Do you feel you "have enough" trains?

I thought I would hit a limit but it has not happened yet. I have over the past few years sold off some items but not that many. And everytime a catalog comes out  I seem to find something that I want. So I have to say that until there are no more catalogs I will still be finding something to buy............Paul 2

I do have enough trains; but there are always new catalogs to check out in the future.  I'm sure I'll purchase something else.

Quite frankly, YES! But then again, I am NOT a collector.

Plenty, but that doesn't totally preclude buying something else.   However, I have actually been selling a few items to make space for incoming stock.

The short answer is “No”. While my collection is not large, and I could certainly keep myself busy with what I have, the reality is I have just as much fun scouring shows and buying what jumps out at me, as I do running them when they get home.

That'll never happen.  I suppose the rate limiting step will be the simple issue of having to keep most everything in a single room of finite size...but that's not a problem for the foreseeable future.

🤣🤣🤣

Seriously…

🤣🤣🤣

Curt

My want's and needs constantly change so I usually buy 3 sell 1.

I have been rolling this issue around for a couple of years.  I have sold some things but I have also bought more items than I have sold.  If only the manufacturers would stop bring out new stuff like the Krauss Maffei and the articulated passenger cars in SP Lines from Sunset.  I also am still seeking a DM&IR Yellowstone 2-8-8-4 since my Grandfather was an engineer on one in the 40's.  Oh well, so much for downsizing!

Rolland

Yes.  I’m done.    Now I look for Lionel Plasticville only

I've got 3 good dual engine Switchers, 1 good dual engine FA-3, 12 tinplate cars, and 14 regular cars.

If I can pick up one more small modern switcher, one no-nonsense, non-derailing, non-stalling,  short steamer, and maybe 3 more tinplate cars, then Yes, I am done.

Happily (for me at least), I'm not in this to build a collection.  I'll leave it to you experts.

Way to many more fun things I want to buy that don't involve me sitting in the basement for hours on end.  :-)

Jet Ski?

New Rifle?

Small fishing boat?

My Motto:  "Stomp out addictions before they start!"

Mannyrock

At 24 years old, I only really would like a couple steam engines and a few diesels that have yet to be made yet added on. Rolling stock wise, I would like an Autorack Train, but after that’s said in done, pretty much it’s maybe a loco once in a while, but that is it.

You never know what is enough until you know what is more than enough.

You know the old saying: "You can't be too rich, too thin or have enough trains".  Or something like that.

But - I am not thin, not rich and I definitely had enough trains about 20 years ago. 'Course, I kept getting them (they kept offering new types) and now I actually get bothered by how many I have. I don't buy any more.

So, yeah - if you think you have enough, you do. If I had only listened to that little voice....

Short answer: heck no! While my younger sister gives me a hard time every time I buy one; telling me "no more trains". Instead whenever I see one that interests me, I still buy it.

Granted, my storage unit is almost full with my collection and along with saving up for a house and for a family cruise this time next year, I have a lot on my plate. But then again, those MTH final runs are on my list...

More than enough--far more--with more on the way.

No.

Way more. But I don’t care. Actually my want list is pretty short but I scour every catalog in the hopes of being tempted.

It's funny that most of us started with this hobby with just a single train. We were happy with that at one time. Interesting.

I'm almost there.....not.

Me, NO ! Wife, YES !

I am almost at that point. As far as engines go all I need in the future is a Ten Wheeler, a Niagara, (NYC) and possibly a Big Boy in 2 rail. In the last two years I bought a bunch (5 which is a lot for me) of locomotives due to #1) finding them at great prices and/or #2) MTH closing down and the fear of never having the opportunity to buy a scale wheeled locomotive again.

I am near my limit on rolling stock. I always tell myself not to buy any more boxcars at shows but I always seem to come home with one or two each show. Boxcars are very addicting to me. I have all the cabooses I need and I have 3 sets of passenger cars. I can’t see myself buying any more passenger cars.

What I need is a layout. You guy who can go to your basements or attics and run trains are very lucky! I wish I could. Hopefully, this Fall I can work on my layout.

My list is being held low by circumstance ...........can't seem to locate a new ( more bigger ) house at a reasonable price these days.  😉

Everyone is different, collect different road names of trains, uses different kinds of track, some like pre-war, post-war, MPC, Modern, including all brands, then the latest and greatest. Some want the scale look with toy trains, some want three rail scale, S gauge, O Scale 2 rail, N, HO, Z, etc.... Therefore, to say does anyone have enough or too many is a Good Question. I am there, downsizing and just buying a select few train items to complete sets, as I am finally very satisfied. It’s been a fun journey, and now it’s fun watching others and their train collections, their layouts and ideas. Happy Railroading Everyone

Yes!

However, if I see a MTH PRR A5 PS3 or any REA express car in the correct pre-1950s paint scheme or that elusive FGE reefer, or....

Actually, my buy list is pretty short, shorter than my sell list.

I stopped buying rolling stock several years ,i sometimes go 1 or 2 months without even running any trains ,my fun is mostly building my layout ,not so much running trains some of my engines can go a year or more without even being run.

@Vinny26 posted:

Yes.  I’m done.    Now I look for Lionel Plasticville only

I have some Plasticville I would like to part with...what are you looking for?

I always have enough, but that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy adding more to my collection. 

Yes, but I'm still buying more

I have more trains than I need that probably will never see the layout.  I haven't made any substantial purchases in the last 5 or so years.   My main interest is scratch building structures.

Do you feel you "have enough" trains?

@juniata guy posted:

🤣🤣🤣

Seriously…

🤣🤣🤣

Curt

As Allen stated: More than enough--far more--with more on the way. But Curt's answer seems to be the best. I will have enough trains when I go to the roundhouse up yonder until then NO, but the wife thinks so and the kids will most defiantly think so when the have to dispose of them.

@gene maag posted:

I have some Plasticville I would like to part with...what are you looking for?

Looking for Plasticville in Lionel boxes.  

@Vinny26 posted:

Looking for Plasticville in Lionel boxes.  

Sorry I don't have any of those.

I think I'll hit a point where I have enough but I'm just starting out now. I imagine that limit is far away.

I've noticed that I'm picky with items that I'm not collecting. Only certain cars/locomotives will do and I'll wait to get them. But if it's interesting to me because of connections to something I like in history...I tend to buy it.

I have no intention to run ore cars on my steel layout but I still bought an ore car that had Youngstown on it haha

Every once in a while, someone I like will do a post that they are searching for something. I just happen to have it and feel like helping them. After that, I have seller's remorse and miss what I had.

To fix that feeling, I buy more!

Then..... I see something I always wanted (just about any modern piece). I buy that too. My wife says no more. That lasts until some poster here shows what they have, and I see another thing that I want, or something new comes out, or a post like this reminds me that I never did get something because I agreed to "no more trains!"

If I only had won the lottery, Mike Wolf would have never even thought about retiring. (I'd have those big fancy Lionel's too.)

Does any of this help your post?

and where's my buddy from the isle of denial?

Yes I have enough trains!! I won't be buying anymore for the time being!!

Yes, I have enough trains, but I will continue to scour the Buy-Sell board as well as train shows when they resume. I'm ok with the second-hand market but will not put a new nickel in the economy of our nation's enemy.

      The last time I moved I didn’t feel safe letting the movers take the trains so I rented a U-haul truck.  That became the point of enlightenment.  When unpacking I divided everything into want, don’t want and not sure.  I set up at train shows for the next three years and priced everything so that the table was empty before the show was over.
     I only sold the stuff I was sure I didn’t need and kept everything else because I didn’t want any regrets.  I still buy, but have become very selective on my purchases. When I look at my collection I feel good and don’t feel overwhelmed plus I met a lot of nice people and made new friends setting up at the shows.  

I am in the process of selling off what I no longer want and then I  am very selective on what I buy with the proceeds from the sales. I have limited the roads I want to a very few, makes life easier.

I am more selective, have a rotation schedule to make sure I run all my  trains, and got rid of most boxes to create more storage space, which is also organized. Got rid of paper magazines years ago, as the boxes they were in took up much space. I reduced the scope of my layout by eliminating a peninsula. I have a shelf layout around the basement. I limited my right of way to one track and a long passing siding, with sidings for the shippers. My aim: simplicity. Mark

I just pick up a car or two if it is a unique or desired road, but buy unique structure kits to build.  IF models available for years in O 2 rail and HO were made in three rail, l would jump on those specific items, a fairly long list, and all from steam era.  With the apparent current trend of aging customer base and vanishing makers, l have little hope. 

@Allan Miller posted:

More than enough--far more--with more on the way.

Great reply, Allan!

Having never sold any trains and after being an enthusiastic hobbyist for most of almost 7 decades, I have more than enough. So my goal is no more trains, unless. . . .

Have I piqued your interest?

Unless the item fits the theme for my layout: The Put. No more Santa Fes Union Pacifics, etc., for me. This plan gives me hope that I can achieve one of my goals, which is not to become inundated with trains.

Unless something unexpected happens. What was unexpected last year that resulted in me buying a lot of new trains was 2 things: MTH apparently going out of business, which motivated me to buy for fear that I would possibly never be able to buy certain things in the future; and Covid. Buying new trains during Covid kept my spirits up.

At this time, I barely have enough room for the trains I already have, and yet, I plan to go to York in October.

Why?

To meet in person my Forum friends. That is all of you.

I will not be buying any trains at York, unless . . . .

Unless . . . .

I find something that is IRRESISTABLE!

Arnold

More then I need, but not as many as I want.😊😁🤣

The feeling of wanting is far greater than having.. for me...

Yes.....but if i see a locomotive in a road name that i used to see on the CNJ mainline back in the 60s, well then maybe just one more.  Right now i have more trains than layout so purchasing is tempered to that reality.

As far as O gauge trains,I've mostly have everything I want. I thinned my O gauge collection down to focus on late prewar Lionel 1930-42, Chicago made American Flyer 1930-36 trains and Postwar Lionel 1946-69 era trains. I've kept 25 scale Korean made modern Lionel locomotives and sets from the 2000's that I display. I also have on display some 20-30 O scale brass steam locomotives.These are locos (USH,KTM,Max Gray) that belonged to my father. Nowadays,I just pick up an item or two here or there to finish a postwar cataloged/uncataloged set. I operate and actively buy Märklin HO trains nowadays as well as participate in very active local HO modular club.

11 GG1's,10 EP-5's,12 F3's,30+Alcos,40+ Steamers....still can't answer the question....

Sign over the train room,

"Just one more item, then thats it"

Corollary to the sign in the bar,

"Free beer tomorrow"

Pete

I've had an interest in O gauge trains since childhood, but didn't really begin seriously collecting until the last year. I'm mostly collecting O scale Monon, but also include other related and nearby railroads like Nickel Plate.

So, for me, I don't quite know what "enough" is going to look like quite yet. I know I'd like to have pretty much one of every type of diesel in Monon's roster, but that's about all I've decided.

I have kept four command engines. No more in future. My focus past few years is post war strictly. I have now pretty much limited my purchases to rolling stock to complete cataloged sets for the post war engines I currently have. Don't forsee many additional engines except maybe diesel AA set for passenger set I currently have.

For me, I use a formula to determine how many is enough.  I apply this to guns as well.

Where n = the number I have, then the formula is n+1.

More then enough, but I keep buying after all someone has to support the Local Hobby Shop

Actually, yes. I know that might sound like heresy, but I have everything I wanted as a kid in the 50's and the layout to run them on.

Of course, if something extra should come along...

@artyoung posted:

Of course, if something extra should come along...

That's the point I want to get to right there. I want to have what I like and like what I have but if something extra should come along....

My problem is that I have lived in five different states and want to model the railroads from all of them.  I need to narrow my focus to where I live now, well at least that is what I tell myself.  At one point I had a 40 year collection but I think I have reduced it to a 15 year collection in the past few years. Almost there.....

In answer to the question: Do You Have Enough Trains?

Absolutely – I have much more than enough. I love and am thankful for what I have, including many beautiful items that I never expected to be made.

There were hundreds, maybe thousands, of railroads, many types of steam and diesel locomotives, and numerous types of electric motors, even on the few railroads in which I retain a particular interest. The problem is that when a new type of model is offered for one of those railroads, I’m tempted to buy even though I should be able to do without. But the list of possible purchases is now down to three or four, and none is being offered at this time. So, I hope to stick to that.

MELGAR

Getting close to that point with selective downsizing.  This year I have been selling off scores of cars and a couple dozen or so locomotives to get my roster down to a level where an estate sale vulture won't find expensive  pickings by swooping down to rip off surviving family members.

Now there are less choke holds in my yards, sidings and whisker tracks and the action flows much more smoothly.  Still have a few more items that need to find another home.

Too much is simply too much.

I have to take the title of this thread literally.  I do FEEL I have enough, but it's only a feeling.  Once I get passed the feely, I'm into touchy and then I take it home.

Yes...and no.

I suppose my answer is that I have enough trains, but I don't have enough of the right trains.

I think the real question is how many trains do I have and if something I like comes along do I have room to add it to my collection or am I willing to sacrifice something else I have for it if I don't. I don't think you ever have enough trains, I think it is more like do you feel if you have enough space and money

My wife thinks that I have too many.  I think that I don't have enough.  Most of my train friends have many more than I do.  Go figure.  NH Joe

I ordered more shelves from Glen Snyder.  I have too much, but my too much makes me happy, so I am fine with it.

I'm headed to the O Scale National in Denver in 2 weeks. Maybe I'll find something I can't live without.

Dick

I have enough trains, until I see the next one I'd like to have.

@Alentown posted:

Yes, I have enough trains, but I will continue to scour the Buy-Sell board as well as train shows when they resume. I'm ok with the second-hand market but will not put a new nickel in the economy of our nation's enemy.

Chuck,

I am with you in that I buy on the secondary market or at train shows.

I have more than enough trains to keep my grandsons happy till their retirement and beyond. Besides, I looking around to buy a second car/toy to have and watching the sites for the right Pontiac Firebird.

addiction  more and more

I feel that I have enough trains, at the moment.  I have them separated into which I can run on my home layout  (a point-to-point switching layout) and which I can run at the club, mostly passenger trains and road Diesels. Although I would like a brass Williams 2-8-2 or a scale FA/FB combo.

With regards to rolling stock,  I don't have the need to buy more, I have been kit bashing some cars into steel mill models suitable for my home layout.

Maybe when the train shows reopen,  my feelings might change.

Seems every time I decide to thin out the collection, I begin to focus on another avenue:  moving from postwar to prewar Lionel, for example, or expanding my HO Marklin collection (which has never really undergone a thorough purging, and probably never will).  Right now, I'm primarily interested in maintaining the collection I have, and if I purchase something new, more than likely it will be an item I already own, but in much better condition, in order to let one go.  Limiting myself to just two manufacturers and specific periods of production has helped keep things manageable.

My available layout space is much smaller than I had planned for so I've got more than enough trains and accesories and the pricing has pretty much stopped any new purchases for me.  Even set breakup pieces are selling for $20 more than they were a year and a half to two years ago.  I'm even scrutinizing secondary market purchases more closely now.  It's got to be real special before I'll pull the trigger.

no but i don't know if i'll ever be able to buy anymore the way my situation is

I have too many, but the hunt will never end.  Purchase boundaries are that items should be postwar Lionel, fit well on a 1957 era layout and are in good to excellent condition...and fit my wallet. I avoid Scale sized items and am waiting for the next train show so I can unload tinplate and non-Lionel.  We have been, like many of you, running trains since the 1940's, wherever we live, no matter the size of the room (or basement or attic).  As careers began and wives came along, multiple sets went to AZ, a few more to CT, and my last bedroom in NY became Dad's layout.  Today, all of that, and MUCH more are reunited under one roof, and bit by bit is being passed along to the 'new' career makers and their spouses.  Sister just got her 1930's Red Comet going again this month....isn't this what it is all about?   No, we never have enough... as long as we pass them down the line.

No, and my wife who supports me in this fun hobby does not let me sell anything because once I do she knows I will regret it. Do we own a lot of trains? Yes. Does anyone need a toy train? Yes!

I think that if more younger people got into this hobby then more people would understand.

Simply, does a stamp collector have enough stamps? No. The same question for baseball card collectors? No.

What about shoe collectors? No.

There could be a point where one does become a hoarder and gets trapped in their own home but that is few and far between.

So, my opinion is just have fun with the hobby! Oh, and yes, buy another train while you are at it!

Awakening, had one yesterday. Our club was invited to clean out an entire collection and layout that belonged to a gentleman who recently passed. We had one day to do it. Many great Vision Line and Legacy engines and newer rolling stock in great condition. Five or six suv's and pick up trucks full of trains all to be matched up with the boxes later, since there wasn't enough time to properly pack on site.  All donated!  Don't do this to your family

I feel as though I am unlike a lot of people here as I have a very limited budget and that alone influences most of my purchasing decisions.  However, even with that factor, I feel like I have plenty.  There are a lot of items that I think I would like to have, but I cannot justify spending the money.  I have made my peace with this by cherishing what I do have.  I inherited roughly 50% of my collection from my grandfather, so that will always have a special place in my heart.  The pieces that I have purchased were carefully chosen so that I would get higher quality for the $$.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Plenty, but that doesn't totally preclude buying something else.   However, I have actually been selling a few items to make space for incoming stock.

My problem is similar.  I am out of display room.  I try to replace them with same but new and improved.  I need a UP F or E to rplace an ALCO set.  some cars Steve is auctioning off for me.  Hard not to look at the catalogs and get away unscathed...Last one resulted in 2 preorder locomotives.  Have about 8 months to make room.

Have enough? What is that? Ran out of room adding on to basement? Should I add on to the upstairs? LOL looking at making a couple shelfs over 300 pieces of rolling stock, So yes always need more projects! (If I can afford the wood)

God Speed!

@Coca Cola guy posted:

I feel as though I am unlike a lot of people here as I have a very limited budget and that alone influences most of my purchasing decisions.  However, even with that factor, I feel like I have plenty.  There are a lot of items that I think I would like to have, but I cannot justify spending the money.  I have made my peace with this by cherishing what I do have.  I inherited roughly 50% of my collection from my grandfather, so that will always have a special place in my heart.  The pieces that I have purchased were carefully chosen so that I would get higher quality for the $$.

This is a very reasoned attitude.     Side note: don't ever let this become a contest of who has the most

More shelves on the way, and I'm working on clearing out some stuff to make room for my freight yard that will also have shelves above it.

Still keeping my eyes open for MTH engines.  🤓

Maybe rolling stock and caboose.

To borrow from George Carlin... "enough trains" is an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp.

No, but I don't have room for any more

Yes, I have enough trains and am quite happy with my collection.

I came back to the hobby about 25 years ago, collecting post-war Lionel.  Then switched focus to traditional modern trains. Then switched to semi-scale. Then a final switch to scale trains.  I have bought and sold a lot of trains over the time.  My switch to scale trains was also the time I ‘right’ sized my collection, going from a lot of less expensive trains to fewer more expensive trains.

I currently have 9 sets of trains, with a couple of ‘extra’ engines (plus 2 prewar Lionel sets).  These are my trains that I really value.  I tore down my permanent layout about 4 years ago and we have moved twice since then.  Nothing like having to pack up your trains twice to help figure out the ones you really want to keep.

The nice thing about having a smaller collection, is that I can enjoy them whenever I want.  They fit nicely into two deep 6 1/2’ high x 4’ wide display cabinets with glass doors that do a great job of keeping out the dust.  I do not have any trains stored away in boxes.

I am content with my trains, and don’t foresee ordering (or buying) any more trains.  I will likely order some more Fastrack when our new house is built and maybe upgrade some of my older train sets.

I will admit, however, that yesterday I ordered my first Scalextric digital 1:32 slot car set.  I’m planning of setting up a 4’x12’ slot car layout in the game room in our new house.  Much like digital systems have revolutionize model train operation, they have also revolutionize slot car racing.

Hoping to retire next year so that I can enjoy my hobbies even more!

Jim

I am content with all the nice trains I have.

@Mallard4468 posted:

To borrow from George Carlin... "enough trains" is an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp.

Yes........and very tasty.

George did have issues though.

Oh, yes, just not the right ones....no way to trade the superfluous for the "never been made".

To be honest, I have too many, but what can I say?

Hmmm,  sometimes but,....   BUT I am delightfully spending my children's inheritance,...    on trains, vacations, dining out, and soon,...   a new CyberTruck.   

Yes, I started collecting in August 2020. As I type I finally have all my Lionel UP FEF-3 844 , Challenger 3985, Big Boy 4014, UP Aux Tenders, VL Reefers, ATSF 3751 and all ATSF/UP Passenger cars, MTH RK Amtrak Surfliner sets and Legacy 990. I would like another Lionel Legacy SF/BN SD40. My train list has been empty for about a month.

I attempt to keep as much stress out of my life as possible. Life is tough enough as it is. One of the ways I do this is to not burden myself pondering questions like this.

It’s just sooo much easier to give in and buy whatever trains you like. They provide you with a lifetime of happiness. Why limit the things that make you happy?  Just let go and enjoy. Don’t worry, run trains!  

A year ago we downsized from the house we raised our kids in to a house just for us. In the process I took 10 full van loads of stuff to goodwill, filled an entire “Got Junk?” truck and recycled so much more.

So now I am in minimalist mode. Sold off some trains I just wasn’t using. If I buy train stuff (I hate you Berwyn Trains!), then I have to sell something first.

Problem I have encountered is I have 12 roads to choose from along with matching all the rolling stock to run with them for the time period. Staging the roads and taking them down has become quite tiresome. Many cars never get track time since I can’t decide which ones to run, thus loosing interest. I spend more time doing that than running the trains. Guess I do have too much? Problem is I like and plan to keep my lean collection as is. Everything is historically important to me.

I have enough locomotives (B&O and Pennsy TMCC GP9s) and rolling stock for my 5x6 layout. My next purchase will be a new Cab-1L control set. (Berwyns, I will call you soon!  : )

Sorting through my collection as I shuffled boxes about during layout construction, I discovered that I own 9 NYC Hudsons, which seems silly, including a Super that I didn't remember buying.  Do I really need 3 Dreyfuss Hudsons?  This is what happens when you gather trains over 30 years and procrastinate the culling decisions until you construct the layout that being a road warrior prevents you from starting.  Not to mention buying the best example of something 25 years ago and then the much better example 10 years ago.  So, with layout construction well underway, the culling process has begun.  Acquisitions will be limited to freight cars, the few "transition era" EMD diesels I don't have, and "quality upgrade" swaps of rolling stock.  Disposal when I'm gone will be difficult enough for my heirs, so anything not "in theme" must go.

Although my collection pales by comparison to many of you, I have much more than I should considering my paltry social security income.

However, if a deal unearths its head on a piece of PC equipment (Since I conducted on the PC) I'd foolishly buy it.

I have enough. I want more.

@KarlDL posted:

Sorting through my collection as I shuffled boxes about during layout construction, I discovered that I own 9 NYC Hudsons, which seems silly, including a Super that I didn't remember buying.  Do I really need 3 Dreyfuss Hudsons?  This is what happens when you gather trains over 30 years and procrastinate the culling decisions until you construct the layout that being a road warrior prevents you from starting.  Not to mention buying the best example of something 25 years ago and then the much better example 10 years ago.  So, with layout construction well underway, the culling process has begun.  Acquisitions will be limited to freight cars, the few "transition era" EMD diesels I don't have, and "quality upgrade" swaps of rolling stock.  Disposal when I'm gone will be difficult enough for my heirs, so anything not "in theme" must go.

Nine NYC Hudsons?!?!?!

Please do not take this the wrong way however.

ARE YOU NUTS!   

One word... NO

I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum in that I have too few trains.

This is a great post. Glad I’m not the only one who has had these thoughts..... the thrill of the hunt for the next item is the collectors bug I guess. I’m Happy for those who are content with the what they have, and I fully understand all those who “need” more. I’m just finding that storage becomes an issue as well as having to move trains when I work on the layout. But what can I say, I love all of my trains (and I’m glad I’m not alone in this)!  In my dream layout scenario if we some day build a garage loft, there will be lots of under the layout storage for boxes and trains!

HA!

Not enough trains

Not enough space

Not enough time

not enough money....

I need one more train, I have a short list of engines and rolling stock that I would like to have.  My layout needs an additional area that will give me more track.  Someone asked when I would have it finished I explained it  just seems to keep growing.  Never enough trains just need one more.

I probably had "enough" trains back around 1960. Fortunately my family didn't think so and I kept getting more Lionel for Christmas and birthdays. At this point I pretty much have enough Milwaukee Road stuff to keep me happy, at least in O gauge. I still like N scale so I buy some of those "smaller" trains occasionally.  

I thought I had enough trains. That was right before I purchased the last 2 engines. I don't need EVERY engine that the CNJ had from the mid 40's to the mid 50's (as well as a few supporting PRR and RRRR units), just a representative bunch. But when the opportunity arose to pick up an H-16-44 (which with a few minor mods will make a great H-15-44) which I can paint blue with tangerine stripes at a good price, well... The USRA 0-6-0 was just gravy, as it was already wearing CNJ paint, begging to come home with me.

I kinda put the brakes on about purchasing anymore trains. Some sets and engines I have 2, 3 and even 4 of them.  My problem, if I like it, I like it to where I'll buy more then one.

I have too many, but their are still specific loco's and cars I will buy if they are ever produced.

@Magicland posted:

I thought I had enough trains. That was right before I purchased the last 2 engines. I don't need EVERY engine that the CNJ had from the mid 40's to the mid 50's (as well as a few supporting PRR and RRRR units), just a representative bunch. But when the opportunity arose to pick up an H-16-44 (which with a few minor mods will make a great H-15-44) which I can paint blue with tangerine stripes at a good price, well... The USRA 0-6-0 was just gravy, as it was already wearing CNJ paint, begging to come home with me.

The H-15-44 sounds ambitious! How are you planning on doing the toothpaste stripes ( masking and airbrushing ? decals? tape stripes? other? )

@JET posted:

The H-15-44 sounds ambitious! How are you planning on doing the toothpaste stripes ( masking and airbrushing ? decals? tape stripes? other? )

It's actually very simple. Cosmetically, the only difference was cladding over the fuel and air tanks, which was later removed, at which point the H-15-44s were almost visually identical to the H-16-44s (majority of the side railings may need removed too). Thought I'd found a pic of 1502 still in tangerine and blue, but I've found the exact same pic showing green and yellow, so I think the color is just off, especially since it was supposedly from 1964, and I doubt it'd be wearing the original paint still. That tangerine faded quickly.

The unit I picked up is a blue SF one, so it should just need a quick coat of C&O/B&O blue, then I'll mask and airbrush the tangerine stripes, which on this unit are simple because they don't incorporate the logo on the ends as most others do. Hoping I have some heralds of the correct sizes lying about. I'll also have to see if the cab can be reversed, as CNJ ran them long-nose first, and currently the crew is facing the short nose.

Do I have too many?  Not sure, I am trying to decide whether it is worth it to sell off my scale size 2 rail Weaver Reading Crusader loco and five cars and my SGL brass Reading steam engine.   What do you all think they would bring?

Some months ago I was trying to find balance between my level of inventory and space to park or display everything.  Well, after lots of ads and dozens of sales I  can say  "The glut is gone!".

If all my locos and cars can  find a place to sleep at night, my answer would be yes, I have enough!

The SGL & Crusader set are the tipping point.

Only when my wife says she will divorce me if any more packages arrive at our door.

Space definitely becoming a problem and will only be worse when we downsize, so being VERY selective with my purchases.

I haven’t been featured on an episode of Hoarding: Buried Alive, so I’d have to say no

@Tom Tee posted:

Do I have too many?  Not sure, I am trying to decide whether it is worth it to sell off my scale size 2 rail Weaver Reading Crusader loco and five cars and my SGL brass Reading steam engine.   What do you all think they would bring?

Some months ago I was trying to find balance between my level of inventory and space to park or display everything.  Well, after lots of ads and dozens of sales I  can say  "The glut is gone!".

If all my locos and cars can  find a place to sleep at night, my answer would be yes, I have enough!

The SGL & Crusader set are the tipping point.

Say, it's not so regarding your SGL and Weaver Reading engines!

My 3R SGL and Weaver engines are two of the nine sets that are not going anywhere.

The Weaver Crusader set, in 3R, is one of the very few additions I would add to my collection.

My guess is that the SGL and Weaver engines would be fairly priced at $500-$600.  The SGL model is very well done and my 3R version runs very nicely.  The only down side with the SGL model is that they are one-offs and not very well know outside of Reading collectors.  Both are older brass models and are very faithful to the prototype.  My guess is that the Weaver passenger car set would be fairly priced at $800.  If I were selling these it would be at a fixed price and not auction (like eBay).  I have seen eBay prices all over the board.

Jim

wife says yes, I say no

I have way to many!   But I'm working on it.

No members of my family are interested in my trains. Either O or One Gauge.

In the past 4 to 6 years I have additionally accumulated a very large collection of One Gauge. I really have got into the outside garden layout.

SO my interest has declined in most of my O gauge collection. And it alone is out of hand in size. I have removed my 16X30 O gauge layout in the train room and most of it is going to be sold.

I very recently rented two large spaces at a local BIG flea Market. I'm inside a  secured building. Somewhat expensive but you get many visitors on the weekend. It's only open on the weekends. People from a considerable distance visit the area on weekends.

I have a circle of G and O gauge track set up so I can demonstrate anything that I sell. Even lighted buildings or operation accessories.

Plus of course kids love seeing the trains running around.

I have done better than expected on my first two weekends. I will continue to give it a good effort for several months and see how it goes.

I did not like the idea of a flea market at first but actually having some fun meeting people with all kinds of family train stories. lol

It does get me out of the house a little . I seemed to have turned into a hermit for the last decade or more.

No, I never have done e bay,  On the forum here I have in the past sold very few things.

Bought a **** of a lot.

Shipping is really hurting a good price on even expensive items so it's to much of a cost in most instance to give a train hobbyist a great deal on a item. Sometimes it adds as must as 50 plus percent.

I have thought about York because I have been there several times over the years. We will see.

Wow,  I haven't been this long winded in a long time.

Larry

PS Still having fun.

Larry,

I feel you pain regarding shipping.  I use to be active on eBay 15 years ago, but almost never use it anymore.  When I sold some of my trains pre-covid, I pretty much gave up on shipping stuff.  Ended up using craigslist and the letgo app.  If I were to sell stuff now I would probably try facebook marketplace (even though I'm not much of a facebook user).  Shipping is just too much of a hassle and too expensive.

Jim

Yes, I probably have more than enough, but I keep seeing stuff that I have to have. I have some trains new in box that I don't remember buying!

While my modest train budget doesn't allow for the new Acela Set,  it did allow me to pre-order the new Space Set from Lionel. And the add-on car. And the Dementors Coach for my Hogwarts set!

My other love is Beer brand Boxcars and apparently MTH made a lot of uncataloged beer cars. And so did Atlas. And Lionel has added some Coors, Miller, Hamm's and Budweiser cars.

I just found a new in box Atlas Robin Hood (Hits the Spot) Beer Boxcar at a decent price.

One passenger train.  One switcher.  One diesel to pull.  Maybe 20 cars.  Coal loader, log loader, and crane.   It all fits on the layout.   I have enough and feel blessed.   I take a break during the summer but I’ll be back in September!   Jeff

Looking to get 1 C&O (or chessie dot dot dot) passenger steamer w/ whistlesmoke, update my CSX freight engine to something newer than 1960, and get a B&O freight line with an allegheny.

I see that C&O allegheny on the for sale forum!!!

Once I get those 4? movers, I will be totally done. Its for a mix of myself, the daughter, and the grandkids, and I have a Kato Japanese trains to build a layout in the basement for.

It is a shame they don't have O gauge for Japanese freight/passenger, or I would get a set of those too!

My old 4x8 layout has turned into an O-36 test loop and engine storage, with more engines than can fit on it! (Articulateds takes up a large amount of space...) Even so I still am always looking to expand, one of these days will have built out a proper 8x12 layout to run all the O-72 giants that need the breathing room. (Floor layouts built every so often to do periodic engine runs) Enough may never be enough, although space constraints have curbed my buying over the past few months with lots of rolling stock sitting on towels on the floor awaiting the soon™ to be built 8x12. (ETA: ∞ years)