Making a rational decision regarding train buying is a very difficult thing to do.  In my case I was totally irrational until I ran out of room for layouts, shelving, etc..   Now that I have absolutely no wiggle room I have become quite rational but if I had an extra room I would continue to splurge.

For me, I wouldn’t Exactly call spending the amount of money that I have on this hobby  “rational”, but I do have a system. I limit my purchases to certain lines (lirr, Military,  mta, etc) and the curve limitations of my existing layout. I rarely purchase duplicates, even if the newer model has an upgraded command system and the era for everything must be earlier than the 1990s (no modern).  My other rule is that everything must either fit on the layout (mainline or side track) or on my shelves- nothing is purchased and kept in a box. Needless to say, I’ve added considerable shelving over the years, LOL!

I have a very similar history regarding my model train purchases, buying whatever ticked my fancy in the past, and now making more rational purchases focusing on one, or a select few, Northeastern railroads. Arnold

I try to find something I like in certain road names. I basically keep it down to 5-6 road names at the moment.

If it sparkles, it has a good chance of being on the buy list. Way too wide a purchase pattern. I do enjoy just about everything I have latched on to over the years. No buyers remorse - yet.

I have been buying non-duplicate freight cars that fit the c. 35 operating lines I have, up to a consist of 10 cars plus caboose and an appropriate locomotive. My price limit is $16, which includes shipping and tax.  Thank heavens for trainz.com. Rick

It's rational to spend income not needed for living or savings or charity on things that bring us comfort and pleasure.  Could be lasagna and cannolis, vacation, presents for friends, toy trains or counseling .

Rational is a relative term.....my significant relative (the CEO), sees nothing rational about my train

purchases .

I was on a buying spree for several years (also through Trainz), focusing on the roads I run. Now I've slowed down considerably and only look for select items based on need. The layout, shelves, and storage drawers are all full. I hate keeping stuff in boxes so I guess I need more shelves too!

Bob

If I was rational, I wouldn't have spent so much money on trains to start with.

But I'm glad I did.

I'm good now, ran out storage space......

@PAUL ROMANO posted:

I'm good now, ran out storage space......

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ...................

When I first started in this hobby, I purchased anything which struck my fancy. This is where I got my ARR, UP, PRR, VGN, & ATSF equipment.

Fast forward to the present, everything that I want goes on "The List."  I tend to go for specific road names in general eras (Amtrak/NJT in the 1990s, NYC in the 1930-50s, CNJ 1920-30s, etc.) but there are a few oddball items too.  "The List" is an excel sheet that I started in 2014 that is a list of engines, sets, accessories, and rolling stock that I want. If I see something that is on my list and the price is right (and I have the money), I will get it! If the price is insane and/or the condition is poor, I will pass on it. This system has worked very well for me since it helps prevents big-ticket impulse purchases.
However, there is one exception to my doctrine....
If there is something that isn't specifically on the list, but I like it and the price is too good to pass on, I will get it (ex: 2 new Weaver ACF hoppers for $20). I classify these as my justifiable impulse purchases. I do not have any buyers remorse yet!

In answer to your question: I can't tell you if your decision is right or wrong, that is completely up to you.
Using my method: I do not have the minimum curves required to run the new legacy mohawk (I have 0-42) so the new engine wouldn't make it onto my list. If I am not able to run an engine on my layout, I will not get it.

Bryce

Seriously?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVpnUHGpFDk

George

Absolutely! I just took a pass on the 2021 catalog which is a first for me. Yeah, I looked hard at a couple of items but there was no "must have" calling my name. Will I pick some things up later after they're out and have been vetted, so to speak? Probably, yes.

I used to be a much less disciplined buyer. But experience and a focus on Postwar has narrowed my buying interests. I probably would have gone for something in the Lion Chief Plus 2.0 line this time but nothing caught my eye.

I'm good!

Are my train purchases rational? yes, ever since I stopped purchasing them. Before...not so much. I did, however, make a purchase last week and I'm blaming that action entirely on strong drink.

In the beginning. It was anything that looked cool. Over time I've settled on two specific road names and a specific era.

I've probably bought and sold more than I own but I've now reached a point where the " new catalog" no longer threatens my wallet.

I have the appropriate locomotives to pull the appropriate trains. Any future "big ticket items" will be few and far between.

  It's also no longer about "whizz- bang".    Rather, I make purchases based on what will still be running reliably many years from now when I retire and can really enjoy the hobby.

There's a whole assortment of quality built Tmcc locomotives that I overlooked when Legacy came along.

Rational!? Me? 😆  I see it I like it I buy it!  Repeat. 👍

If I was a scale operator, I'd seriously consider the fantasy gray and red Pacemaker engine and tender. I periodically search for the smaller Rail King equivalent that was made more than a decade ago.

I don't think rationality has to apply to hobby pursuits. That said, I try to buy things that mix and match well ad fit the general theme. If irrational means "do I really need it", then my guess is we've all made irrational, impulse purchases. I was out at Stockyard Express about to pre-order a Rail King Pennsy 4-8-2 when I saw a B&O 4-6-2 on the shelf. Bought it with some matching passenger cars. Something was telling me I already had enough Pennsy tuscan and green and needed some blue on the roster. Rational? I don't know.

It seems to me that you are trying to approach this from the wrong viewpoint.

1. Rational means different things to different people. After years of enjoyment buying trains, you have decided to forego trains half the year and bought nothing. And you call that rational.

2. Many of your friends are affected with the same disease. So they are now irrational?

3. You appear to define rational as buying trains when there is a need. But now you are being irrational and want the Pacemaker engine, etc. Being irrational is not good thus you are in a quandary.

4. A wrong decision has been made. You want to buy more trains. Buying more trains makes you happy, or did until you became irrational. BUT you made the irrational decision well before you questioned buying trains.

5. So what is the problem? It’s simple.

6 You were happy buying trains but were unconsciously being affected by train buyers diaspora. This is a mental state brought on by too much of a good thing to the point that you have no use for what you buy.

7. Think about it, you were fine until you made a key bad and illogical decision. What decision?

Why the one not to enjoy trains in Florida. That was a guaranteed disaster creating thought, much less the decision to carry thru with it.

8. In order to preserve your sanity, immediately get out the catalog and order the engine and cars. Then carefully review your collection and decide what goes to  Florida and what does not. You will need more stuff.

9 Buy that over the next ten years. It will preserve the need, you will have two wonderful layouts, and by the time the 10th year ends, you will have forgotten this discussion.

Hope this helps. Hope you get happy soon.

Bill

All my train buying is rational. It’s when I think about selling I become irrational.

Hey Gerry. It’s time to start building a layout in Florida. If you cant sweet  talk your spouse into allowing you some space in one of your rooms, go for an around the ceiling double line pike.  Get to work, buddy and stop denying yourself some fun. Life’s too short. Oh, and as a fellow Floridian, I  wish to formally welcome you to the land of no basements,

@gmorlitz posted:

For many years (maybe 1995 to 2018), my basic approach to toy train buying was "do I want it?". There was no thought to the process other than that. It didn't matter if the purchase made sense, if it came awfully close to duplicating something I had, what the cost was, if it fit on the layout or stayed in a box, etc.  If I wanted it, I bought it.

I was so happy when I joined the NJ HiRailers and found that there were other people as mentally sick about train purchases as I was. Maybe even a whole lot sicker if you look at some of the cases at the club. I related well.

Then we bought a place in Florida. We were only going to spend a little bit of time there. Certainly not the whole winter. Well guess what. The weather is a whole lot better in Florida during the winter than it is in the NY/NJ area. And the trains are at my home in NJ. So trains are becoming a summer thing. Totally the reverse of my history. No trains in Florida. My decision.

So when the last Lionel catalog came out, I looked at it. And instead of just buying, I thought about it rationally. So I bought nothing because I have a whole lot.

I'm now wondering about that decision. Particularly about the NYC Pacemaker red and grey engine. Do you think I made a mistake in looking at train purchases rationally? If you are not budget constrained, do you look at train purchases rationally?

Gerry

My Mentor and dear friend Elliot once told me, "You make and create a layout, and if it pleases YOU.. well there you are."  I started expanding my collection BEFORE I had a layout.. (Still am, and thank you to gracious members and friends here, you have given me support and opportunities and hope.

I mentioned once to Elliot, while we were working on his Ballast..... and magnet uncouplers.. "My wife thinks I buy too much train stuff." he replied, "Well, just bring her over next time and we will show her how bad it could be." <salute>

I still buy from the heart, and a tight budget.... Carpet layouts, Grankids and trains... my life is full and good.

( Ogauge or NO gauge. Sheldon Cooper, Big Bang Theory)

salute

Anytime I begin to consider rationality in conjunction with my train collecting; all I need to do is take a quick look at my wife’s “wall of shoes” in our bedroom closet.

Curt

I go from one pseudo permanent layout to another.   I sell and buy with each version.   My theory is if it doesn’t fit on the layout and go with the theme, I get rid of it.  I don’t collect.   I like to build a scene with a theme and then start over.   Some start overs are more drastic than others.  I don’t spend much out of pocket anymore.  

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

I have a very similar history regarding my model train purchases, buying whatever ticked my fancy in the past, and now making more rational purchases focusing on one, or a select few, Northeastern railroads. Arnold

Seeee, there...... another friend on the forum, showing me the path to growth... (WITH noteable wiggle room for, um, OPTIONS.. yeah, just in case

Thank you

P.S. "Do I NEED a layout to buy the trains I fancy?" ah, sounds like a topic. roflmao

@juniata guy posted:

Anytime I begin to consider rationality in conjunction with my train collecting; all I need to do is take a quick look at my wife’s “wall of shoes” in our bedroom closet.

Curt

SPIT TAKE!!!!! well played Curt, well played

Having accumulated a nice collection of model trains during the past 24 years, I now buy them much more selectively than I did in the beginning, when I would buy the largest scale-sized locomotives being offered by MTH, irrespective of their railroad. After a few years, I began to limit my purchases to a few railroads of interest and small to medium scale-sized locomotives that fit well to run on my model railroads - but that still amounts to too many purchases. For a long time, I have been trying to get down to zero locomotives on pre-order - and still haven't gotten there. Unfortunately, my history has the aura of an addiction that is somewhat rational but not really under control.

MELGAR

Is any train purchase rational?     My neighbor would say no.    My train buddy would say always.

I had a friend who when asked what his train layout cost would answer "about the same as playing golf a couple times a week"

@Bill Webb posted:

It seems to me that you are trying to approach this from the wrong viewpoint.

1. Rational means different things to different people. After years of enjoyment buying trains, you have decided to forego trains half the year and bought nothing. And you call that rational.

2. Many of your friends are affected with the same disease. So they are now irrational?

3. You appear to define rational as buying trains when there is a need. But now you are being irrational and want the Pacemaker engine, etc. Being irrational is not good thus you are in a quandary.

4. A wrong decision has been made. You want to buy more trains. Buying more trains makes you happy, or did until you became irrational. BUT you made the irrational decision well before you questioned buying trains.

5. So what is the problem? It’s simple.

6 You were happy buying trains but were unconsciously being affected by train buyers diaspora. This is a mental state brought on by too much of a good thing to the point that you have no use for what you buy.

7. Think about it, you were fine until you made a key bad and illogical decision. What decision?

Why the one not to enjoy trains in Florida. That was a guaranteed disaster creating thought, much less the decision to carry thru with it.

8. In order to preserve your sanity, immediately get out the catalog and order the engine and cars. Then carefully review your collection and decide what goes to  Florida and what does not. You will need more stuff.

9 Buy that over the next ten years. It will preserve the need, you will have two wonderful layouts, and by the time the 10th year ends, you will have forgotten this discussion.

Hope this helps. Hope you get happy soon.

Bill

Ahhhhh, Finding the rational argument in irrational behavior. Bill, you are well versed: PHD, THD, Certified TCT (train collection therapist) Well said, thoughtful, ZEN moment, I think therefore i am

Most Excellent. thanks

Your nuts Gerry   Bring some of those traains to florida  What the heck is wrong with you

Ah Ben. Who could I be thinking of when I said some of the members at the NJHR were as mentally sick as I am?

Gerry

The manufacturers make impulse buying a thing of my very distant past. Nothing in the new Lionel catalog interests me and only the Monon and Chicago South Shore in the last MTH catalog were buys.  When I first got back into this in 2001 I bought everything with Monon on it, I wanted everything. IMPULSE. Then I came to my senses, changed to only scale items and decided Chicago South Shore, Monon and NYC were the lines I was going to model. Made my life simpler and stretched my dollar. So the short answer is at the beginning I was. Do what your finances allow you to and don't worry about it. I am spending the kids's inheritance, so what?

No.  

If I had more money to spend, I'd have much less money and more stuff like Train sickness, tractor fever, cars, guns, saxophones, and Hi-fi.  Others go for fountain pens, watches, baseball cards, comic books.  My interests have always been above my means so I have a little, middle of the road, from each of my interests.  Hobbies/interests are therapeutic and thus have a value.  My spending a thousand bucks on an engine is well beyond that value - for me.  So then how much stuff is enough . . .  Why exactly am I making a particular purchase.  Does it fit a specific collectable criteria I hope will gain value, evokes a special memory I'd forgotten?  my purchases would definitely be irrational if a little introspection revealed I was buying anything simply to feel good or for a rush.   

Unfortunately, my “rational” is - if it calls my name, I tend to answer I lack the discipline of some here to restrict my purchases to a select group of railroads or a specific time frame - it’s all good to me!!!

@MONON_JIM posted:

The manufacturers make impulse buying a thing of my very distant past. Nothing in the new Lionel catalog interests me and only the Monon and Chicago South Shore in the last MTH catalog were buys.  When I first got back into this in 2001 I bought everything with Monon on it, I wanted everything. IMPULSE. Then I came to my senses, changed to only scale items and decided Chicago South Shore, Monon and NYC were the lines I was going to model. Made my life simpler and stretched by dollar. So the short answer is at the beginning I was. Do what your finances allow you to and don't worry about it. I am spending the kids's inheritance, so what?

Annd you didnt change your forum handle?

I would never move and leave my hobby behind. Why make yourself miserable. Enjoy that little escape from reality. I don’t go overboard but will continue to buy new or used items. Right now my most enjoyment is upgrading older engines to ERR items and smoke and chuff enhancements. Total enjoyment and relaxation. Now go get your trains.

@mike.caruso posted:

No.  

HA! that is sooo mike, <salute>

Rational? I'm going to be 78 next week why try to act rational now. 😁

I have not had a layout since the 70's.  I got suckered back into trains when Williams started producing brass engines.  I bought them and then the passenger sets.  Then Weaver started producing brass engines.  I bought them and then the diesels and then the E-8's and then the passenger sets.  Then Mike blew the roof off the hobby.  Then the Challenger brochure came and there was no way not to buy that engine.  In the hobby line of trains there has never been anything like it.

Ok, it was not a good idea to think that you could go through the History of MTH book and check off everything in the Premier Line but it was worth a try.  I have to say that owning an ABA of every F3 in the book is cool.  My real problem is that I get curious.  Williams made a huge contribution to the hobby when Lionel was not doing much in the late 70's into the 80's.  So, I tried to get one of everything he made (except prewar) starting with the Aluminum and Madison cars and the E-60 up through the four motored F7 Santa Fe in 1990.  Unfortunately he then produced everything I could not afford as a kid.  You can probably guess the outcome of that catalog purchase.

Recently I have been curious about K-Line.  I bought the book.  I have come to admire the determination he showed in building his company.  To start with Plasticville, Marx, add Kusan and using internal talent to create the company he did was a huge achievement.  I am not sure he, Mike or Williams could pull off building their companies today.  Anyway I think the early strength in Maury's company was his sets go I am buying them plus the cool little cars and stuff that had great play value.

I am not going to try and claim that any of these purchases were rational but they satisfied  my curiosity and have given me endless pleasure of the chase and countless hours of enjoyment looking at them.  Will any of them ever get off the shelf.  Who knows?

Bill DeBrooke,

If you're still interested in - and enjoy - your purchases after you've owned them for a long time, that would support the assessment that they're rational. The question is whether continuing to make new purchases is compulsive - as it might be for me.

MELGAR

@MELGAR posted:

Bill DeBrooke,

If you're still interested in - and enjoy - your purchases after you've owned them for a long time, that would support the assessment that they're rational. The question is whether continuing to make new purchases is compulsive - as it might be for me.

MELGAR

Compulsive is such a relative term...

If you can afford the purchase, aren’t taking money from other family needs and they give you pleasure, what’s the problem? But “ rational?” That depends on your rationale. If you’re buying trains as an investment, that’s probably not rational. But if you’re buying that which gives you pleasure, what could make more sense than that ?

It is rational if the cost is equal to or greater than the utility the utility that you get out of your purchase.Generally speaking,  Only you can know if it is rational. While they likely aren’t great investments, certain models, especially legacy seem to hold their value and occasionally appreciate.

.

"Is your train purchasing rational?"

"You're a funny guy...!"

Of course my train purchasing is rational. You can ask my wife. On second thought...

I've been able to narrow down my steam loco's by only buying black ones.

Compulsive is a word that can definitely be applicable to me, at times, but not always, when it comes to trains.

When I am in the compulsive state, what seems rational can turn out to be an illusion and, therefore, irrational.

My goal is always to be rational regarding my train purchases, but I do not always achieve my goal.

At the moment, I'm wondering if I ever achieve my goal. LOL, Arnold

Generally, yes. However, when I get those rogue e-mails from John Pignatelli, a random, unplanned purchase pops into my livery. Thanks, John (I think)! Now I'm on the hunt for the other road number with scale wheels.

NOT rational at all. Wife mad at me....

Once I decided I was only buying NH in narrowed my options and helped my rational.

I don't think a NH ACELA is in my future  .

My only non NH is an Williams Amtrak E60 with Williams Amfleet.

Simple No

When I had 35 Tropicana cars, I rationally decided to stop buying more......but, was it rational to buy 35 in the first place?

Peter

Well . . . .  Kinda?

Here's what I mean.  In each of my fields of interest, I have a pretty systematic approach to purchases.  In scale O, I stick with my three favorite roads (see my sig).  In Marx, I stick with the 8-wheel/DeLuxe plastic that goes with my very first train.  I am selective in buying boxed sets almost exclusively.  I have perhaps a half dozen on the acquisition list, after which buying will be limited to a few individual pieces and accessories.  In other O, I pick up a Shell Oil car every now and again to honor my grandfather, who worked for them and who bought me my first train.  In 2-rail O, I am working to complete a collection of AHM offerings C7 or better in box.  In Standard Gauge, I stick with the lower end Classic Era Lionel and contemporaneous IVES and Flyer.  I have just a few pieces on the list to buy, including a handful of accessories, to make a representative sampling.  In HO, I am picking up a few Sci-Fi-ish items to put together in a Moon Train layout.

OK, by now, you should understand what I mean by "kinda":  I am pretty rational within each area, but having so many areas of interest is absolutely NUTS

It was worse, once upon a time, when I also had Large Scale and a little N . . .  And we won't talk about the previous 3 Lionel O and previous 1 SG collectiontions that I acquired and sold off (not to mention the 2-rail o scale American Civil War trains that I built for a period layout but sold off before I got to that end point).

Wait, what was that about rationality?  I think I hear the rubber train pulling into the station to give me a ride!

My rational in this addiction started as "I'll buy back all the postwar Lionel that I could remember that I had as a kid that I traded off for useless stuff". That has been accomplished with so much more. When I was younger, I was very fortunate to have a job in field service (and still have) that allows me a lot of freedom. I probably spent at least one day a week at Davis electronics, browsing, buying and ordering train cars, back then I would order 2 of each car that I wanted. One to run and one to save for the appreciation in value that I assumed would happen. When I would travel out of town on business, I would find all the local hobby shops that I could make it to.  My buying really has slowed down a lot although my wife doesn't seem to think so. I have 2 walls of engines and more rolling stock that I could ever run in my lifetime. I still keep an eye out for unique items that I would like, but my rational now is to get accessory's functional so my grandkids can actually enjoy them. Things were in boxes to long when my 3 kids were young and at home, that is something that I really regret.

Jeff

the only thing holding me back is money and space other than that i would splurge. but right now i'm trying decide on what train items i NEED

i know i need to get away from the dc wall wart and switch to ac plus i need an engine with beefier motors like a lionchief 2.0 or williams engine or maybe an old TMCC or protosound engine

anything GE is my biggest weakness plus classic EMDs like the SD40-2 are must haves for Fenix Transport

No. I have a small budget that I have and after that I but what makes me happy, either finding the last of a set or something just totally different. I picked up some 600 series S gauge passenger cars to complete a 5108W American Flyer set. I bought the engines last year and worked some time in cleaning and getting them operational. My cost was $80 from a great friend who upgraded his collection. Got them on the track and running when I got home yesterday. Train collecting and running is not a rational activity in the minds of many so I have no worries.

We are all here on this Forum because we have a lot of trains.

I’ve always been disciplined when buying trains.  I’ve made sure I only buy on impulse what I like.  I limit my purchases to only about 7 (give or.... add a few) manufacturers. And I only model the time period between 1910 to the present. To further limit my purchases and secure rationality, I only purchase down to 425 different road names.

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t have a pending pre-order. I treasure consistency.  It’s not an addiction, it’s a dedication!

I started in trains 40 years ago when my kids were small.  I started with my childhood Marx 999 set and bought use postwar gear.  MPC just came out with newer trains like the small Hudson Southern Pacific.  I just stayed with post war.  I saw no need to upgrade with kids doing most of the running and I never have been bitten with the new train bug and the "have to have bug.  I often will make a car if it is not available at my price and find building cars and accessories one of my most enjoyable parts of the hobby.  One example is my $10 homemade train turntable I have written about here years ago.  Rational that is just me and I glad many are buying new trains to help the hobby grow.

Charlie

What's rational?   All else being equal, if I like it, and I don't cause financial issues, I buy it.   That's the only rationale I need for any none necessary spending.

I admit that I was never the most rational person when it came to spending on things that I enjoy. Now after being a small part of 911 and going through this plague I have become even less rational. In fact, I think we should all go out and buy a new train or accessory. God knows that I am about too.

Someone once said...."it is a shame that youth has to be wasted on young people".

I say...."not on my watch"

         Bill

I have a sickness when it comes to trains.  I buy what I like...need it or not

Jerry

Is my train-buying rational?

Not really. I recently bought a used Lionel Santa Fe PA ABA set at an estate sale because I wanted a back-up for a kinda-sorta "California Special," but I probably could have done without.

I now have a pair of Lionel Santa Fe FTs which were the original back-up locomotives that I need to get rid of...

Anyone that uses the words "Train Purchasing" and "Rational" in the same sentence is not rational.

@Traindiesel posted:

We are all here on this Forum because we have a lot of trains.

I’ve always been disciplined when buying trains.  I’ve made sure I only buy on impulse what I like.  I limit my purchases to only about 7 (give or.... add a few) manufacturers. And I only model the time period between 1910 to the present. To further limit my purchases and secure rationality, I only purchase down to 425 different road names.

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t have a pending pre-order. I treasure consistency.  It’s not an addiction, it’s a dedication!

Even when I try to stick to buying only an era or couple of manufacturers I've made mistakes in scale or /and gauge. Those errors produce stuff I resell - donate - because I make mistakes. Like buying MTH O-Scale VIRGINIAN hopper car that had nice details. When I got it i learned that some three rail stuff is HUGE, and some stuff is Teeeny. eg: Baby Ruth traditional -  post war - Lionel fit INSIDE the hopper car. I decided that I could not live with that. Buyers remorse, and sold it to someone who , I hope, knew what they were doing... took a loss as I buy used and enjoy fixing, but I sleep better now..

@Mister_Lee posted:

Is my train-buying rational?

Not really. I recently bought a used Lionel Santa Fe PA ABA set at an estate sale because I wanted a back-up for a kinda-sorta "California Special," but I probably could have done without.

I now have a pair of Lionel Santa Fe FTs which were the original back-up locomotives that I need to get rid of...

Ohhhh, I wish I could help you with those, they look Expen$ive..

@Traindiesel posted:

We are all here on this Forum because we have a lot of trains.

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t have a pending pre-order. I treasure consistency.  It’s not an addiction, it’s a dedication!

Please define "alot".

@Miggy posted:

Even when I try to stick to buying only an era or couple of manufacturers I've made mistakes in scale or /and gauge. Those errors produce stuff I resell - donate - because I make mistakes. Like buying MTH O-Scale VIRGINIAN hopper car that had nice details. When I got it i learned that some three rail stuff is HUGE, and some stuff is Teeeny. eg: Baby Ruth traditional -  post war - Lionel fit INSIDE the hopper car. I decided that I could not live with that. Buyers remorse, and sold it to someone who , I hope, knew what they were doing... took a loss as I buy used and enjoy fixing, but I sleep better now..

You're not alone. The Traditional/semi-scale is fraught with over- and under-compressed items. There are lots of near scale-size items sold in the Traditional lines at numerous manufacturers that look ridiculous. I've sold off most, but with set purchases, I've chosen to keep the sets together. The 4-bay hopper in our WBB girls set and the massive cabooses in the Rail King freight sets come to mind.

Rational? Do anyone of us really NEED toy trains?

I have over 200 hours run time on engines I paid $400 for. That’s $2 an hour. Of course I run 3 trains at once so I pay $6 an hour for my train running that I love. Not much considering the costs of golf, expensive cars, boats etc that I don’t do.

@ChiTown Steve posted:

I have over 200 hours run time on engines I paid $400 for. That’s $2 an hour. Of course I run 3 trains at once so I pay $6 an hour for my train running that I love. Not much considering the costs of golf, expensive cars, boats etc that I don’t do.

That's a good way of looking at it. But it IS an expensive hobby when you pay from $700 to $1500 (and more) for a scale-sized model steam engine. Is it rational? I would say so if you enjoy it and can afford it. How about comparing model trains to the prices people pay for NFL tickets?

MELGAR

Great question. Answer depends upon whether the question pertains to the time when individual purchases were made or looking back holistically at large collections accumulated over a lengthy period of time. I think my train buying has generally been rational (reasonable) at the time I made individual purchases, but looking back, I am not so sure it has been rational when viewed holistically, as I have accumulated far more trains than I could ever use on my layout. Recognizing that, my purchases have become much more selective in recent years and I have begun to thin my collection.

Pat

My train buying has always been rational.  It just that the reasons for buying have changed over the years.

I think that everyone needs a personal interest which they enjoy and in which they indulge. It's good for their emotional well-being. It's not difficult to think of many such interests that are costly or expensive but serve as a source of happiness and contentment. What I consider interesting and worth paying for may not make sense to someone else, but their indulgence may be equally questionable to me. But why does the OP pose the question of whether model trains are a rational expenditure? I think it may be because many of us began this interest in childhood, have never gotten over it or have reverted to it, and therefore tend to regard our adult hobby, which is much more sophisticated, as being childlike, juvenile and frivolous. I don't think it is but, nonetheless, we seem to enjoy poking fun at ourselves by asking the question. In my opinion, anyone who can afford to spend on non-essentials like model trains is relatively well off. Nowadays, who isn't concerned about whether their expenditures for anything are rational?

MELGAR

No, definitely not.

Well my fleet is currently occupying a 40 ft beer trailer and a spare house of my grandparents, so... yes completely rational

@MELGAR posted:

That's a good way of looking at it. But it IS an expensive hobby when you pay from $700 to $1500 (and more) for a scale-sized model steam engine. Is it rational? I would say so if you enjoy it and can afford it. How about comparing model trains to the prices people pay for NFL tickets?

MELGAR

That's why I buy nothing but used stuff, and even then none of the computerized stuff, I may be a 2000's kid, but I still don't know how computers work

Like many before, this is not a simple answer.  Yes and no.  Yes in that I have specific models I have tracked down or hoping to add to my collection someday.  No in that I have lots of trains that need to be disposed of due to changing interests over my over 40 years of collecting as well as items acquired as part of auction lots that I have no interest or desire in keeping. 

I have made irrational purchases based on impulse buys, such as my PRR brass steam collection in 2R where a J1a, M1a, or F3 don't fit at all into my modeling location or time period.  I've also picked up so many projects, I honestly don't know if I'll get to all of them.

Having said all that, I have plans to thin the collection but not the follow through yet.  I could easily drop a half to two thirds of my trains and not be at all disappointed right now.

Of course!

Buying any model train items is completely illogical.

Ambassador Spock.

@Miggy posted:

Please define "alot".

A lot is a little bit more than a bunch.

Hey CJ , not sure about the purist definition of rational but I get the idea of need.

Whenever I would go for a good long ride on my Suzuki Hayabusa ,I would have to concentrate on the job  😉 at hand.      It would take me away from the mundane so called realities of day to day chasing the carrot.    When I  returned it seemed like my head was clear to tackle anything that came my way.

I spend a lot of time in the train room now.   It's interesting how I have to concentrate on this job  😉 at hand.

Are we serious here?

Do we really need to even ask this question regarding rationality of purchases?

Like many in this hobby -- and other hobbies/collection pursuits -- I struggle with this issue a lot.   Model trains make me happy, but so do a lot of other (expensive) things.   (Men never grow up, my wife says, their toys just get more expensive).  I just got back into the hobby after several years off.   In 2008 I quit cold turkey because my kids had lost interest and I wanted to devote my $$ to other things.  Two years ago, I got back into it.   My kids are about to graduate college, and as 20-somethings they are interested again.  But I've also gotten to a place where I want to do it just for me.  

My second act in the hobby is going to be a 12-20' hi-rail layout of the Santa Fe in the southwest in the World War ll era.  So my approach to buying has been to collect all steam and diesel engines and rolling stock made relatively recently  that are appropriate for that road, at that time, in that location.   As long as the engine or cars will fit that criteria, my spending may be irrational (e.g., when Scott at GGD came out with a 1938-47 Super Chief, I bought the 8 car set and all 8 extra cars; about $4K) worth.   I try to stick to this, but added to the must have has been "all Lionel Vision Line" locomotives, regardless of road, which means I have to get a suitable train for them to pull.  I also can't resist particularly iconic passenger trains from the transition era, like the 20th Century Limited, Broadway Limited, SOPAC Daylight etc.   So there are "Fantasy Guest Stars" on my SF WWll layout.  Time and space warps, I guess.

So is it rational?  Maybe not.   But it makes me happy.   It's history you can play with.   You can lose yourself in it.   How can one be rational about that?

My train buying is plagued with the same thought processes as my gun buying.  You know that little voice in your head that tells you this may not be a good idea?  Yeah, well....................I don't have one of those.

After totaling my train expenditures for the past ten plus years (ebay mostly), I question my own rationality!

No it isn't. Next question.

I thought I would narrow it down with steam era only, freight only, Lionel mostly but it doesn't help much.

@Forty Rod posted:

My train buying is plagued with the same thought processes as my gun buying.  You know that little voice in your head that tells you this may not be a good idea?  Yeah, well....................I don't have one of those.

On that issue, I am much more rational only having made one emotional purchase because it was on sale for a great price.  I have a very small collection with different bores in all cases but one.  I am only looking to add bolt action rifle for distance target shooting.  Not in any hurry, need to do my homework, and save the money for it.

After all, I have more irrational train purchases to make!

Rationality is overrated

When I was single I would hunt for trains rather than women, because the trains didn’t talk back!  But then TMCC and DCS happened and changed everything. So, with all things then being equal........

I have two comments to address this thread:

!. How did  GMORLITZ start this conversation, this is one of those Arnold questions that he always seems to come up with.

2. I have the bumper sticker"My wife says if I buy one more train she will leave me, gee I will miss here" and " My wife signed a prenuptial that she can be replace but not the trains"

With those thoughts in mind what is rational or irrational about being more trains, it is a sickness or disease and I have the posters for that, beside he who dies with the most toys WINS!!

And that's all folks!!

It occurred to me today that I like craving something that I don't have yet, but hope to get, in the World of model trains.

For instance, at the moment I like the fact that I desire to maybe some day purchasing Pullman green NY Central passenger cars that run well on my layout with 031 tubular track and 022 switches. I'm not frustrated, don't need it, it may not exist or ever exist, but I look forward to maybe someday hunting them down on the Internet or at future train shows like York. If I do, I will be happy, which makes the possible future purchase more rational. Also, the happiness the hunt provided to me makes it more rational than irrational, IMO.

I also sometimes use the desire to purchase an expensive locomotive as a motivator to make more money so I can well afford it. Such motivation,  especially if it works and I do make more money, makes the future purchase mor rational, IMO.

Arnold

Arnold,

The problem is that we always find something else that would be nice to have and never stop buying, as I mentioned earlier in connection with my never decreasing number of pre-orders.

MELGAR

Thank you, RJT, for saying that this thought provoking topic is the kind of thing I would have come up with.

Melgar, once again, your words state the truth, IMO.

Here's another interesting idea: to think of a locomotive as a metaphor.

This is a fun thing for me to do to justify purchasing an expensive locomotive: that I am like that locomotive, powerful, persistent, can build up a head of steam and cannot be stopped, as a lawyer (my profession).

If this metaphor makes me more confident, and I happen to win the case, then it is well worth it, and it was a very rational decision to buy it. LOL.

Chances are, you can apply this metaphor to your life circumstances and be more confident and successful in your profession, career, job, etc.

However, unfortunately, it doesn't always work, at least for me. LOL.

And, remember, to also be kind and compassionate, which Is more important than being an all powerful locomotive, IMO.

It is best to be a very special locomotive that is kind and compassionate, as well as powerful and confident, IMO.

Was there a locomotive like that on Shining Time Station with Ringo? LOL, Arnold

Of course it's rational. Who needs food or a wife?

Hal

@HMS2035 posted:

Of course it's rational. Who needs food or a wife?

Hal

Well... maybe food

Despite many years of purchasing trains, I haven't spent as much as the price of a new Corvette. And I can play with the trains in bad weather when the Vette would be setting in the hangar. Seems rational to me. Not sure if my wife buys this. She would rather have the Vette.

I have bugged so many forums asking for an O Scale Milwaukee SDL39 and guess what? My dream is coming  true later this summer. I am nearly 73 and to spend about $2000 is nuts because I don't know what the good Lord has in store for me. But, what the heck. It's only money.

Dick

@Landsteiner posted:

It's rational to spend income not needed for living or savings or charity on things that bring us comfort and pleasure.  Could be lasagna and cannolis, vacation, presents for friends, toy trains or counseling .

Agree but replace “or” with “and.”  Then it is perfect.  ;-)

@Alec_6460 posted:

Like many in this hobby -- and other hobbies/collection pursuits -- I struggle with this issue a lot.   Model trains make me happy, but so do a lot of other (expensive) things.   (Men never grow up, my wife says, their toys just get more expensive).  I just got back into the hobby after several years off.   In 2008 I quit cold turkey because my kids had lost interest and I wanted to devote my $$ to other things.  Two years ago, I got back into it.   My kids are about to graduate college, and as 20-somethings they are interested again.  But I've also gotten to a place where I want to do it just for me.  

My second act in the hobby is going to be a 12-20' hi-rail layout of the Santa Fe in the southwest in the World War ll era.  So my approach to buying has been to collect all steam and diesel engines and rolling stock made relatively recently  that are appropriate for that road, at that time, in that location.   As long as the engine or cars will fit that criteria, my spending may be irrational (e.g., when Scott at GGD came out with a 1938-47 Super Chief, I bought the 8 car set and all 8 extra cars; about $4K) worth.   I try to stick to this, but added to the must have has been "all Lionel Vision Line" locomotives, regardless of road, which means I have to get a suitable train for them to pull.  I also can't resist particularly iconic passenger trains from the transition era, like the 20th Century Limited, Broadway Limited, SOPAC Daylight etc.   So there are "Fantasy Guest Stars" on my SF WWll layout.  Time and space warps, I guess.

So is it rational?  Maybe not.   But it makes me happy.   It's history you can play with.   You can lose yourself in it.   How can one be rational about that?

Ill drink to that: <salute>

I have collected mostly post war S scale American Flyer Over the years.  With a few exceptions mixed in.  My better half did not care what was purchased or the cost encouraged and me to purchase some items.  She liked trains and enjoyed them running.  She painted most of the buildings on the layout.  Most of the my recent purchases are American Models and based on road names PRR, B &O, CNO and Western Maryland, local to the PA and MD area.  Cost was not an issue they were something we both enjoyed.

All train purchasing is rational by definition, perhaps unless we buy something we don't want.  Who does that?

rational (def) - based on or in accordance with reason or logic.

reason (def) - a cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event.

What, me worry?

Guys, just to be clear, I am happy with my decision not to have trains in FL. If I wanted them, I could have them. I still have over 100 engines (I'm not very good at getting rid of them) and I have no idea how many cars. Splitting off part of the collection would be easy.

I think part of the decision on the Pacemaker engine was the unhappy experience I had with one of the first Legacy engines in 2008 or so. I bought the Texas Special ABA passenger set. The ABA couldn't pull the cars up a 2% grade and the red wasn't the glossy red on Lionel's postwar collection. And you sure couldn't tell the color from the catalog. It was a major disappointment. If I see the Pacemaker engine at a show, and I like it, I'll probably buy it. Even though that would be "irrational". Maybe the next post (are you listening Arnold) is whether you've ever been unhappy with a pre-order.

I expect to take some abuse from my train buddies tonight at our monthly NJHR Zoom meeting. Really neat to be 1,200 miles away and still be part of the group.

Gerry

I will say, I love the irony of this thread when the title of the next one following is, Buy anything cool lately, with 218,000+ responses.  

Not buying anymore, I have a small collection of prewar standard gauge stuff I like to tinker with now and then. I do miss my layout, but alas, those days are gone.  Have fun.

If I had my choice of rationalizing all of the alcohol that I drank before I got sober some years ago, or these trains? Trains don't make you go to jail.... Less of course , ya steal em' . I'll take the trains any day !!

@redbarchetta81 posted:

If I had my choice of rationalizing all of the alcohol that I drank before I got sober some years ago, or these trains? Trains don't make you go to jail.... Less of course , ya steal em' . I'll take the trains any day !!

redbarchetta81,

I rationalize the money and time spent in my train room is better than spending that same time and money sitting on a bar stool after work at a local watering hole.  On the other hand, there are limits to that rationale: the wife could call me out on those occasions where I'm sitting on my train room bar stool late in the evening with one too many adult beverages down the hatch.

Of course. All my purchases are in the form of 1 train set, 2 railroad crossing gates, 4 boxcars, etc. These are all integer number purchases and all integers are rational....actually it might be kind of interesting to make an irrational purchase like say a square root of 2 boxcars...I wonder what a .414213562373095... boxcar would look like?

  My guess would be some of the parts and pieces of boxcars one can find in the storage boxes underneath the tables at train meets would be close approximations.

Is Your Train Purchasing Rational?

Nope!       Proud of it! 

I know a guy who said he bought Lionel trains because he didn’t smoke or drink.  He is into restoring VWs.  Has 10 kids.  That’s a lotta bugs.  We all make choices.

Cheers,       W1

But deep down... It's all in goood fun !

Oh wait ! here is rationale !

When I think about the money I wish to spend on trains, I compare my spending to a typical sports fan. Season tickets to a sports game to be about equal to a nice Legacy engine price-wise. Two $30 beers at a game is equal to a nice piece of rolling stock. (See how these things translate?) People easily spend a 'rational amount' on sports entertainment every year. Instead of spending this 'rational amount' on sports, I chose to spend it on trains. I'll go to a game here and there, but not to the frequency of the sports fan whom I would be the equivalent train fan. 

That being said, I am just getting into the collecting part of the hobby. When looking at my list of items to buy, I am trying to buy only one engine, a few cars, and some track each year. The goal is to keep this amount under $1500 per year (which is getting hard to do as the prices on Legacy engines, even used ones, keep creeping upwards). Still, I am limiting myself to only buying quality items, at the right price, that I truly want (no impulse buying). I'm still fresh out of college so all the money not spend on living expenses is going towards buying a house. I budget for each month so the leftover money gets pooled into a train fund for when I see that special item.

I believe that by adhering to the techniques I stated above, my purchasing is rational. If I hit the powerball, it will definitely be a different story

I really think TCA stands for Train Collectors Anonymous.

Hello, my name is _ _ _ _ and I have a train collecting addiction.

@Arthur P. Bloom posted:

.

"Is your train purchasing rational?"

"You're a funny guy...!"

Clearly the best response on this thread and exactly my initial reaction. Too funny!

I just spoke to my dog. She said there is absolutely nothing wrong with my train purchasing.

"Clearly the best response on this thread and exactly my initial reaction. Too funny!"

Funny how? Like a clown? Like I'm here to amuse you?

@Prr7688 posted:

When I think about the money I wish to spend on trains, I compare my spending to a typical sports fan. Season tickets to a sports game to be about equal to a nice Legacy engine price-wise. Two $30 beers at a game is equal to a nice piece of rolling stock. (See how these things translate?) People easily spend a 'rational amount' on sports entertainment every year. Instead of spending this 'rational amount' on sports, I chose to spend it on trains.

Actually, the trains seem more rational:  you have something to show for your money.  Season tickets buys you nothing but a sore throat, a backache, and a tender behind.

We haven't talked much about some of our train stuff that actually maintains its value or actually increases.  But then, again, we would really be canoeing down that river of denial if we tried to rationalize it as a good investment

@Arthur P. Bloom posted:

"Clearly the best response on this thread and exactly my initial reaction. Too funny!"

Funny how? Like a clown? Like I'm here to amuse you?

Get the @@@@ out of here, Tommy, I mean Arthur!

I don't know about you, Henry, you may fold under questioning!

I wouldn't call it rational by any means but none the less I need to get it under control.

If you are snorting cocaine off of your train table then you have a problem. Otherwise we will all be just fine.

Very few people seem to think my train purchases are rational, so I stopped asking that question!

When l rediscovered three rail, l set out to find all the rolling stock compatible with my childhood trains.  That was going to be difficult, and expensive, for the rarest few, toward the end, so l diverted.  But in that l "narrowed?" my scope to Lionel-compatible roadnames that ran in Colorado.  Few of those are offered, and almost none of the branch and shortline rolling stock l like in three rail, so l went back to the structure and rolling stock building and bashing of my HO period, but twice the size.  That has greatly reduced buying.  I certainly need nothing else,...unless, something above is produced, unlikely, as the number of makers has dropped radically.  So as long as l stick to these criteria....

Yep we all have similar problems and taste!

Not rational at all. But being young and blessed with a good job and supporting train loving girlfriend, I get what makes me happy. My other hobbies such as guns, drums and cars isnt rational either lol

When I “re-entered” the hobby after a 17 year hiatus(I do consider my time between the ages of 5-10 as being part of the hobby) during the first 1 year I was on an exploration. I stuck to conventional, with a focus on modern conventional, postwar, and then prewar(tinplate). During the first 2.5 years I had my favorite RRs(Amtrak, Lehigh Valley, PRR, B&O) But also made many purchases based on an “I see it, I like it, I can afford it” w/o regards to roadname. In year 2, I started to concentrate more heavily on tinplate While also having the objective of getting TMCC followed by DCS- both goals of which I achieved. With that came layout expansion- modern buildings/accessories, adapting to MTH realtrax and Lionel FasTrack- While still keeping a heavy interest in tinplate.

That said- I’m now in year 4 and in terms of purchases, while I still buy what I can, I’ve become much more discretionary- not due to finances but because I’ve realized that I’d like to have cohesion and consistency in my consists and try to keep it as Scale, or at least as proportional, as possible.. I’ve also started to run freight trains(big into intermodal) when earlier I was heavily into passenger. Further, I now focus on a certain time period(as modern as possible) thus passenger cars from RR -A, B, C, D, etc.. from the 30s-60s don’t necessarily “jive” with my Phase III and later Amtrak. Oh, I do still run PRR and LV consists at the same time as my Amtrak, but I don run a consist lead by a B&O postwar Budd RDC followed by an MPC B&O hopper, MTH RK NYC Crane, LTI LV gondola, NYC postwar gondola, RMT Bethlehem Steel ore cars, etc... For passenger- it’s Amtrak Phase III and later(MTH RK Phase IV Amfleet, K-line Phase III Horizons, Lionel Phase IVB Amfleet- the former 2 I run together, the later I donMt intermingle due to Size). Ocassionally, I run my MTH proto 2 PRR S-2 with my PRR 13.5” MTH cars. For freight, basically, I’ve narrowed my focus to scale intermodal Cars that carry containers- not just well cars(K-line bulkhead flats modified to fit Weaver 20’ containers, Atlas front runner, etc...). That said, because my CSX legacy smoke unit isn’t working and since I acquired a lovely MTH Alco LV C628- the LV heads the consist . Prototypical? No. Do I love that snowbird- you betcha.

And of course I still love and run my tinplate, not as much as I’d like to but I’ve just become so in love with the modern bells and whistles. But tinplate is probably the one area in which I don’t exercise discretion-but isn’t that part of a tinplater’s creed?! Although, even there my focus has narrowed, not so much that all my consists match but because I’ve learned more.

In summary, I don’t think any of us but the most lucky will ever not be constrained by something(finances, time, space, and so on). However, when I am least constrained, I like to think that I now make my purchases to fill a need on my layout- for example adding a flat or well car so that I can take a container off the steel beams in my “in the works” intermodal yard and put it on that car. I like to think that’s rational

Perfectly rational

Well....got several alerts on this topic so I thought I would take a look.  THIS IS NOT A GUN COLLECTING FORUM!!  Had to spend valuable time cleaning this thread up from those of you that decided to discuss guns and weapons.  WOW...how the heck you thought interjecting that topic into this forum made any sense beats me.  We will keep the topic open but another gun post will not only get deleted, the topic will get closed and the offender will be taking a vacation from the forum for a while.  I really hate to be so hard nosed but some of you just don't get it....

To try and stay on topic, as my wife said this morning, "it isn't so much the cost of the trains, we're running out of room!"

I started in 1957(?) and ended my first train purchasing in the mid-60s. I went into the USAF for 24 years. No place in dorms/barracks for train layouts. Eventually sold my train collection.

Then in 2009 found out Lionel had been licensed by the Boy Scouts of America to issue 100th Anniversary of the BSA items starting in 2009 and ending who knows when. I think Lionel issued the last 100th anniversary piece in 2012 or so.

That collection grew (I think I ended up purchasing ever item Lionel issued and then kept adding and adding and adding).

Now my collection is about 1,100 pieces (including track and everything else). In fact, I now need a larger place to put up a layout. I originally had the items stored in my only bedroom. Out grew that space and moved into a 2 bedroom apartment. Wasn't big enough so now looking for a larger 2 bedroom apartment.

You can see my current collection here with more items continually being added: http://dog-walker.org/trains-modern.htm

Rational? Not sure, but I do collect certain railroads and themes (you can see the list on the above web page). I don't think I'm rational, but I'm enjoying it. I guess that's the main point - enjoy it. Will be enjoying it more as soon as I find that larger second bedroom apartment and have a layout built.

@bluelinec4 posted:

Perfectly rational

A gorgeous display. I'm collecting only streamlined steam, so the front and side of the engine is important to me. Also shoehorning displayed trains in among the many books and pieces of art in my livingroom (I've been in my apt since 1968, when I was 22). No layout.

I have been motivated by the impending demise of MTH to acquire a whole bunch more streamlined steam locos in recent months. Now have half a dozen still in their boxes, unpacked.

I had two display cases made by Classy Woods, but the guy went out of business last year. Here are the displays, have have expanded into bookcases the other side of the room:

Those are beautiful cases Andrew.  If I had more room at the club I would definitely prefer displaying them like that.  

@Andrew-Porter posted:

A gorgeous display. I'm collecting only streamlined steam, so the front and side of the engine is important to me. Also shoehorning displayed trains in among the many books and pieces of art in my livingroom (I've been in my apt since 1968, when I was 22). No layout.

I have been motivated by the impending demise of MTH to acquire a whole bunch more streamlined steam locos in recent months. Now have half a dozen still in their boxes, unpacked.

I had two display cases made by Classy Woods, but the guy went out of business last year. Here are the displays, have have expanded into bookcases the other side of the room:

wow......wow.....WOW Beauty eh!

I should rephotograph the cases, the contents of which have changed a lot since I took the photo in 2018. In fact, here's a photo from last year, showing a partial view of the cases with more recent contents, and the particle-board bookcase that I repurposed to hold trains next to it.

Above and to the extreme left are part of my collection of original artwork by Richard Powers, a cover illustrator:

Is Your Train Purchasing Rational?

Absolutely!  This is especially true of the 17 items I had forgotten... and, recently found in the train *pile* that I have never even opened!

Never drink several brews and then start looking at the for sale page!.

If I like it, and I can afford it, I buy it. That is about as rational as I’m gonna get.

I wonder how many here used their Stimulus Payments to pay for trains? I know I used the first one for that (never got the second payment, sigh...).

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Very few people seem to think my train purchases are rational, so I stopped asking that question!

I couldn't have said it any better - thus I agree with John 100%.

Folks outside the hobby don't get it and look at us as though we have a third eye. 

No!   in my third eara of O  (2007 to present ) .   I just buy what I really like .  my current collection is still less than half of  my second era (1996 to 2003) .  my first era was from 1972 to 1983. 

As I began reading this thread earlier this morning. I paused as I looked over into the room where I have my temporary O gauge layout. I realized that have I ten or more unopened boxes that arrived this week out there with all sorts of prewar engines, cars and accessories in both Standard and O gauge. The guest room has many more boxes of unopened modern trains. This afternoon I am picking up a period correct barrister cabinet I purchased earlier this week to display some of these and other prewar, postwar and modern gems. I may purchase the twin cabinet set too. The placement of these will require rearranging furniture and the continued understanding of my quite understanding bride.
So I wonder to myself is that rational? Heck no. There is absolutely nothing rational about buying things to put on display or to run once in a blue moon. But it makes me happy. And that is why I am sitting here on a Saturday morning posting to a thread that might be read by some people understand this as I do.

@Bill Makel posted:

Never drink several brews and then start looking at the for sale page!.

This may have a little do with several of my purchases. I may need to install a breathalyzer on my iPad. 😂