An incredible coincidence recently occurred involving me and my good Forum friend, Melgar.

First, I will share a little background. What Melgar said in his above post is 100% true. We not only follow each other on the Forum, but we regularly and frequently speak on the phone, especially during these challenging times, which has been a Godsend. We have a lot in common and respect, even admire, our differences.

What was the amazing coincidence?  Without any prior knowledge, we simultaneously bought the same locomotive in different road names!

This is what happened from my perspective.

About 1 week ago I saw a Forum post showing, and describing in glowing terms, the new MTH Premier NY Central F3 offered for sale by one of our Forum sponsors, JR Junction Train and Hobby from Syracuse, NY.  The photos of this locomotive were stunning, it was love at first sight, and I already had a great experience with that hobby shop, so I impulsively purchased the locomotive.

What did I do next? You guessed it.  I called Melgar to tell him about my purchase.  Lo and behold, Melgar purchased the same locomotive, but in the gorgeous Maine Central livery, the very same day! We saw the same Forum post, showing the same locomotive, and purchased it, in different road names, all on the same day.

I believe my purchase was even more impulsive than Melgar’s purchase because, unlike Melgar, I did not even look at the new MTH catalogue before making my purchase.  I saw the NY Central model shown in the Forum and immediately bought it, while Melgar first perused the catalogue on-line, and then picked out the Maine Central model that worked best for his layout. Truth is, even if I first looked at the catalogue, I probably would have chosen the same locomotive because of my interest in the Put and all things NY Central.  You can see the A and B units for this New York Central model on my layout in the photos below.

Arnold

Beautiful engines guys.  I hope you enjoy them for a good long time.  Do I make impulse buys?  In a word: YES.  That's why I have way too many trains in way too many road names.  Living on Lawn-Guy-Land, as Paul would say, there were lots of train retailers over the years and visits for one thing or to just kill time often lead to an impulse buy.

Beautiful engines guys. I especially like Mel’s MEC F3’s with matching caboose. For me, my impulse buy just happened yesterday. No pics and hoping the purchase arrives “sometime”.
I have the Lionel Conrail Office Car Special and I posted a video.  One of my FB friends “let me know”....”you know Don they make a matching E8 AA set to go with that”. 3 hours later and $900 lighter, they are on the way. This morning I wondered why I did it!

Donald

Waiting until the next day to buy something you thought about to me is not an impulsive buy.  An impulsive buy is seeing something for the first time, you like it and buy it right then without considering the consequences.

I made a few impulsive buys early in my train days.  I was on a business trip back in 1990 when I saw Lionel’s scale T-1 at a hobby shop.  It was stunning and I had to have it.  It just fit into the commuter airline’s overhead.  Turned out not to have been my smartest buy.

For the last couple of decades I buy off my “list”.  Not on the list, I don’t buy it no matter how much I like it.  That has worked out well to keep things under control.

Yes, with no excuses, and no remorse. I’ve worked my butt off for 37+ years. Time to enjoy the fruits of my labor while I’m on the right side of the dirt. Perhaps a smidgeon of selfishness??....in the complex routine of my giving and providing for my family, I see this as tiny drop of water in the cavernous bucket of my life,.....😉

Pat

Yes I am prone to making impulse buys if I am in a train store. I bought my first diesel set back before I realized that all MTH engines are not equal.  This set happened to be a "pre anything" 3 piece ABA unit . Nothing but a raspy sounding horn and a cantankerous  headlight. Eventually I may try to upgrade it.

The next one was a Face book market deal (close to where I live) It also turned out to be a very early MTH unit that I can not even track down as to its existence  except that I have it  ( a 4-6-4 hudson), again just a whistle that won't shut off if I am stupid enough to activate it. 

Other than that I hem and haw and read/search for info before buying. Sometimes I wait too long and the item gets sold before I can act. I view this as "It was not meant to be" and trust in the Almighty that he guides me to the best decisions.   

Nice engines Mel and Arnold. They say “Great minds ...something, something”.

As far as impulse buys for me. To my regret yes I make them. The biggest and most impactful I have made in the last few years was my O scale Dapol A1 Terrier I bought in England on a business trip a day after seeing the prototype.

From that one purchase I have gone down a rabbit hole of British 2R O scale. My home layout (NYC Apartment) is being reworked to turn of the century prototype. I love the smaller prototype in the large scale. Things have picked up since the spring lockdown. I have joined some online groups that focus on this narrow swath of things. I am even scratchbuilding passenger cars for it.

So the impulse has led to some fun projects.

I hope you guys are well and sincerely hope that someday a post Westchester train show lunch can happen again.

The last impulse purchase I made changed the direction of my train hobby BIG TIME! I bought the Lionel R-27 subway set as soon as I heard about it. Since then, I've dismantled my N gauge layout and have had nothing but NYC subway layout on the brain.

No, I do not make impulse buys. I limited myself to a couple roads and that is all I purchase. Fortunately for me the roads I choose to model are not made often by the manufacturers, which helps me stick to my program. I model the Monon and Chicago South Shore.

When my LHS Catotin Mountain Trains and Hobbies was open almost every time I went in the store he had a new piece of PENNSY power or PENNSY Cabin Car I would leave with. I think Paul planned it that way sometimes. Now not having a LHS not so much any more. The exception to that is when we visit our daughter in Roanoke VA and I visit my old friend Jim at The Rail Yard then I have to be careful as he has a large selection of Post War that I may leave with a piece or two.

Impulse buys????? ME??????? NEVER!!!!!!!!

Well never is a long time so what the heck!

Only almost every steam, diesel, and piece of rolling stock I own!

Great minds think alike Mel and Arnold.

Bob

No impulse buys.  If I see it, want it, and can afford it at the present time, it's usually mine.

Ohh, wait, maybe that is an impulse buy!

Arnold D. Cribari Why is your F3 smoking like a chuffing steam engine?  That does not seem correct.  Could you have a fan issue?

Here was my impulse buy.  My Son and I saw these NS F-7's in person and I fell in Love with them.  I saw the ABBA for sale here on the forum and purchased them.  Soon thereafter on a trip to Nicholas Smith (Coincidentally also NS) I saw the coach cars in Premier.  Bought them on the spot.

Now truthfully they ran absolutely terrible as a DCS lash-up.  I was so disappointed I almost sold them twice.  But I recently converted them to BlueRail and flipped the switch from DCS to DCC.  They run better on battery power and are now my absolute favorite engines to run.

Have Fun!

Ron

Yes, a good portion of trains I have were impulse buys. Too me that’s the enjoyment of the hobby. I too frequented Catoctin Mountain Trains who was mega MTH dealer. Very little to no Lionel premium engines stocked. Since I’m a Lionel guy if Paul had a Lionel item he knew I would most likely take it home.

I'm rarely an impulse buyer. When I do, I blame the Forum!

I am not an impulse buyer by the strict definition.  Like @Monon_Jim, I have roads I normally buy, Monon & ATSF mostly.  However, sometimes I will see a photo, article, what have you that peaks my interest in something outside of those and will make a purchase.  I consider those to be somewhat impluse buys, though they are not immediate.

Brendan

@3rail posted:

Beautiful engines guys. I especially like Mel’s MEC F3’s with matching caboose. For me, my impulse buy just happened yesterday. No pics and hoping the purchase arrives “sometime”.
I have the Lionel Conrail Office Car Special and I posted a video.  One of my FB friends “let me know”....”you know Don they make a matching E8 AA set to go with that”. 3 hours later and $900 lighter, they are on the way. This morning I wondered why I did it!

Donald

Don,

Whether it's a pre-order or an impulse-buy, when I wake up the next morning, the first thing I ask myself is why I did it...

MELGAR

@MELGAR posted:

Don,

Whether it's a pre-order or an impulse-buy, when I wake up the next morning, the first thing I ask myself is why I did it...

MELGAR

Suggestion, ....stop doing that!!...unless the person giving you answers at least agrees with the purchase, .......I’d let whoever you’re talking to pull the wool over your eyes!...

Pat

It's 1954 and we see on the west bank of the Hudson River this oil tanker unit train gliding by with New York Central F3 A and B units on the point:

Arnold

@MELGAR posted:

Don,

Whether it's a pre-order or an impulse-buy, when I wake up the next morning, the first thing I ask myself is why I did it...

MELGAR

Me too!  NH Joe

My first but was a impulse buy.  I was at a train show with my grandfather who had O scale stuff although I did not at the time.  I saw an MTH Premier Niagara and failing talking my grandpa into buying it, decided to buy myself.  Two years later I bought my MTH 765 at the same show from the same dealer, also on a whim.  Everything else was more or less planned.

@MELGAR posted:

Don,

Whether it's a pre-order or an impulse-buy, when I wake up the next morning, the first thing I ask myself is why I did it...

MELGAR

Yep Mel.....I do that a lot. I was selling a lot this year to attempt to downsize. Yes, I sold stuff. However, I think I bought more than I sold.

Don

Don,

It's an expensive hobby, no matter what you buy, so it's easy enough to second-guess yourself on any purchase.

MELGAR

I'm with GRJ, only in a different order, If I want it, and see it, it's in the basket.  Afford it, I think that where the impulse part comes in.

Mel,  Arnold and company,

I usually don’t make impulsive purchases, But....I leaned into the living dangerously territory recently. I pre ordered the MTH MEC F3 in two rail, scale. I have O scale MEC locos. Did I need another one? Well, in this covid age, there is no BIG E. So I did some accounting maneuvers according to saving on BIG E weekend.  While I am one who misses the show, I had $ reserve set aside for the 2021 show. So, I planned on it.

Note, I will be receiving it tomorrow! Kind of a Christmas present to me.
when the bill came for the balance I sort of felt  awkward! But didn’t second guess my decision. Nothing impulsive about that.
interesting topic.

Absolutely not.  That is how you end up with more than what you need.

@Leroof posted:

Mel,  Arnold and company,

I usually don’t make impulsive purchases, But....I leaned into the living dangerously territory recently. I pre ordered the MTH MEC F3 in two rail, scale. I have O scale MEC locos. Did I need another one? Well, in this covid age, there is no BIG E. So I did some accounting maneuvers according to saving on BIG E weekend.  While I am one who misses the show, I had $ reserve set aside for the 2021 show. So, I planned on it.

Note, I will be receiving it tomorrow! Kind of a Christmas present to me.
when the bill came for the balance I sort of felt  awkward! But didn’t second guess my decision. Nothing impulsive about that.
interesting topic.

Leroof (Pierre),

I'm pleased to hear that you splurged on an MTH MEC F3. For you, as a Maine resident, it is a sensible purchase, especially in view of what 2020 has been like in your field of work. Enjoy it.

MELGAR

I have lots more than I need.

Train shows can tempt me to impulse buy, however, even when a particular train item my be calling to me at a show, I avoid the impulse and wait an hour or two as I think it thru.  I may even wait several hours circling back to the vendor's booth several times as I ponder the purchase.  Once I've thought it thru I may or may not purchase the item.   And in the interim if the vendor sells the items before I make my decision, I figure I wasn't supposed to purchase the item anyway.     My process is basically: 1.) Can I afford the item?  2. ) Do I really need the item  and how will it fit into my overall layout scheme?   3.) I try to project how I might feel a few days after purchasing the item.  If these three questions line up positively then I more than likely will make the purchase.  

There have been times ( not many ) at shows when the price of the item was so ridiculously low that it was a no brainer to go ahead and purchase the item immediately.  One such time, back when K line announced they were going out of business,  I came across a vendor who had a set of brand new K line Pennsy MU cars for $80.  I had NO problem immediately pulling the trigger on that deal! LOL!  I still have the cars and never have regretted the purchase.   I tend to "sleep on it" before purchasing items,  be they trains or otherwise.  Sometimes while I snooze I loose, but what the heck,  thats the way it goes sometime.  

A few years ago I was perusing the Forum and came across a post by Steve (Mr Muffin) showcasing the then new Legacy L&N E8s resplendent in their (too) bright blue and cream colors. I've always liked the L&N scheme and ordered a pair without thinking it through. Not in the budget and I already had a beautiful scale Williams set with PS2 that are much closer to prototypical colors than the Lionel.   The Williams pair is for sale if interested...

A couple years ago just after retirement and returning to the hobby I walked into a shop with my wife and she asked the gentleman if he had any MA & PA items. His response floored me he had 2 locomotives and some rolling stock.  I hadn't even thought about asking because the stuff is so hard to find. I purchased the rolling stock left and took my wife to lunch. All during lunch I couldn't stop thinking about those 2 I left behind. Fortunately my wife spoke up during lunch and said I don't believe you didn't make that purchase. I returned to the shop and bought both. 

@GG1 4877 posted:

I have lots more than I need.

I passed that threshold 20 years ago.......

I do not have the discipline of many here on the forum... only model one or two railroads, only modeling a very specific time frame, only modeling a set geographic locale (and the lines that ran through it), and ESPECIALLY, only buy what I can run And I have no problem running a consist of maxi-stacks behind my BigBoy.

I tend to buy what strikes my fancy. While I tend to love Steam (especially of the big variety), I also love diesels... and can’t forget electrics!!! If seeing something that strikes my fancy in a catalog and ordering/purchasing it counts as impulsive, than pretty much all my purchases are impulsive. I don’t ever remember having buyers regret.

That being said, I did recently make a true “impulsive purchase” - it is NOT my fault... @MrMuffin’sTrains is totally responsible. I got one of Steve’s regular slippery slope emails which included a bunch of Christmas items, including two sets of MTH CP Holiday Train LED boxcars. With MTH likely going away, I was weak and couldn’t resist - they should arrive Tuesday. In the words of the great Edith Piaf, “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien”. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!!!

@Apples55 posted:

I do not have the discipline of many here on the forum... only model one or two railroads, only modeling a very specific time frame, only modeling a set geographic locale (and the lines that ran through it), and ESPECIALLY, only buy what I can run And I have no problem running a consist of maxi-stacks behind my BigBoy.

I tend to buy what strikes my fancy. While I tend to love Steam (especially of the big variety), I also love diesels... and can’t forget electrics!!! If seeing something that strikes my fancy in a catalog and ordering/purchasing it counts as impulsive, than pretty much all my purchases are impulsive. I don’t ever remember having buyers regret.

That being said, I did recently make a true “impulsive purchase” - it is NOT my fault... @MrMuffin’sTrains is totally responsible. I got one of Steve’s regular slippery slope emails which included a bunch of Christmas items, including two sets of MTH CP Holiday Train LED boxcars. With MTH likely going away, I was weak and couldn’t resist - they should arrive Tuesday. In the words of the great Edith Piaf, “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien”. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!!!

I like your approach Paul!..blame the pusher man!!.....

         Hey Arnold, .....that Steppenwolf song applies here ,...” The Pusher”

Pat

@MELGAR posted:

Don,

It's an expensive hobby, no matter what you buy, so it's easy enough to second-guess yourself on any purchase.

MELGAR

I agree I do this.  Even something that I have time to look into, it is on my list, wait a while before purchasing, and have the disposable income to do it, I will often second guess.  I do sell some, though it is usually because I found something else that will fill its spot more to my liking on the roster.  I often go to train shows and buy very little.  However in early November I was at the Monroeville Greenberg show and saw these for $150 for the pair, Legacy and non powered.  The Legacy one ran well, but both needed some work.  The most glaring need was the missing hood cover.  For $40 I bought the needed parts (except for one bell) at the Lionel sale and they are looking good.  Many here know that I usually buy Western Maryland engines.  Maybe I'll paint them for WM, but I do like the looks of the GN livery.

Well... yes and no...    I keep basically two running lists on my desk and a detailed budget list set aside for train purchases.

The first list is "impulse", meaning 'buy on sight' if found in a store or online (at a reasonable price!).  It's full of more rare things and is mostly essentials that have been carefully thought out over time (an Atlas Canadian Northern Reefer or two is at the top of that currently haha).

My other list is a "wish list".  Things I might like to get in the future but not really motivated to get, nor do I really need them.  If I really decide I want them, or build up a large surplus train budget, then they get bumped to impulse. (an example of this would be like a pacific daylight)

Absolutely on impulse. Since I don't model any specific road I run what I like whether the engine is period appropriate to the cars or not. I rarely pre-order or go looking for something specific so most of what I have is a result of it having struck my fancy at the time I saw it.

@Apples55 posted:

I do not have the discipline of many here on the forum... only model one or two railroads...

I did recently make a true “impulsive purchase” - it is NOT my fault - @MrMuffin’sTrains is totally responsible. I got one of Steve’s regular slippery slope emails which included a bunch of Christmas items... With MTH likely going away, I was weak and couldn’t resist

Paul,

1) After a while, I decided to limit my purchases to the New York Central and New England railroads and, as you know, especially the New Haven. That helped a little (I stopped buying Great Northern and PRR) but there were lots of railroads between New York and Maine.

2) The online sellers have been inundating me with emails as Christmas approaches - some of them multiple times a day.

3) The demise of MTH has not been far from my thinking about what to buy...

MELGAR

"Am I an impulse buyer?"

WUT?????

**** no!

Of course not.

Well, maybe once in a while. 

(Actually, I have outgrown that, pretty much.)

George

Do You Make Impulsive Purchases of Model Trains?

What?

Never.

who told you I do? Is my girl watching?

Whoa, those are nice engines. 2 rail? for sale? how much???

I have not purchased an engine on impulse since the last one I purchased on impulse.

Pat

I only buy Milwaukee Road, but wait. I figured MTH was never going to make Quill EP-3 Electric so on impulse I bought the closes thing I could find. Changed lettering to Milwaukee. Why didn't MTH make all the electrics ? I know now third rail is going to make one but I can't spend that kind of money. Wish I could. Don

@harmonyards posted:

I like your approach Paul!..blame the pusher man!!.....

         Hey Arnold, .....that Steppenwolf song applies here ,...” The Pusher”

Pat

Thanks for the support, Pat - as I don’t purchase Christmas themed trains (and, heretically, I don’t like The Polar Express ) I would have never purchased the Christmas boxcar set if I hadn’t been entrapped by Steve’s email (which everyone should sign up for if they don’t already get them ). QED!!!

For the record, I waited a full 30 minutes of agaonizing pain before I clicked the buy-it-now button for this LOL.

Dad had one of these when he was a toddler, brings back some memories

The time to buy it is when you see it. I make impulse purchases all the time!!

Moving train stuff to a new house will cure impulse purchases pretty quickly...

Rusty

@Rusty Traque posted:

Moving train stuff to a new house will cure impulse purchases pretty quickly...

Rusty

Really? Sure didn't with me.

@Rusty Traque posted:

Moving train stuff to a new house will cure impulse purchases pretty quickly...

Rusty

Not only did it not cure with me, in the process my entire family including me found out how much stuff I had and did not I had. But you know that old saying “He Who Dies with the most Trains wins” not sure what we will when but it sure is fun (expensive) competing!🤣🤣🚂🚂

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

An incredible coincidence recently occurred involving me and my good Forum friend, Melgar.

First, I will share a little background. What Melgar said in his above post is 100% true. We not only follow each other on the Forum, but we regularly and frequently speak on the phone, especially during these challenging times, which has been a Godsend. We have a lot in common and respect, even admire, our differences.

What was the amazing coincidence?  Without any prior knowledge, we simultaneously bought the same locomotive in different road names!

This is what happened from my perspective.

About 1 week ago I saw a Forum post showing, and describing in glowing terms, the new MTH Premier NY Central F3 offered for sale by one of our Forum sponsors, JR Junction Train and Hobby from Syracuse, NY.  The photos of this locomotive were stunning, it was love at first sight, and I already had a great experience with that hobby shop, so I impulsively purchased the locomotive.

What did I do next? You guessed it.  I called Melgar to tell him about my purchase.  Lo and behold, Melgar purchased the same locomotive, but in the gorgeous Maine Central livery, the very same day! We saw the same Forum post, showing the same locomotive, and purchased it, in different road names, all on the same day.

I believe my purchase was even more impulsive than Melgar’s purchase because, unlike Melgar, I did not even look at the new MTH catalogue before making my purchase.  I saw the NY Central model shown in the Forum and immediately bought it, while Melgar first perused the catalogue on-line, and then picked out the Maine Central model that worked best for his layout. Truth is, even if I first looked at the catalogue, I probably would have chosen the same locomotive because of my interest in the Put and all things NY Central.  You can see the A and B units for this New York Central model on my layout in the photos below.

Arnold

Great!

I was at @JR Junction Train & Hobby yesterday! (Yes, Sunday... tis the season!).

Thanks!

- Mario

My last impulse buy was a new Lionel Legacy Scale Polar Express locomotive nicely discounted. I found it purchasing a Christmas Train set for my grandchildren. Normally, I purchase SRR and L&N.

Me? Impulse Purchases? Never!
Ah, who am I kidding. I am a repeat offender

Impulse purchases so far for December:

• Weaver Brass John Wilkes
• (x2) K-line 18" cars
• Lionel NJ Zinc tank car
• (x4) MTH freight cars
• (x2) Weaver ACF Hoppers

All I do is work, virtually attend University, and run the trains. Since I am stuck at home and do not go out, I have diverted funds from typical social activities (restaurants, the theatre, etc.) to the Trains.  While I do miss going out with friends/family the extra trains do help, haha!

Normally I am not an impulse buyer but lately, I have seen some pretty darn good deals so I justify it by saying I am supporting my local businesses in troubling times.

Bryce

Thanks to Pat (@harmonyards) in another thread, I was made aware of this thread, so here I go.

I made an impulse MTH buy at lunch time today from Bill at Ready to Roll Trains in Miami.  Purchased their last MTH Premier Amtrak Genesis #156 with the 40th Anniversary Livery.  I absolutely love this livery and had it before in Rail King form.

Now, I am building an 12/13-unit Amtrak Silver Meteor consist, so technically this wouldn't really count as an "impulse buy" as intend to purchase the rolling stock.  However, as these locos are getting scarce (due to panic buying of MTH stuff), I figured it was now or never to get this loco at a great price new before the MTH shops close and then I'm at the mercy of secondary sellers mark-up prices.  Found out that Ready to Roll had one left, called Bill and purchased it.  I will have to get a second P42 to pull my consist, and so my eyes are set on #84 in the Blue Wave livery.

Here are some photos that I just took of it this afternoon on my drafting table cutting mat and Christmas layout.   Those 18.5 inches weighed in at 4 lbs 14.9 ounces.   

I am very happy with my impulse buy.  Consider it a Christmas present to myself.

I can relate to that all too familiar MTH foam packaging sitting next to the rails as that new engine sits beautifully on the track!  Congrats Amfleet25124 on the new addition to your family!

I absolutely used to make impulse purchases all the time.  However, I made a real effort this year to establish more self control as my collection had grown to epic proportions!  For the most part I've done a good job with the self-control thing...except for one slip-up in May when that same "Mario" guy (responsible for MELGAR & Arnold starting this thread) posted some photos of the MTH NYS&W GP40 that he just picked up at JR Junction.

One look at Mario's photos and I convinced myself I just had to have that engine.  My new-found self control went right out the window, and I immediately ordered it from @JR Junction Train & Hobby.  That turned out to be my first MTH scale-wheeled locomotive purchase, so in all seriousness, I'm very glad it happened!

Made way too many this year, mainly from my friend DJ. A few subways, Legacy K4, pair of S2s the list goes on and on. A few buildings along the way too, BLI NYC water tower, proses engine house, K-Line NYC Diner and MTH southern passenger station.

@MELGAR posted:

I usually buy model trains after careful consideration. I rarely buy on impulse and never sell anything. I prefer to read the catalog, decide what I want, pre-order, and wait for the item to be delivered. There are no hobby stores close enough for me to look at model trains before I buy. Train shows can sometimes cause exceptions to this policy.

Arnold Cribari and I have been Forum friends for several years. We talk a few times each week, discuss trains, layouts, politics, baseball, and anything else that comes up. Recently, a Forum post showed photos of two just-released MTH Premier models – New York Central and Maine Central EMD F3 diesel locomotives. The models looked stunning, but I resisted and didn’t order one or talk to Arnold that day. I looked at the Forum post over and over. By early the next morning I had decided to buy the Maine Central version and promptly called a Forum sponsor to place my order so that I didn’t miss out on what I thought might be a limited-availability model. After all, the MEC was a New England railroad. Exactly what I collect and run. How could I pass it up?

During our conversation that afternoon, Arnold quickly admitted to me that he had made an impulsive purchase of a New York Central A-B set that he had seen on the Forum. I confessed to having done the same with the MEC. We both had a good laugh and attempted to justify our purchases to each other – perhaps in a way akin to what might transpire between two ten-year-old boys. So much for careful consideration prior to purchase.

Some pictures and videos of my MEC #686 diesel are shown below. MTH did an outstanding job on this model. Arnold will show his NYC version next and also explain why his purchase was essential.

Do you make impulsive purchases of model trains? Arnold and I would like to hear your thoughts – and perhaps, your excuses.

MELGAR

Used to buy a lot when friend “Jack Daniels” came to visit.  Not so much when he is not around🙈

@Oscale_Trains_Lover_ posted:

Me? Impulse Purchases? Never!
Ah, who am I kidding. I am a repeat offender

Impulse purchases so far for December:

• Weaver Brass John Wilkes
• (x2) K-line 18" cars
• Lionel NJ Zinc tank car
• Atlas Ballantine Reefer
• (x4) MTH freight cars
• (x2) Weaver ACF Hoppers

All I do is work, virtually attend University, and run the trains. Since I am stuck at home and do not go out, I have diverted funds from typical social activities (restaurants, the theatre, etc.) to the Trains.  While I do miss going out with friends/family the extra trains do help, haha!

Normally I am not an impulse buyer but lately, I have seen some pretty darn good deals so I justify it by saying I am supporting my local businesses in troubling times.

Bryce

Bryce, at you age (20 or 21 as I recall) and at the rate you're going, I predict that you will get all of our trains at ridiculously law prices down the road. LOL, Arnold

I'm with Andy, would love another post Westchester show luncheon with good friends.

Paul I often skip Steve's emails without opening for that very reason.

Mel I don't remember if the switcher you purchased at the Westchester show a few years ago was an impulse buy or had you desired one for a long time?

I just couldn't help myself yesterday. There it was a Wabash F-3 A-B-A by Williams ( when Jerry still owned Williams ) new in boxes. Winning bid $99 Plus shipping and S.C. taxes. Total out the door was $151. 34 The B unit is worth about what I paid for all before shipping. It's still in it's sealed box.

@coach joe posted:

Mel I don't remember if the switcher you purchased at the Westchester show a few years ago was an impulse buy or had you desired one for a long time?

Joe,

I had been wanting to buy a Lionel "Made in USA" postwar locomotive for years because I have only modern scale-sized trains. So, I had been shopping at train shows with the intention to buy for a while but hadn't found what I was looking for. The switcher at Westchester seemed to be a very nice example. It still sits on a siding at the front of my layout. So - not really an impulsive purchase in my opinion.

I do hope we can get together at Westchester in 2021.

MELGAR

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Bryce, at you age (20 or 21 as I recall) and at the rate you're going, I predict that you will get all of our trains at ridiculously law prices down the road. LOL, Arnold

Arnold,

I hope that is not for a very long time, I want all of my forum friends to live long and healthy lives!
Looking into the future, I do feel sorry for my future wife... If I continue this pattern, I will need a very large basement or one of those big metal garages that can store several tractor trailers, haha!

Bryce

@Oscale_Trains_Lover_ posted:

Arnold,

I hope that is not for a very long time, I want all of my forum friends to live long and healthy lives!
Looking into the future, I do feel sorry for my future wife... If I continue this pattern, I will need a very large basement or one of those big metal garages that can store several tractor trailers, haha!

Bryce

Bryce, your above reply reminds me of something I love to tell people during these challenging times: Live Long and Prosper (as I hold up my left hand separating my middle and ring fingers the way Mr. Spock did in Star Trek). LOL, Arnold

AHHHHhhhh, NO,   duhhhhh!!

....wait, what's that mean, what is this word,,, "Impulsive".............

I’m with you Frank!  😄

I have all the engines and rolling stock I need but still sometimes can't pass up a bargain. A forum member who lives about 10 miles away has done some ERR upgrades for me and, while picking up an upgrade, he told me he was unloading all his semi-scale engines and offered me his K-Line semi-scale NYC Hudson with TAS TMCC and 4 chuffs. I already have a Lionmaster NYC Hudson, but the K-Line is terrific (though not quite as majestic as its scale big brother). He gave me a great price to avoid headaches of listing and shipping.

Like @rtraincollector above, some of my purchases have been low-cost auctions that I run for a while and then re-sell. I've been toying with picking up a Lionel Lines tender shell for a Jr Berk but see an entire LL Jr Berk with older TMCC for a good price. Don't need it, but when the tender shell would likely cost $50, it's hard to pass up another $75-$100 for the entire engine, tender, and TMCC controls.

Very bad impulse purchaser, I am. I particularly hate it when someone else buys a locomotive off eBay that I'm watching. If I get time to come up for air this evening, I'll post photos of my latest impulse purchase from Mr. Muffins.

To help keep my impulse purchases at bay, I keep meticulous spreadsheets of my model railroad acquisitions, including date purchases, when they were received, exactly how much I paid for the item(s), who I bought them from, etc...  This helps me visualize the amount of money I'm throwing at this "hobby".

Anthony

What ?  Nope, never.... Oh, look, shiney , LOL

Anthony,

You're killing me .  Ha! Ha! I knew I wasn't rare with my detailed spread sheet on money spent, but it's good to hear the testament of a fellow impulse buyer "at bay" who keeps track, too! (Pun intended).

It's odd sometimes, isn't it, when you win a bid and then you're torn between thinking it's a good thing and then having to record the amount spent on the spreadsheet with the reality that this hobby's cash register goes "cha ching" yet again?  I haven't looked at my total in a long time but it's there, always lurking.  Eventually, I have to face the numbers and get my insurance company to update my total in case my basement floods.

When I bought my Harley 23 years ago, I discovered the true meaning of HD:  Hundred Dollars for every tiny piece of chrome to add on.  This pleasure hobby is very similar except more unlimited in how much is enough because enough never seems to be on the horizon.

Mike

No, I NEVER make impulsive purchases. Nope. Never. Not once.

Now if you believe that I have a brand new bridge in San Pedro that I can sell you cheap.

Yes.  I just signed up for the GSC for 2021, both cars.  They will probably go up on the shelf with the rest of my GSC cars.  I read that the cars are due 3rd quarter of 2021.  The race is on to see whether the 2020 car arrives before the 2021 cars.  Oh well, they are only going up on the shelf anyway.

@A. Wells posted:

To help keep my impulse purchases at bay, I keep meticulous spreadsheets of my model railroad acquisitions, including date purchases, when they were received, exactly how much I paid for the item(s)

Anthony

I believe I would be very afraid to create a similar spreadsheet with what I own right now.   I'm sure the number on the spreadsheet would be VERY different than then number in my head that I created.

Have fun.

Ron

@Ron045 posted:

I believe I would be very afraid to create a similar spreadsheet with what I own right now.   I'm sure the number on the spreadsheet would be VERY different than then number in my head that I created.

Have fun.

Ron

I tend to keep my inventory a secret from the CFO. It would only cause issues (lol).

I don't go as far as a spreadsheet, but I do pretty much the same thing on a calendar, Date ordered or "bid accepted", when it arrived, condition, and other pertinent notes. Also an inventory list that is updated as needed.

  As to impulse? Yeah sometimes and to be honest , those are the ones I regret in most cases.

Ah-yup!

I don't know how many Maine rail fans could resist. Lionel released the two gp-7s and MtH  F-3's. I'm operating a legacy system so I was concerned that operating mth would be a pain. Legacy station in Georgia sold me a remote commander that patched into my system so I can run both at the same time. Then I ended up with 686,681,683&671b . I think there are two more I can't seem to find. Another dummy a and a b.

Good Morning,

The only one that knew the answer to that question, until now, was eBay. OOPS...

Dave

The F/S post was barely 2 minutes old when I emailed the seller and scooped these up.

They are conventional with pullmor motors. An AC commander is awaiting install soon.

Bob

@Loose-Caboose posted:

I tend to keep my inventory a secret from the CFO. It would only cause issues (lol).

I am the CFO, COO, and CCO.  However, the CEO has access to everything and so far she has approved everything except a new motorcycle.  Ever since she had an accident on hers, she doesn't want me on one anymore.  I can live with that since she just approved a new fixed wing drone purchase and the repair of my Weaver Passenger Shark.

Luckily I don't have to clear my purchases with the "financial division" of my household since his father had the model train hobby for as long as he can remember. I just get "  that's neat,your paying for it". I could very well over spend but Maine Centrals 2021 budget stops at $1000 a purchase until I pay it off. And I have a friend who builds layouts professionally for a living and he finds sweet deals all the time.

Most of my buying has been at train shows and I will impulse buy after some quick deliberation as to if I need it or really want it.  I do that at estate and garage sales for just about anything, as I go to many more of them.   I have learned to act quickly after seeing an item, being unsure and passing only to reconsider and go back to that table and it is gone.  Once or twice I just put it back on the table and someone quickly picked it up and bought it.

I seldom buy on line and only have impulse bought a few times.  On line has lost a lot of my interest with too many buyers bidding things up now and higher shipping and sales tax.

On line impulse buying worked out once when I bought alike new 0-8-0 switcher that was way more than I should have paid.  It was damaged during shipping and the seller offered to let me have it for the shipping cost.  I was able to fix most of the damage that was details I could glue back on and it runs great, which is more important than any minor damage or repairs to me.

Charlie

I impulse bought my two rail MTH MEC F3 the week before you and Arnold posted yours! I never buy anything new! Always secondary market beaters that need renovation for down and dirty postwar type layout. This was very unusual for me.

probably a very late night decision.

happy I did. Still in the box though! Lol.

also, I think West Chester toy and train meet is where impulsivity reigns! We gotta do the luncheon and do the impulse confessions! Lol. What do you think?

Yes, online shipping and tax stops me in purchasing used items.  A price on a car may OK if you found it at a train show, which there are none of around here, but then the other charges make a $14 car, $30 and not a good deal.  I ran across a seller on Mercari that was selling things where the price, shipping and tax seemed to work out about the 'Good' level in Greenberg's, so at least there, you are not paying a premium for just a good car, but your not getting a train show deal either.  One online store that sells both on ebay and their website, actually charges more shipping and handling if you buy off their website than for the same item if bought off of ebay.

How timely this neat topic came up again.  Just yesterday this Premier F3 AA set came in the mail from Ottawa, Ontario.  No, it's not Maine Central, but is Western Maryland.  I told myself I wasn't going to buy any more ProtoSound (PS1 if you will), but though it was made in 1995, it was new in the box except he put a BCR in it and checked out operation.  It turned out his price was in Canadian dollars, so I got it for less than $200.  It runs great for a PS.  I have installed PS3 upgrade kits, but with the availability and who knows about upgrade kits with the 'New MTH', I may put ERR in it since I do run TMCC also.

@Leroof posted:

also, I think West Chester toy and train meet is where impulsivity reigns! We gotta do the luncheon and do the impulse confessions! Lol. What do you think?

Forgive me Father for I have impulse bought!

I may be in for the Westchester show.

@Mark Boyce posted:

How timely this neat topic came up again.  Just yesterday this Premier F3 AA set came in the mail from Ottawa, Ontario.  No, it's not Maine Central, but is Western Maryland.  I told myself I wasn't going to buy any more ProtoSound (PS1 if you will), but though it was made in 1995, it was new in the box except he put a BCR in it and checked out operation.  It turned out his price was in Canadian dollars, so I got it for less than $200.  It runs great for a PS.  I have installed PS3 upgrade kits, but with the availability and who knows about upgrade kits with the 'New MTH', I may put ERR in it since I do run TMCC also.

Those are sharp Mark. I won't tell.....

Normally, I'm pretty good about avoiding impulse purchases, at least as far as locomotives go.  A couple months ago I crossed the line, actually several lines.  I'm blaming MELGAR for my indiscretion.  You see, I model the Penn Central so there are no steam operations on my layout.  Additionally, I have O42 curves, which limits the size of the locomotives that I can operate on my layout.  Some time ago MELGAR posted some photos and video of his new Legacy Ten Wheeler.  I fell in love with the sound and smooth operation of his loco.  I realized that it would be a perfect locomotive for my small pike.  If I ever found one in NYC paint I would jump on it.

While working in northeast Ohio last fall I stopped by Forum sponsor Stockyard Express.  Low and behold, sitting on the shelf was a Legacy NYC Ten Wheeler.  My co-worker, who had never been in a train shop, told me I looked like I had seen a ghost.  I explained to him the story and told him that if I had the cash in my "Train Fund" I was coming back to buy it.  When I got home that evening I confirmed that the funds were available.  The following Saturday I drove the 2 1/2 hours to Oberlin, praying that the locomotive had been sold the whole time.  When I walked into the shop I was greeted by Clyde and another employee.  I said "Hi", looked at the shelf and muttered "S--t" as the locomotive was still there.  Clyde pulled the engine down so I could inspect it.  Everything was perfect.  He then took it to his display layout and ran it for me.  Again, perfection.  I agreed to purchase it and pulled out a wad of cash as his employee boxed it up.

The entire trip home I was second guessing myself for buying this locomotive.  When I got home and showed my wife, she was actually anxious to see it run.  It has actually been seeing quite a bit of run time since I bought it.  So what if it is pulling a bunch of Penn Central freight cars.  I'm actually glad I was able to find this engine.  By the way...Thanks MELGAR!

Tom

I definitely, absolutely, positively, emphatically DO NOT make impulsive model train purchases... I have been, all too often, the unwitting victim of manufacturer tomfoolery and vigorous arm twisting. Take, for example, this recent unplanned purchase... a Lionel Camelback. My recent affinity for small steamers aside, I never thought I would ever purchase a camelback, but Lionel just had to go and make a D&H version. I ask you... can I really be held responsible??? That’s my story and I’m sticking to it

P.S. as the CEO, CFO, COO, and CTO (a job I admittedly stink at) of The Hemlock Line, my purchases are between me, the Good Lord, and my credit card company

Paul, you have certainly been victimized!  What a crime!  And a camelback at that!  🤷‍♂️

@RSJB18 posted:

Forgive me Father for I have impulse bought!

I may be in for the West Chester show.

Unfortunately Bob, I believe the Westchester show (in White Plains in Westchester County) is no more - Tom, aka @PRR8976 might have more definitive info.

Now, with regard to your confession, for your penance, it will cost you 1 LIRR, 1 NH, and two Yuenglings!!!

Hmm, yes, Stockyard Express is extremely dangerous Tom.  I found myself with an unintentional Conrail covered hopper a couple months ago.

@Tom Densel posted:

Normally, I'm pretty good about avoiding impulse purchases, at least as far as locomotives go.  A couple months ago I crossed the line, actually several lines.  I'm blaming MELGAR for my indiscretion... Some time ago MELGAR posted some photos and video of his new Legacy Ten Wheeler.  I fell in love with the sound and smooth operation of his loco.  I realized that it would be a perfect locomotive for my small pike.  If I ever found one in NYC paint I would jump on it.

... I stopped by Forum sponsor Stockyard Express.  Lo and behold, sitting on the shelf was a Legacy NYC Ten Wheeler.  I agreed to purchase it and pulled out a wad of cash as his employee boxed it up.

I'm actually glad I was able to find this engine.  By the way...Thanks MELGAR!

Tom

@Apples55 posted:

I definitely, absolutely, positively, emphatically DO NOT make impulsive model train purchases... I have been, all too often, the unwitting victim of manufacturer tomfoolery and vigorous arm twisting. Take, for example, this recent unplanned purchase... a Lionel Camelback. My recent affinity for small steamers aside, I never thought I would ever purchase a camelback, but Lionel just had to go and make a D&H version. I ask you... can I really be held responsible???

Tom,

I really like my Lionel Legacy Ten-Wheeler locomotives but the New York Central version that I purchased recently was pre-ordered - and was not an impulsive purchase. I'm glad you like yours.

Apples55,

On the other hand, I've been reading about the just-delivered Lionel Camelbacks but hadn't planned to buy one. However, the Forum reviews changed my mind and I now have a Long Island version - purchased on impulse. I will post some photos and a video when I get it running. But I'm not responsible if Tom buys one based on what I say about it...

MELGAR

@Apples55 posted:

Unfortunately Bob, I believe the Westchester show (in White Plains in Westchester County) is no more - Tom, aka @PRR8976 might have more definitive info.

Now, with regard to your confession, for your penance, it will cost you 1 LIRR, 1 NH, and two Yuenglings!!!

Paul (& all),

As a vendor...as far as the Westchester Toy & Train Show, last time that I checked directly with one of the shows organizers, he did not know of any changes (from no shows).

I also contacted the host, the Westchester County Center staff, who said they thought there would be no shows of any kind for the foreseeable future because they were about to be involved with children's vaccines...but then more recently (around Nov. 18th), in the news it was said they will not be taking part in that. I seem to remember the County Center staff saying there would need to be a period when they reconfigure the space...maybe a few weeks for that. At this point, it does not look good for this year.

Tom

@Apples55 posted:

Unfortunately Bob, I believe the Westchester show (in White Plains in Westchester County) is no more - Tom, aka @PRR8976 might have more definitive info.

Now, with regard to your confession, for your penance, it will cost you 1 LIRR, 1 NH, and two Yuenglings!!!

Let's see.....I have a MTH LIRR RS-1 w/PS3 on pre-order (I count pre-orders as an impulse)........always on the hunt for NH........

and what's the curve radius on the Camelbacks?????

Yuengling's are in the fridge!

YES!!...#13 in the GG1 collection...like potato chips...can't just have one..

Unfortunately... yes.  And in multiple train scales no less.

Thankfully I have reduced that habit massively the past year or so, and now mostly only buy what I need and what will stay with me long term.  Still trying to sell off some of those impulse buys.

@Amfleet25124 posted:

Unfortunately... yes.  And in multiple train scales no less.

Thankfully I have reduced that habit massively the past year or so, and now mostly only buy what I need and what will stay with me long term.  Still trying to sell off some of those impulse buys.

I'm with you there - N, Z, O and now just a little HO (I promise I'm stopping after this). The issue is Marx. It's his fault for putting out so many colourful cars in so many styles. Last week I won a lnib #21 set off the auction site. I told myself no more trains... Then the day after a reversing clockwork loco came up. I had no interest in the loco but the reversing motor is going in a project, let's see what else he has. Oh. More Marx cw cars. Ok, combine shipping pls. It's just too easy.

@RSJB18 posted:

Let's see.....I have a MTH LIRR RS-1 w/PS3 on pre-order (I count pre-orders as an impulse)........always on the hunt for NH........

and what's the curve radius on the Camelbacks?????

Yuengling's are in the fridge!

Per Lionel, the camelbacks run on O-31 And MELGAR pointed out there is a Long Island version

@PRR8976 posted:

Paul (& all),

As a vendor...as far as the Westchester Toy & Train Show, last time that I checked directly with one of the shows organizers, he did not know of any changes (from no shows).

I also contacted the host, the Westchester County Center staff, who said they thought there would be no shows of any kind for the foreseeable future because they were about to be involved with children's vaccines...but then more recently (around Nov. 18th), in the news it was said they will not be taking part in that. I seem to remember the County Center staff saying there would need to be a period when they reconfigure the space...maybe a few weeks for that. At this point, it does not look good for this year.

Tom

Thanks Tom. As they used to say in Brooklyn... Wait till next year!!!

@joe krasko posted:

YES!!...#13 in the GG1 collection...like potato chips...can't just have one..

After number 12, 13 sounds more like a compulsion than an impulse   I love GG1’s, but I’m way behind you at 5. Hope you will post a picture of the collection!!!

Haven't made an imulse "train' buy in while, but i did break down and buy a shirt online yesterday...  I've basically run out of track space to display my engines, rolling stock, and passenger cars.  I'm thinking of a winter addition to my present "L-shaped" layout configuaration to create additional sidetracks and a main line loop I'll call it for now...

@joe krasko posted:

YES!!...#13 in the GG1 collection...like potato chips...can't just have one..

@joe krasko--Joe, That seems odd (says the guy with too many prewar steam switchers...but really what is too many)!

I may have mentioned this before that I belonged to an HO train club in the 1970's and dad used to drive me to the club which was somewhere near Port Chester. We used to see GG1's going by on the New Haven Division several times as we got off I-95 at Port Chester near the old United Hospital.

Whatever makes you happy is always a good thing.

Tom

@Apples55 posted:

Per Lionel, the camelbacks run on O-31 And MELGAR pointed out there is a Long Island version

Trainworld has 8 in stock.......slowly I turn.........

Although 031 min is questionable on 027 especially with steamers.

@Apples55 posted:

After number 12, 13 sounds more like a compulsion than an impulse   I love GG1’s, but I’m way behind you at 5. Hope you will post a picture of the collection!!!

I'm up to 17 scale O GG1s at last count.  Most recent one was a PC Weaver brass one.  If I include my 2332 that would make 18.    It's been a while since I've lined them all up.  Last time I did I think I only had 12.

At the same time I went on a bit of brass buying binge.  All two rail except for the 3rd Rail SP Mikado for the future layout that is fully designed in my head somewhere.  Here are some of the pieces.

Some other impulse buys of late have been GGD heavyweight cars in both 2 rail and 3 rail.  I just really like them so much and when the price is right, the road name doesn't matter much.  I have been buying decals too as a result.

Finally, I have a set of Sunset DD1s on the way to replace the MTH ones I sold.  A forum member who knows I collect 2 rail brass offered them to me and I could not say no!

To answer the OP's question.  YES!

I made another one and boy am I happy about it! I was not looking to get a 3rd Rail, Erie S-4 NIB but for the price I could not say no.



Bryce

@Oscale_Trains_Lover_ posted:

I made another one and boy am I happy about it! I was not looking to get a 3rd Rail, Erie S-4 NIB but for the price I could not say no.


Bryce

Bryce, Sometime that is exactly how it goes.  For the price, you can’t say no.

I’m glad some of you still enjoy the fun of making an impulse buy. I have a good track record with it personally. Sometimes my most thoroughly researched and well thought out purchases backfire because I am just not excited about the item. Who cares if it’s historically accurate and fits in if you’re not excited about it.

But that’s just me.

Most of my stuff has been impulse buys now, although I'm trying to keep myself from doing it so much since my last big impulse buy, which was a Railking Imperial Big Boy, decided to throw a board issue at me three hours after I got it outta the box.... Sent it off for repairs last weekend so hopefully that'll be back by Christmas, at least I have one now I guess.

@Mark Holmgren 110217 posted:

I’m glad some of you still enjoy the fun of making an impulse buy. I have a good track record with it personally. Sometimes my most thoroughly researched and well thought out purchases backfire because I am just not excited about the item. Who cares if it’s historically accurate and fits in if you’re not excited about it.

But that’s just me.

Mark, I agree that sometimes the impulse buy is what you end up liking the most.  

Having gotten back into the hobby after a 53 years most of the last 12 months have been impulse buys.  So much to learn, so many tempting choices, so many beautiful locomotives and my grandkids egg me on about buying "just one last" engine or car.  Bought a lot of post war stuff but have only recently discovered the joy of LionChiefs and Legacy locos, so I'm sure I'll be making more than a few more impulse purchases.

Do I make impulsive purchases of model train stuff?

Im an impulsive guy so yes, and I enjoy the impulsiveness often impulsive at train shows which I miss, (Milwaukee and Madison didn’t open  this year). Sometimes the magazines run an article about something that I didn’t know I had to have so that. Aquarium car comes to mind.
I worry more about purchasing wrong, already had it, doesn’t fit size or color with what I had planned to do. Realize that I’m not running that Line anymore, etc.

The only caution I put out is not to acquire beyond what you can run. Or if collecting beyond storage and viewing maybe. Going from collecting to running needs change.

Impulsive smashpulsive worse things in life and worse things to be impulsive about,

Happy  Holidays

Yes this month, I recently made impulse purchases for K-Line Amtrak Surfliners passenger cars, six MTH Metrolink Bombardier Cars and F40 Engine, Lionel Union Pacific Southern Pacific Heritage 1996 SD70ACE, 15-18 Lionel UP Challenger/Excursion/Station Sound Diners/Flag Baggage 21" Passenger Cars, MTH Premier Santa Fe F3 ABA Units, Lionel Southern Pacific SD40-T engine, Lionel Vision Line ATSF Stock Cars, Lionel SP PS1 Black and Silver Overnight Boxcars and two with Freight Sounds, MTH Railking Phase 3 Amfleets and F40 engine and five Lionel ATSF Map & Slogan Boxcars. I pretty much got these because some were hard to find and cheap as well.

I think my Lionel 3985 Challenger, Burlington Northern SD40-2 and Santa Fe SD40 were impulse buys too.

@Tom Densel posted:

Normally, I'm pretty good about avoiding impulse purchases, at least as far as locomotives go.  A couple months ago I crossed the line, actually several lines.  I'm blaming MELGAR for my indiscretion.  You see, I model the Penn Central so there are no steam operations on my layout.  Additionally, I have O42 curves, which limits the size of the locomotives that I can operate on my layout.  Some time ago MELGAR posted some photos and video of his new Legacy Ten Wheeler.  I fell in love with the sound and smooth operation of his loco.  I realized that it would be a perfect locomotive for my small pike.  If I ever found one in NYC paint I would jump on it.

While working in northeast Ohio last fall I stopped by Forum sponsor Stockyard Express.  Low and behold, sitting on the shelf was a Legacy NYC Ten Wheeler.  My co-worker, who had never been in a train shop, told me I looked like I had seen a ghost.  I explained to him the story and told him that if I had the cash in my "Train Fund" I was coming back to buy it.  When I got home that evening I confirmed that the funds were available.  The following Saturday I drove the 2 1/2 hours to Oberlin, praying that the locomotive had been sold the whole time.  When I walked into the shop I was greeted by Clyde and another employee.  I said "Hi", looked at the shelf and muttered "S--t" as the locomotive was still there.  Clyde pulled the engine down so I could inspect it.  Everything was perfect.  He then took it to his display layout and ran it for me.  Again, perfection.  I agreed to purchase it and pulled out a wad of cash as his employee boxed it up.

The entire trip home I was second guessing myself for buying this locomotive.  When I got home and showed my wife, she was actually anxious to see it run.  It has actually been seeing quite a bit of run time since I bought it.  So what if it is pulling a bunch of Penn Central freight cars.  I'm actually glad I was able to find this engine.  By the way...Thanks MELGAR!

Tom

STOCKYARD EXPRESS  is a very dangerous place to JUST  LOOK  AROUND Tom !!!

That hardly noticeable little smile that Clyde has in his photos and in person should be able to tell you that you are going to be releaved of your available funds.

Judy and I traveled 3 3/4 hours to see what the ' spiders web ' was like.        

Bought the MTH  Nativity steamer and two of the Nativity flatcars and a spare Z controller.   I can't remember if we bought anything else since my head was spinning by then. 😨

Seriously though , it was a great experience seeing so much product and getting to meet Clyde and his helper.  👍   Good people.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

STOCKYARD EXPRESS  is a very dangerous place to JUST  LOOK  AROUND Tom !!!

That hardly noticeable little smile that Clyde has in his photos and in person should be able to tell you that you are going to be releaved of your available funds.

Judy and I traveled 3 3/4 hours to see what the ' spiders web ' was like.        

Bought the MTH  Nativity steamer and two of the Nativity flatcars and a spare Z controller.   I can't remember if we bought anything else since my head was spinning by then. 😨

Seriously though , it was a great experience seeing so much product and getting to meet Clyde and his helper.  👍   Good people.

The MTH Nativity steamer and Nativity flatcars!!  I didn’t know they existed until now. I’ve never ventured out to Stockyard Express, but bought from Clyde both times I went to York.  Oberlin is only half the distance as York at 2 1/2 hours.

Added 21 GGD heavyweight cars to my collection in the last three months ... no further comment.

It had a ($250) hiccup or two at first but I'm definitely glad I decided to pull the trigger on this. I've wanted a Big Boy since I was a kid with HO and while this might be the smaller Railking one, this thing can take O-31 and has DCS, I can bring this to any club event no matter what layout we bring. And now I'm half tempted to track down some coaches to go with it, the cycle continues I suppose...

I live in Okinawa Japan, soooo I impulse buy online all the time...

@GG1 4877 posted:

Added 21 GGD heavyweight cars to my collection in the last three months ... no further comment.

Sorry, Jonathan... when you purchase 21 cars over three months, that’s not impulsive - it’s an addiction Hope you’ll share some pics!!!

@Apples55 posted:

Sorry, Jonathan... when you purchase 21 cars over three months, that’s not impulsive - it’s an addiction Hope you’ll share some pics!!!

Guilty as charged

The price was right on all of them.  Three are for the paint shop with decals ready to go.  I just need to dig my airbrush out and round up some paint. 

Hope to get some video of them running in trains in the not too distant future.   A lot were baggage cars for an ATSF Fast Mail and then a short string of 80' cars to finally get a train behind my Burlington E5.  The two rail cars were all PRR.  P70 coaches and 12-1 sleepers.

My eBay watch list is definitely on hold pending further review now.  

I am not sure this is impulsive or repulsive. The GSC cars for 2021 are scheduled for delivery the third quarter of 2022. That is essentially 21 months for their delivery. That seems to me to be exorbinent. So even with that delivery schedule, I set the order form down on my wife's desk for her to make the $130 check out for the GSC 2022 membership fee. Is there not a saying regarding knocking your head on a wall? But with each knock I do say they are nice cars. It helps to relieve the head pain.

@Mark Boyce posted:

The MTH Nativity steamer and Nativity flatcars!!  I didn’t know they existed until now. I’ve never ventured out to Stockyard Express, but bought from Clyde both times I went to York.  Oberlin is only half the distance as York at 2 1/2 hours.

I ended up with the three Nativity flat cars Mark.

I added the bushes to all of them and also a couple LEDs and straw to the stable scene.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

I ended up with the three Nativity flat cars Mark.

I added the bushes to all of them and also a couple LEDs and straw to the stable scene.

They look great, Dallas!

@Mark Boyce posted:

They look great, Dallas!

Thanks Mark.

I'll have to get a photo of the Nativity steamer.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Thanks Mark.

I'll have to get a photo of the Nativity steamer.

The Nativity Steam Engine from Stockyard Express.

We needed a caboose.   It was a real lightweight inexpensive caboose we ordered from Hobbyspeed.  It has a Thomas Kinkade litho on it. 

I had to add weight and a center pickup for an LED light install.

With the end of MTH as we know it and the new special runs I've ordered a lot. I have tried to spread my $s to different forum sponcers but just got hit with some high shipping so I'll now only order from the midwest dealers. It's deffinetly hard not to want all the new special runs which seemingly are given much more thought than the last few years of catalogs.

@Dave Ripp.  Totally agree on that point regarding MTH.  I've been scouring used markets for Midwest Roads (Milwaukee Road, Burlington, Soo) with limited success. At this point if I see something from a custom run I am looking for, I place the order and wait.  Really looking forward to delivery of the A-B F3 Burlington on order with Berwyn's. 

Dallas, the Nativity steam engine and the Kinkaide caboose look great and will make a nice train with the Nativity flatcars!

@Dallas Joseph posted:

I ended up with the three Nativity flat cars Mark.

I added the bushes to all of them and also a couple LEDs and straw to the stable scene.

Dallas,

I have 2 of the 3 Nativity scene cars (3 Kings and the Birth).  Maybe I'll add the Angels next year.  I have them as the caboose at the end of my Christmas train.  I like to run Santa, etc... at the beginning of the train and anchor it with these holy cars at the end -- seems fitting.  Nice touches with the add-one bushes -- thank you for sharing.

Mike

@Mark Boyce posted:

Dallas, the Nativity steam engine and the Kinkaide caboose look great and will make a nice train with the Nativity flatcars!

Mark , we ran the Nativity train for the fist time last year.      All I have is this year's Christmas running.   It's on the upper level.

I couldn't figure out how to pull last year's video from my Christmas reply from last year and insert it here.

Hey, I just had and epiphany!  You could park the wise men car on a siding and couple it up on January 6th. (a little ecclesiastical humor).

Fr. Earl

@IRON HORSE posted:

Dallas,

I have 2 of the 3 Nativity scene cars (3 Kings and the Birth).  Maybe I'll add the Angels next year.  I have them as the caboose at the end of my Christmas train.  I like to run Santa, etc... at the beginning of the train and anchor it with these holy cars at the end -- seems fitting.  Nice touches with the add-one bushes -- thank you for sharing.

Mike

Thanks Mike.      Sometimes I'm limited on things to do on the layout and grabbing some bush material and glue keeps me occupied for awhile.

@Conductor Earl posted:

Hey, I just had and epiphany!  You could park the wise men car on a siding and couple it up on January 6th. (a little ecclesiastical humor).

Fr. Earl

Thank God for Epiphanies.     Sometimes we take this model railroading a little too serious and we need a little blessing Fr.

Amen ……for Epiphanies and ecclesiastical humor

Dallas, the Nativity train looks great on your layout!  Or as the fellows I worked with years ago in Virginia used to say, "It looks right smart!"  Well Fr. Earl, that does make total sense that the wise men should be left on the siding until January 6th.  Maybe the siding could be named Herod's Siding.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Dallas, the Nativity train looks great on your layout!  Or as the fellows I worked with years ago in Virginia used to say, "It looks right smart!"  Well Fr. Earl, that does make total sense that the wise men should be left on the siding until January 6th.  Maybe the siding could be named Herod's Siding.

Great idea .

OOOKAY...... now Mark.......YOU have to send me a design for The King of Judea siding .   ( don't make it real nice.......Herod didn't have a really great love following. )

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Great idea .

OOOKAY...... now Mark.......YOU have to send me a design for The King of Judea siding . ( don't make it real nice.......Herod didn't have a really great love following. )

There is no doubt about that, he was surely evil but quite a builder.  Maybe a siding with no bumper and a cliff beyond.  The wise men were smart enough and guided by the angel, so they would be safe on the siding.

@Mark Boyce posted:

There is no doubt about that, he was surely evil but quite a builder.  Maybe a siding with no bumper and a cliff beyond.  The wise men were smart enough and guided by the angel, so they would be safe on the siding.