an original has. Then you have the whole "made in China" thing. Some stuff like clockwork and cast iron will probably not be reproduced, but camp out on ebay, post wanted ads in places like this or craigslist will net you trains to buy. Mike
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