At 82 years I have Almost everything that I want with the exception of a Sunset SP 4-6-2 Pacific,missed one several years Ago.

Arnold,

Thanks for posting this topic, which has and will continue to provoke quite varied responses!

I substantially restricted my potential train expenditures long ago by limiting myself to one railroad (NYC) and one era (1935-1960).  When my adult-era interest in model railroading re-kindled 35 years ago, I quickly realized that taking a broad, "this looks so cool" approach would become not only expensive quickly, but also would lead to substantial frustration and second-guessing of purchasing decisions.  Narrowing scope avoided that.

So now I have at least one of every significant locomotive of the road and era of interest, absent the H-10 Mikados, which have yet to be produced.  Yes, better versions of some locos are cataloged in current years.  But how much better?  Enough to justify the delta dollars (new cost less potential sale value of earlier version)?  For example, the new Lionel Dreyfuss Hudsons appear excellent.  But truly a significant step above my 3rd Rail Dreyfuss?  And I could re-electronic and super-detail my 30 year old Weaver Dreyfuss for a fraction of the Lionel cost.  So I sold my Lionel turn-of-the-century Dreyfuss, to get down to two (and match passenger car colors), passing on the contemporary Lionel.

I acquired K-Line 18" and 21" passenger cars when they came out, as they were the best-to-date at the time.  But later I acquired GGD cars, which were more road/train-specific and accurate.  So I've been selling most of my K-Line and Weaver cars, but see no need to buy replacements for my GGD cars, as the newer Lionel cars, desirable though they are, just aren't "enough better" to justify the net delta dollars.  And neither are the second-generation GGDs.

So I may very well commit more bucks than I ever imagined to Scott's new 3rd Rail H10 Mike project, just because I don't have one.  But I will likely have Pat re-motor my K-Line Hudson (one of 8 Hudsons in my fleet) and then I'll update its electronics rather than buying any new J-1.  And maybe do the same with one of my four Mohawks.  I've also pulled out some of the scale-accurate models bought 30 years ago but never run, as I didn't have a functional layout until April of this year.  Comparing them to newer versions, the exterior-visible differences fall mostly into the "rivet counter" detail level.  Their deficiencies are mostly vintage electronics, which can (and are being) replaced.  I'll spend less than half the cost of a new unit, not need to dispose of an old one, and have the satisfaction of doing the upgrades myself, which is valuable to a retiree from an electronics engineering career.

Sure, I can afford to buy many of the annual "new" offerings that fit my road and era.  But I see few compelling needs to do that just for the rather marginal betterment that would result.  If one parks a camera trackside and shoots a video of a train passing at prototypical speed (even high-resolution), can one discern the difference?  If not, question the need for the expenditure.

Wow, so many concurring opinions stated here! Most of you speak perfectly for me: ran of space, 75 years old and harder to keep up with the inventory of motive power and rolling stock. And the desire to reduce the burden on my family when I eventually head for that Great Roundhouse in the Sky. I still have more than enough trains to keep me happy, though.

Arnold, many thanks for asking the question!  Many of the responses resonate with me.

For the longest time, all I could afford were the catalogs, but I lived vicariously by occasional reading Model Railroader and Classic Toy Trains magazines (for some reason, I don't remember seeing O Gauge Railroading, but am reading the old issues now via the digital subscription!).   

Due to family and a pressure packed job, it was not until 2001 that I became serious with model railroading. I was also living in a home that had a "storage room" that I started the process of converting to a train room the same weekend that Dale Earnhardt Sr. tragically passed away at Daytona.

I enjoy all aspects of the hobby, including restoring vintage equipment.  I also like running modern engines. My dad never met a tool that he didn't like, I am the same with trains.  It is for that reason today, that I have basically filled up every storage shelf and cabinet in my train room, as well as the space under the layout and a nearby bedroom that was converted to a vintage train room.

My plan is to sell unwanted equipment and use those funds for acquiring new equipment.  During the pandemic, I put together an inventory of all my trains, and that will be a starting point to figure out what I don't need. As part of the inventory process, I took pictures of everything and have put stickers or tags with ID numbers on everything.   My lovely bride of 11 years has always been supportive of my hobby. Her only question recently has been "where are you going to put that new train with its big box".   I ran out of answers.   

I have started selling some baseball cards on eBay.  The card are mainly the "short prints" from the Topps Heritage sets as well as some complete Heritage sets.  This has given me some experience in selling.  The process of selling cards is easy, since there are no mechanical parts to worry about, and the high-quality scans are usually good enough to show a card's condition.

I still have that pressure packed job, so my "side-hustle" will be a minor activity, for now.   I would like to hear from others on their pros and cons of different ways to sell trains.

Best, Dave

Adding some pictures

The storage shelves were empty when I started in 2001

No space on these shelves:

Under the layout is jammed.  No way am I giving up the James Bond 007 Race Car Set from the mid-1960!

I have purchased a couple engines in the 6-7 hundred dollar range over the last several years but that’s it. All said and done though somebody’s buying this stuff. Another huge catalog is due out shortly.

As most have said here - The big buck days are over for the most part.  Unless an engine is announced that I've always wanted. There is one for sure. 

Yes, pretty much.  I'm done with the $1,000 + locomotives, too troublesome. It's been nearly two years since my last train purchase....hey wait, that sounds like TCA, Train collectors Anonymous. My interest has shifted to real railroad items that are small enough to ship. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't check Ebay listings to find something unusual that I just couldn't live without. I'll sit there and view the same auctions listings over and over and just deciding that I don't need it and then I move on to the next one. I've adopted a minimalistic lifestyle. You feel lighter and free.

The more you own the more your stuff owns you.

I have  most every thing  I need  to build my Milwaukee Road empire   .  Wisconsin Valley Line .   Now I just need to win the lottery . so I can move to a nice dry climate  , build a pole barn , and maybe  live another10 years

As soon as my Legacy Decapod is in I am done………..I guess.

JohnB

Nope I still buy what I want but am very particular on the items I want.  I have enough trains to run forever but just when you think you are done something peaks your interest and you say,” gotta get that”.  Oh well one of these days I’ll get over it….yea right.

I've been back in the hobby for nearly 3 years now. The most I've ever spent on an engine was $600. That was for a 1-700e that I had to have! That price in my opinion was a bargain considering it came from a good home, and is in excellent shape.But, for me, I love the hunt for the good deals whether it be on the forum, the bay, or occasionally Facebook marketplace. Patience I believe is a virtue in this hobby. Also, with 1 grown child, and 2 younger children priorities need to come first.

Let’s see what happens in two weeks when the new Lionel catalog comes out - all the guys that are “DONE” may be singing a different tune 🤔🤣

This “discussion” has been going on forever

Am I done ? - as long as I like trains probably not 😊🚂

Arnold !  You’re scaring the manufacturers ! (just kidding a bit).  Just having retired & buying a new train room, I would not rule out a high-quality train buy, like a 3rd Rail product, if it’s in a favorite diesel/road name.
Rich in WV

For the most part yes, there are one or two engines I would consider. Looking for an MTH P3 CN. I am in the process of selling of any non MTH P2 and P3 engines as I decided to only use one system (DCS) to keep things affordable. If I can't run it, it will go!

Arnold...short answer...YES,I now have all i wanted.Time to relax and enjoy....

I’m retiring at the end of August. So spending will be more focused. My plan is to cut the number of engines and cars I own in half. Then upgrade to newer versions of what I most like.

If all works to plan it won’t cost to upgrade and it will be easier on my wife/kids to sell.

YES!!!

A few years back I started thinking "Dan (my son) will never know how to sell off this stuff" so I sold my entire train collection (not scenery stuff - just engines and rolling stock), 120 pieces in all.  With the money I bought 2 Lionel by MTH tin-plate sets because I wanted something to have for my Christmas layouts.  I was still hosting family train parties at Christmas time too.

That was the last thing that I bought.  Took, and still takes, a lot of self discipline but I didn't sell off my collection of items that I loved just to buy more stuff and be in the same position again.

people tell me I'm nuts but I'm at home with the choice

walt

@dorfj2 posted:

Let’s see what happens in two weeks when the new Lionel catalog comes out - all the guys that are “DONE” may be singing a different tune 🤔🤣

This “discussion” has been going on forever

Am I done ? - as long as I like trains probably not 😊🚂

Exactly, folks lined up to get preorders in on VL bigboys.

I can honestly say the buying days should be over, but,....   oh well.     As life has changed and the need to finally get off my butt and start seriously getting ready to move out of this house is here.    I need to get the house ready for sale, but in order to start painting the interior (which I actually enjoy) I need to stop tinkering with trains and things and start clearing out many years of stuff.

  So I started boxing,  getting ready for storage and as I was almost finished with train things and was ready to rent that climate controlled storage,  there was the question of the storage insurance limits.   I talked to my agent and in order to make sure I was actually covered a detailed inventory was needed, so it was do over time.   I took photos of everything and started an Excel document referencing box contents and individual values.  Nothing was really a surprise, after nearly fifty years of never selling anything the bottom line was, interesting and I did find things I had completely forgotten about.

  Now I'm thinking I should probably sell some of the stuff but I don't like doing that, too much work.  Only things I have ever sold has been a couple of houses (real houses) and vehicles I traded in on something new (now I just lease).   I told my kids this detailed inventory should help them do what ever they want after I'm dead.   We were living a pretty relaxed lifestyle when the Covid shut things down and all of a sudden we were not going out for lunch and dinner most of the time, and now with my wife's health issues we can't travel. 

My thought is how can I justify any new purchases, it will probably be at least a year before unboxing again.   Then I think why not, it really isn't any different than visiting that women's hardware store,  (aka: The jewelry shop).    Besides, I'm just doing my part to keep the economy moving.    That's my story and I'm sticking to it,

-Mike in NC,

@Donnie Kennedy - Don’t forget the latter part of the old adage…

” Patience is a virtue, catch it if you can

Seldom found in women, never found in men.”   😉

Mine never started.  :-)

Mannyrock

To clarify, mine are pretty much over, but there are 1 or 2 items, if made or I could get what I consider a good deal, I could spring for. What those 1 or 2 items are, I would prefer to keep a secret, but I will give a couple of clues.

My focus is the fallen flag northeastern railroads, particularly the NY Central, New Haven, Pennsylvania, B&O, D&H, Boston & Albany, Boston & Maine, Rutland, Maine Central, and NY Ontario & Western.

I like steam, diesel and electrics, but if I had to share my preferences, I would do so in that order.

How do I feel about dubstantialky cutting back my big buck purchases? Good.

I'm pleased I can still enjoy the hobby without spending much money. This Forum, which costs nothing or virtually nothing, contributes to that.

I also have a mature layout, over 25 years old, and  I'm very satisfied with it. I've put a lot of thought and work into it, which has been a labor of love, and pretty much have what I want to have on the layout.

As stated in another recent thread I started, I periodically make little enhancements that greatly add to my enjoyment. See my recent posts of photos showing rats carrying slices of pizza into a subway station outside Yankee Stadium.

LOL, Arnold

The Big Bucks Buying days never arrived here.  44 years ago I started and stayed with used post war 027 gauge trains and conventional control.  I have made only four purchases of $100 or so over those years.  They were a K-line GG1, the only new engine ever bought,  Williams BL2 AA, Lionel Freight set, with 2-8-4 Lionel Berkshire 756 and a Williams Santa Fe F7 ABA.

Spending Big Bucks in not in my DNA.  I buy used houses, vehicles, tools, golf clubs, boats, vintage stereos, antique furniture, etc.  I minimize purchases of items that depreciate.  Buying used minimizes depreciation losses.  Why should trains be different?

Charlie

My threshold of pain is about $300.00 to $400.0 for a lok and maybe up to $500.00 for a set. I bought a set about 3 years ago and a lok about 5 years. The lok was on the high end. I bought it because the RxR served my area up until 1982. Are my big bucks buying days over - yes.

Well, the most I have spent for a locomotive to date is $332.   Of course Albert said it best, everything is relative.   I do not envision spending that much for anything train related in the future.  As others have posted, big dollar purchases are over and any new purchase, regardless of amount must be preceded by selling some items(not necessarily model train related).   

I’m done.  I have all I’ll ever need.    

For the rest of my life, I hope I can at least buy one big ticket item a year if I desire, even after I retire. I have no plans to downsize, it sounds boring, people I have talked to that did that, tell me they mostly watch tv.  I'm not worried about my heirs selling the trains, if they can buy and sell their own homes and cars they can sell my house and trains.

I don't have any other hobbies that cost a lot of money, I'm not into cars or other collectibles, I do bowl in a league, and I usually get half of the money back at the end of the year.

I just don't see myself not buying a big ticket item in the future.

Like the old James Bond title "Never Say Never Again", if the Holy Grail should appear, maybe, but buying more is NOT likely.

ECI

It seems that "big bucks" regarding model train purchases means different things to different people.

For me, generally it's $450 (putting me in range for most MTH Railking and Lionel LC+ and LC+2.0), but I've on occasion paid as much as $600 to $750, and once $900, for 1 locomotive.

How about you, what does "big bucks" for model trains mean to you?

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

How about you, what does "big bucks" for model trains mean to you?

$1000 has always meant high-priced to me. My new number is more like $800.

MELGAR

I think $500-$600 is a good max  threshold for me if it's something I really want. Like a diecast Dreyfus Hudson. $200-$300 is usually the average range for me. I was able to purchase an Lti mohawk and Chessie t1 in that range! I felt those were big wins. I honestly have no desire to spend what the manufacturers want for new engines. I run conventional, so I feel like I'm not missing out on new.

Arnold, yes we do need to clarify what big bucks means to each of us.  For me it was almost $600 for the B&O F3 A and B together, $450 and $150 separately.  The second A would have been great, but AA would have been $900; too much.  The most I paid for any of my used steamers was $450.  All that to say, over $450 is big bucks to me.

Yes. And I'm leaning hard towards H O.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Arnold, yes we do need to clarify what big bucks means to each of us.  For me it was almost $600 for the B&O F3 A and B together, $450 and $150 separately.  The second A would have been great, but AA would have been $900; too much.  The most I paid for any of my used steamers was $450.  All that to say, over $450 is big bucks to me.

Mark, we have very similar answers.

Is the B&O F3 A-B you are referring to the MTH PS3 model? If so, that's also what I have that I purchased about 2 months ago from a Forum sponsor for about $600.  I also opted not to buy the 2nd powered A unit because of the cost.

My one $900 purchase was made about 3 years ago from my local hobby shop: a Postwar Lionel 773 steamer with tender (1965 version). I think the price was a little high but I'm fine with it because it's my best Postwar engine, it's mechanically very sound and it navigates my 031 curves and 022 switches beautifully for such a large steamer. Also, I like to be generous with local hobby shops and vendors that provide excellent service. I want them to make a profit and stay in business. Arnold

I think the most expensive part of this hobby is the real estate that occupies.  That being said I have rarely paid over $400 for an engine.  Never paid over $600.  I don't have room for full scale so I settled for traditional size.  After 30 years, I have an extensive collection more than I have room to store.  I have bought a lot of used trains so being able to learn how to repair those items is a requirement.  I don't see myself ever paying $1500 or more for a new item especially with the level of quality control in todays products.   I have purchased new products mostly MTH Rail King which are more reasonably priced.  I have put my money in Command Systems and enjoy running my trains that way.  This hobby can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. If you think this hobby is expensive, check into owning an aircraft.  Art

I still have several S gauge engines that I would like to have for my collection.  The list includes Southern Pacific passenger set, Challenger and Pennsylvania 0-6-0 switcher.  That is the short list I will probably another engine that I cannot live without.

@MELGAR posted:

$1000 has always meant high-priced to me. My new number is more like $800.

MELGAR

For me, $750 to $800 has been a stretch, is solidly in the big bucks category, and I've sprung for it once to get my best Legacy steamer: a NY Central 10 wheeler with whistle steam, my one and only locomotive with that feature. It's my #1 best locomotive, and fits the main theme of my layout, which is The Put.

Although arguably too expensive for me, I'm glad I have it. Arnold

Even since due to a serious life threatening infection and permanent disability health issues at age 57 that was 7+ years ago, they lost me twice, brought me back twice, never expected me to survive, so much medication needs and doctor visits I'm done buying anymore trains. I just can't afford it. I'm still trying to get my approx 12' x 45" with 2' x 4' L extension layout Fastrack laid out, and get it up and running 2 track conventional power layout done. Absolute biggest layout that I can fit into my room, mounted on casters so I can access 2 sides of it at once depending where I roll it in the room. Mostly 0-36 Fastrack, 2 0-31 Fastrack curve pieces, and inner loop at one end of it using MTH Realtrax 0-31 curves and adapter pieces mated with Fastrack. If I buy anything it will just be for scenery. I got 3 closets filled in the room. Once I get the layout running, I'll probably start thinning out my collection of locomotives, rolling stock, and buildings as I have more than I need that would ever fit on this layout.  I had planned for a larger one in my garage but after all my health issues better to just have a small one in a spare bedroom inside the house. My wife feels safer knowing I'm okay in the house instead of me being out in the garage in case I was to fall down. She has her own many health issues too I don't need her falling going out to check up on me. Got to take care of each other, neither one of us could live here by just one, we both need each other to help each other day by day.

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Mark, we have very similar answers.

Is the B&O F3 A-B you are referring to the MTH PS3 model? If so, that's also what I have that I purchased about 2 months ago from a Forum sponsor for about $600.  I also opted not to buy the 2nd powered A unit because of the cost.

My one $900 purchase was made about 3 years ago from my local hobby shop: a Postwar Lionel 773 steamer with tender (1965 version). I think the price was a little high but I'm fine with it because it's my best Postwar engine, it's mechanically very sound and it navigates my 031 curves and 022 switches beautifully for such a large steamer. Also, I like to be generous with local hobby shops and vendors that provide excellent service. I want them to make a profit and stay in business. Arnold

Yes, Arnold.  That's the same one as you bought.  It is very nice indeed!