I can speak as a buyer and not a seller. I still consider ourselves getting into the hobby. We hit up the local train shows, and of course, all of the wonderful forumites I've met from purchasing on here and one or two of our LHS that have used gear. We went to the Parma show today and I spent maybe 50 bucks on some rolling stock, parts, and a few other things? My brother picked up a scout set for my nephew for 45, my dad.. well he went a bit nuts and spent like 300 on stuff.
For our needs the 5-20 range is perfect and I will usually buy it then. I don't mind if the cars are a bit dinged up or "well loved" my 3 year old is going to be helping me run the railroad. As long as they roll and are a bit serviceable that is good for us. I'd rather have PW or MPC stuff, not much to go wrong on them, especially MPC rolling stock.
I guess as a "Younger" buyer what I have to consider is this: With a 500 dollar student loan payment a month, and 800 in day care plus my wife's student loans, mortgage, etc, can I afford that 80 dollar new or used box car or will a 5-10 dollar used purchase give the same enjoyment and play value for my little boy?
The used market is the only reason I am able to share this hobby with my son. Without the amazing people on here who I've met and corresponded with while purchasing I wouldn't have much of anything. I've gotten advice, good quality used stuff, good prices, and a lot of smiles. I look at the used section every day on here and look for items that are going to work with our budget.
So, anyways, thank you to all who are selling used gear, you've got at least one person looking and thank you to all who have helped out Henry, Ollie, and I.
Side note, if anyone is just going to throw out old stuff, feel free to send our way, I've got two little boys who love trains. ;-)
