These days I'm back to buying postwar, so everything is used 
That being said, for the new stuff (engines) I would be very hesitant to buy a used one. The parts/the reliability of the electronics, etc would be enough to deter me. I think on the forum you have a better chance of someone standing behind what they sell compared to say eBay. While I still see people buying it, postwar & MPC prices are a shell to what they once were. Will they recover? I doubt it. The new stuff has 1000 features & from a detail standpoint, blows older Lionel away. For the modern stuff I have sold, I got close to what I paid for it. The few MPC & PW items I tried to sell, you really couldn't give it away, especially the MPC. But , like it was stated before - will the 80$ boxcar give me the same enjoyment as the 18$ boxcar? I'm in the same boat - student loans, daycare for kids, car & home payments - disposable income gets smaller & smaller. A lot of the reason I love postwar & MPC is the emotional attachment to it - reminds me of my Pop & Uncle and being a kid, trying to find all these trains at shows, etc. I do think the market is flooded w/ more product than people out there to buy it. The people that are really driving the market seem to be going after legacy & PS2/3 engines.
I'll usually go $0.50 to the $1.00. Occasionally deviate if is something I really want to buy. If it comes to selling for less, I'm more inclined to just give it away.
I like the response I read somewhere that
"if you are buying trains as an investment, you are buying them for the wrong reasons".
Buy what you like and run what you like. In recent years I have watched the prices of
"postwar" trains especially, come down. When I first got into this in 1990. I so desparatly wanted a ZW
for my train board. I was NOT willing the shell out $300 for a used transformer, not knowing if it would work or not.
I now own 5 postwar ZWs. I did not pay any more than $60 for any one of them. And one I found at a rummage sale for $25.
At the shows, I have watched the price drop over the past 20 years from $300+ to $100-$150 each. I also watch some of the same dealers bring items from show to show to show, only to pack it all up and take it home. Some dealers have tried to follow the market and lower prices to move items and some dealers have left their prices at prices held from 20 years ago. In both cases, items are moving slow and prices that are from 20 years ago, go home with the dealer instead of with a buyer.
I try to encourage new train enthusiasts to talk with dealers. Most dealers are willing to negotiate, because they want to make a sale and bring new blood into the toy train market. We all need to encourage the youth and get them OUT from behind those computer screens. Happy Hunting.
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Just from what I have seen, but at the shows the prices often seem to be unrealistic, I agree that especially on postwar, the prices being asked are too high, and it looks like the guys don't sell a lot. The last greenberg show I went to, I heard two of the guys with tables talking, and they were complaining about how people didn't want to pay a 'fair' price, both were selling postwar..and while they had some nice stuff, the prices were well above what I have seen stuff sell for, not talking rare items, saw things like 1990's Lionel Engines they had priced probably double what I could get off of here or on fleabay or dealers on the net. I think a lot of the dealers think they are going to get high prices when the market isn't there.
I did see some modern stuff at tempting prices, if my son wasn't in college, could have gotten some good deals on PS2 MTH and the like.
I think shipping costs are really hurting the sales of used trains. Over the last few weeks, I have been trying to sell or give away items from a small collection that I became responsible for. The shipping cost of anything train related, seems to about equal the value of the item. I have a local mailing store that can search shipping costs for any box I take in, to find the lowest cost. It seems like even a small item in a small box will cost you at least $15.00 to ship it half way across the lower 48. Sometimes it costs more to ship something than the item is worth. Example: It cost $13.00 to ship a small Lionel tank car that I gave away.
Jeff
bigkid posted:Just from what I have seen, but at the shows the prices often seem to be unrealistic, I agree that especially on postwar, the prices being asked are too high, and it looks like the guys don't sell a lot. The last greenberg show I went to, I heard two of the guys with tables talking, and they were complaining about how people didn't want to pay a 'fair' price, both were selling postwar...
Many of the post-war dealers simply haven't changed with the times. They're stuck in the mindset that folks think there's VALUE in a rare postwar Jersey Central FM with a maroon vs. gray roof. Variations like that are part of the "collector's mentality" that has fallen off dramatically as many enthusiasts have evolved into operators who don't give a hoot about variations -- at least not in a sense that they're willing to pay a premium for them.
As for the post-war trains in average to poor condition... I'm not sure there was ever a sizable market for those.
David
They're stuck in the mindset that folks think there's VALUE in a rare postwar Jersey Central FM with a maroon vs. gray roof. Variations like that are part of the "collector's mentality" that has fallen off dramatically as many enthusiasts have evolved into operators who don't give a hoot about variations -- at least not in a sense that they're willing to pay a premium for them.
There are still folks who care about variations, and assign higher values to certain ones. They don't attend every show, and if they participate here (probably don't) they probably keep it to themselves because of the ridicule they'd receive.
That written, I'll agree that the market is shrinking, and there are fewer people interested in such things. Many of them already have those "rare" variations, so the demand certainly is low.
I think that a lot of people are missing the thought that many of the folks setting up a train shows are not dealers nor are they running a business. They are hobbyists looking to sell off some stuff. They don't need the money to pay the bills or be able to buy dinner. Or even to be able to afford their next train fix. So they set the price where they feel it should be, and don't care whether they sell the item or not.
If you don't sell anything, you cannot have "sellers remorse".
C W Burfle posted:...
If you don't sell anything, you cannot have "sellers remorse".
True... But I find just packing the stuff once to ship it is a lot of work, so I can only imagine the effort to pack and unpack the same items over and over again must get old pretty quickly with nothing to show for their efforts. 
C W Burfle posted:They're stuck in the mindset that folks think there's VALUE in a rare postwar Jersey Central FM with a maroon vs. gray roof. Variations like that are part of the "collector's mentality" that has fallen off dramatically as many enthusiasts have evolved into operators who don't give a hoot about variations -- at least not in a sense that they're willing to pay a premium for them.
There are still folks who care about variations, and assign higher values to certain ones. They don't attend every show, and if they participate here (probably don't) they probably keep it to themselves because of the ridicule they'd receive.
That written, I'll agree that the market is shrinking, and there are fewer people interested in such things. Many of them already have those "rare" variations, so the demand certainly is low.I think that a lot of people are missing the thought that many of the folks setting up a train shows are not dealers nor are they running a business. They are hobbyists looking to sell off some stuff. They don't need the money to pay the bills or be able to buy dinner. Or even to be able to afford their next train fix. So they set the price where they feel it should be, and don't care whether they sell the item or not.
If you don't sell anything, you cannot have "sellers remorse".
For my part, don't care, I just walk by when the prices are crazy. However, a lot of these guys also spend a lot of time complaining and moaning that buyers are cheap, don't want to buy their stuff. If they want to go from show to show, pay the table fee, and not sell anything, it doesn't bother me, but I have heard these guys in person, and online, moaning and complaining about the people at the shows not willing to buy their stuff...
As far as those willing to pay more for something they value, that is their right, I have bought things with personal meaning where I likely paid too much, there is nothing to make fun of there. However, I also have seen where they overpaid for something, thinking they have a treasure that they think they bought cheap, find out they overpaid, then blame everyone else because they don't cherish their 'treasure'.
C W Burfle posted:So they set the price where they feel it should be, and don't care whether they sell the item or not.
...The last part of that sentence screams of begging the question as to why even bother attempting to sell in the first place.
Gentlemen,
I think vendors run the full spectrum, as David says some will not change, others wheel and deal all the time. I agree with Popi open your mouth and talk to the individual Vendors, you will be able to tell right away if they are open to a deal, or if they are set in stone. However you also must use your head, if you are trying to negotiate price. In my latest purchase from Rocky Mountaineer (David), I decided not to make a counter offer on the Scale JLC TMC GG1, because I honestly believe David was already at his lowest sale price. IMO the Scale TMCC Brunswick Green PRR one Striper with minimal hours was worth even more money than David was actually asking, so I did not have my heart in trying to negotiate the price down any further. Further I do a lot of horse trading especially with the Tin Plate Vendors, definitely ask negotiate if you can.
PCRR/Dave
Michael Hokkanen posted:What is your opinion of how well things are selling on the used train market? I have seen a lot of items sitting and not moving both here and elsewhere. I realize that used train cars, accessories, and other things are only worth a fraction of their new price. But, you can only go so low. Please do not view this as an individual complaint I am just curious. Thanks very much for any opinions that you would care to express. I really appreciate it.
Dismal.... I've been selling my collections now for several years. My experience has been, no one wants to pay what an item is worth. They want it for pennies on the dollar not matter how nice it is. Things will eventually sell if your patient and flexible with your prices and dealings. A lot of things will sit and not sell show after show or auction listing after listing.
Tin
LionelTin posted:no one wants to pay what an item is worth. They want it for pennies on the dollar not matter how nice it is.
Publilius Syrus wrote: "Something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it".
The last part of that sentence screams of begging the question as to why even bother attempting to sell in the first place.
To thin the herd and make room for something else.
C W Burfle posted:They're stuck in the mindset that folks think there's VALUE in a rare postwar Jersey Central FM with a maroon vs. gray roof. Variations like that are part of the "collector's mentality" that has fallen off dramatically as many enthusiasts have evolved into operators who don't give a hoot about variations -- at least not in a sense that they're willing to pay a premium for them.
There are still folks who care about variations, and assign higher values to certain ones. They don't attend every show, and if they participate here (probably don't) they probably keep it to themselves because of the ridicule they'd receive.
That written, I'll agree that the market is shrinking, and there are fewer people interested in such things. Many of them already have those "rare" variations, so the demand certainly is low.I think that a lot of people are missing the thought that many of the folks setting up a train shows are not dealers nor are they running a business. They are hobbyists looking to sell off some stuff. They don't need the money to pay the bills or be able to buy dinner. Or even to be able to afford their next train fix. So they set the price where they feel it should be, and don't care whether they sell the item or not.
If you don't sell anything, you cannot have "sellers remorse".
"...The last part of that sentence screams of begging the question as to why even bother attempting to sell in the first place." --posted by John Korling.
These two posts got me thinking. I think C.W. Burfle has got something here. Maybe the dealers/hobbyists (and obviously it isn't every dealer at these shows) that don't seem to mind taking the trains home and back again to the next show do it for several reasons. Assuming that they don't need the money which is entirely possible, maybe they do it to hang out and socialize with their friends, get away from the wife or the in-laws for a weekend, go out to dinner, and overall maybe just maybe they have a good time doing it. Either that or perhaps they are stubborn and will wait until they get their price on an item but surely any logical person would add up all the costs of attending multiple train shows such as gas, tolls (if any), food, cost for the table and their own personal labor and time in setting up their table and loading and unloading their car.
One time I was at Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ for their automotive swap meet. A guy had a 1/18 scale Barracuda I wanted to buy. It was in nice condition but it had no box. I asked how much it was and the guy was actually kind of annoyed at me just for asking. It was like I was bothering him. He and a bunch of his friends were sitting around a table talking. He said, "$30". I said would you take $25? I felt that was fair offer since there was no box and I don't feel like I was beating him up. He refused right away and I walked away. He obviously didn't care if he made a sale or not. Some people are stubborn and don't care what the market is for something (I had bought a similar 1/18 with no box at an earlier show for $20). They have to get their price no matter what yet I always get the feeling that if they were buying from me whatever price I ask for something will always be too high. Was he a guy who goes to shows to hang out and socialize with his friends or someone who is stubborn and won't sell anything unless he gets his price? I don't know but perhaps it is a little of both?
C W Burfle posted:The last part of that sentence screams of begging the question as to why even bother attempting to sell in the first place.
To thin the herd and make room for something else.
But if they, as you stated, don't care whether they sell it or not, then it makes that premise kind of moot.
But if they, as you stated, don't care whether they sell it or not, then it makes that premise kind of moot.
Sorry, I am not going to get into a debate on the issue.
For many collectors, selling is part of the hobby, regardless of whether the income is needed.
If the market is dead and the trains aren't desirable, then why are so many people concerned about these sellers asking high prices and bringing their stuff back and forth show after show?
When I see something I like on a table, and the price is too high I might make an offer. It depends on how far apart we are, and whether I know the table holder. If we make a deal... great!. If not..... another will come along. There aren't too many truly rare things in the world of train collecting.
When I am selling, I price my stuff to sell. Still, I am always willing to listen to an offer that is made politely. Sometimes a deal is made, other times not.
Consider this. Some folks may actually enjoy going to a train show with their premium priced stuff, sharing their grousing and "in my day, etc." complaints with their buddies and anyone else who will listen, and then taking their unsold treasures home where they are truly appreciated. Never underestimate the pleasure of misery shared, nor of the potential feelings of superiority over the rest of the world who just don't understand "how it should be" . It's a privilege of being on downhill side of 60 or so from what I've seen (I'm there too!).
I've been going to train shows since the early 90's to search for used trains & parts. I enjoy the wheeling & dealing, BUT rarely will offer less than 25% of a dealers asking price. Most often, only 10%. But I also know a lot of the dealers by sight and have friends who stand behind their stuff, even offering to send an engine out to Lionel for repairs. If it's priced fairly it sells. Being new to buying here on the forum, the biggest killer that I see are the shipping charges. Even if a seller was willing to take something back, you're are still out $$$. I recently made a small purchase on the Forum and shipping was 25% of the items value.
Excellent reading all. Again I thank you. Lots of headsey stuff discussed here. I sent my York app in a little while back. I always love looking at everybody's stuff. Now I am kind of second guessing myself. Additionally, as my new layout is being built I am predicting lots of left- over rolling stock will be stored and not run. What to do with this stuff? Keep it on the floor in boxes? Probably so as I can't seem to sell much used stuff. If I were truly starting this hobby as a beginner I would now not leap in to it so boldly and buy so much stuff. And what I have is peanuts compared with what I see some of you out there have. Maybe the lesson is that "He who died with the most unused toys - loses!"
Yes the prices are soft - In fact, I see that O gauge is taking on the same price pressure of the old HO and N sets of our youth. You buy it for a high price and sell it for a low price. Doesn't matter if it is new in the box. Your Protosound or Lionel electronics lose value when there is no warranty. The cost of an out of warranty repair on these sound systems can cost more than the diesel cost to begin with. The hobby is becoming consumable (no longer investible) - Run your trains.
I bought tons of trains during the 1990s. All those remade Lionel things... Paying $45-55 dollars. I have had them on ebay at $19 and no one wants them STILL new and never used MINT.... My goal is to liquidate things and only keep what I run or will run.... no more pile of unused trains under the table.
When I do sell it for $19, and decide a year from now I want it again new and MINT, I will just go to a train show and buy a new mint one again for $19.
I learned this watching the trains over the years: I no longer buy anything the year it comes out. I wait a couple of years and get it for LOTS less
Maybe the lesson is that "He who died with the most unused toys - loses!"
As long as you didn't spend money that should have been used elsewhere, then I don't think so.
If you purchased it you must have wanted it, received some pleasure from the purchase, and from knowing that you own it. Isn't that what spending discretionary funds is all about?
As Matt has mentioned, sometime, somehow, in the past 20-30 years or so it sure seems to me that shipping charges went through the roof! Getting a small package through the mail was never a big deal. Now, it often costs more to ship than the item costs! Last year I ordered a lot of WS inlines and risers through the mail. Bulky but light as a feather. Shipping costs were just staggering from the on-line seller! ($600 dollars????!!!) I called, thinking it had to be a mistake. He figured out how his software was coming up with that figure. We got it down to a little more than $100! Still, for some foam?????? We are not talking about a cubic meter here either!!
This was from the US to Canada, BTW. Via USPS.
Shipping now has to be carefully considered on any purchase, new or used! Don't get me started on ebay's global shipping program! 
I see many items on the used market that interest me . . . but shipping costs kill the deal. From my perspective, high shipping costs play a significant role in depressing prices for used stuff, ESPECIALLY the small stuff! In fact, it kills interest in the entire market! Years ago I sold my CDs and DVDs through the mail. Shipping, which used to be a dollar or so, now makes it impossible to sell these things through the mail at all!
With my conventional O27/O31 focus, I’m delighted at the prices and variety. The secondary market is bursting with like-new products that I’m happy to embrace. This is a golden age for being able to get products that work for you and your layout, regardless of your focus.
eBay is the place to be… Research who you buy from, limit who can buy from you, and take an active role in ensuring the transaction completes promptly and properly, and you won't have any problems. YOU are in control of who you purchase from and sell to. If an auction has blurry pictures, vague descriptions, or something feels shady, just move on.
I do always enjoy reading about the supposed demise of postwar trains. As I’ve said before, I have a ’65 Mustang, and nobody has ever suggested I should upgrade to a "better" new one. This is the world's greatest hobby, and it's the best time to be in it. I'd like to think we could all agree on that, anyway! 
Here.
Got tired of the BS on eBay.
Gentlemen,
Shipping Cost, you just pushed the right button with me.
One of my pet peeves is the way some businesses & individuals use shipping costs to actually up the prices of what ever they are selling. I have often wondered if there is not some way to stop this fraudulent selling practice. Many times I pay the UPS cost when I purchase an item, then the item is put in the USPS snail mail, that takes 10 days to be derived to me, when I have payed for UPS Ground. Further when I order anything now, via UPS, I make a note on the shipping contract, that the item must be delivered to my front door, by the UPS Carrier, and not be dropped in USPS. I believe if I pay for a package to be delivered in a certain manner, it should be delivered the way. Recently I purchase a Z4K Remote Commander Receiver, now this item is a very light 4"x 4" piece of electrical gear. In order to purchase this item, I had to agree to a .050 handling fee & a $10.29 Shipping cost, supposedly by UPS, I am waiting to see if the item actually arrives USPS, for the $3.00 actual cost.
PCRR/Dave
Look at "actually sold" listings on ebay for MPC boxcars basically "like new in box". $7 or $8 sold price plus $9 to ship. I don't understand why the sellers even bother? For $7, it wouldn't be worth my time to take it to the post office. I would just chuck it in the garbage and try to take a lesson learned from it.
Terry Danks posted:...Shipping now has to be carefully considered on any purchase, new or used! ...
I see many items on the used market that interest me . . . but shipping costs kill the deal. ...
Terry, so true. I recently made a huge purchase of ScaleTrax items because the dealer was blowing out his inventory of toy train items that were more than 2 years old. So I struck gold with my ScaleTrax purchase. The sub-total BEFORE shipping was the "good news". The grand total AFTER shipping was the "bad news". 
I was almost thinking of driving down to southern Maryland myself to pick up the goods! 
Having said that though, I really think what we're seeing in terms of shipping costs today has more to do with the fact that shipping companies now realize the key/important role they're playing in EVERYONE's business model. Conversely, folks using the shipping company services realize the strategic importance of shipping in today's businesses as well.
Think about our little corner of the world in toy train land. 40 years ago, Charles Ro was one of the "few" big-name national, mail-order Lionel dealers. Charlie would have a huge booth at the Allentown train show back then (he doesn't anymore), and I'd think, "Hey, there's the guy who runs an 8-page advertisement spread every month in the toy train magazines. And they're right here in Allentown today!" Fast-forward to 2016... when there are MANY more "mail-order" Lionel dealers clamoring for our business... and it largely centers around the fact that the shipping companies have leveled the playing field for ALL dealers in the eyes of the consumer. We can pick up the phone and order product from any of several dealers now. Or order directly from their website (if you prefer not to talk with anybody). And within a day or two, your stuff is sitting on your doorstep without you taking your car out of the garage. So the shipping companies have essentially "erased the fact" (in our minds, anyway) that those dealers are hundreds of -- or even over a thousand -- miles away from us and the LHS.
As the saying goes... There's no free lunch in life. We're definitely paying the price for certain conveniences today.
David
Regarding shipping, I also strongly suspect that pricing is strongly skewed in favor of "wholesale" shippers. Plenty of free shipping on any sort of item from Amazon and other extremely large outfits.
PLCProf posted:Regarding shipping, I also strongly suspect that pricing is strongly skewed in favor of "wholesale" shippers. Plenty of free shipping on any sort of item from Amazon and other extremely large outfits.
I don't really think the shipping is free. I just think it's buried in the cost of the product.
Michael Hokkanen posted:PLCProf posted:Regarding shipping, I also strongly suspect that pricing is strongly skewed in favor of "wholesale" shippers. Plenty of free shipping on any sort of item from Amazon and other extremely large outfits.
I don't really think the shipping is free. I just think it's buried in the cost of the product.
Yes, of course, but the cost needs to be small enough that it can be buried!
Michael Hokkanen posted:PLCProf posted:Regarding shipping, I also strongly suspect that pricing is strongly skewed in favor of "wholesale" shippers. Plenty of free shipping on any sort of item from Amazon and other extremely large outfits.
I don't really think the shipping is free. I just think it's buried in the cost of the product.
I would respectfully disagree and believe that PLCPof has a point.
I believe that when my employer ships via UPS, they are billed at somewhere around 1/3 of what the 'retail' UPS price would be.
Another example is that last week I ordered a new rear step bumper for my old truck on eBay last week. Cost was $200 with FREE shipping. Bumper arrived in two days (Illinois to Maryland) via FedEx. Couldn't have been much shipping cost built into the price as the local junk also wanted $200 for a used one.
Yet, when I try to ship a small box at the post office, it often costs me $10 - $15. 
Jim
Michael,
I definitely agree, even if the shipping contract allows of a certain amount of goods to be moved for a low cost or even for what is noted as free, the business is still paying for the over all shipping contract. There definitely is no such thing, as a Free Lunch. Lots of hidden costs in all kinds business, especially in the shipping business.
JD-Train,
That business probably has a shipping contract and pays a certain flat rate cost yearly for their shipping, no matter what they ship, and then advertises to customers, that they get free shipping, the shipping is definitely not free.
PCRR/Dave
jd-train posted:...
I believe that when my employer ships via UPS, they are billed at somewhere around 1/3 of what the 'retail' UPS price would be.
...
This is quite common when the service costs are "value based" (i.e., think in terms of what the market is willing to bear) vs. a price reflecting actual expenses incurred by the provider. In the former pricing model, there's more headroom to move on price -- especially for a customer who wants to negotiate since he's using the shipper's services regularly and in high volume. When you and I walk up to the UPS, Fed-Ex or USPS counter, they view us as a once and done transaction. No leverage to get a better price.
David
I help run a train show locally (non-profit on our part). I rarely buy anything to resell these days, so I'm basically thinning the herd. I don't mind if someone makes a reasonable offer on my items, but asking for 40 or more percent off is pretty rude. I don't bother countering - I don't sell junk, and I'm not running a yard sale.
For the other two gentlemen and me running the show it's a social event - I don't mind loading tubs back up as long as I have a good time and other vendors enjoy themselves. I'm not making a living selling toys, so my perspective is different than a number of folks who set up. I don't have to worry about driving 3 hours, pay for a hotel and meals, and need to cover those costs as well as making enough to pay for the trains being resold (and make a profit as well). Different people have different reasons for selling - motivations vary, needs are different - that may be why some sellers never seem to move items - the need/motivation to sell are unique.
MTN posted:I help run a train show locally (non-profit on our part). I rarely buy anything to resell these days, so I'm basically thinning the herd. I don't mind if someone makes a reasonable offer on my items, but asking for 40 or more percent off is pretty rude. I don't bother countering - I don't sell junk, and I'm not running a yard sale.
For the other two gentlemen and me running the show it's a social event - I don't mind loading tubs back up as long as I have a good time and other vendors enjoy themselves. I'm not making a living selling toys, so my perspective is different than a number of folks who set up. I don't have to worry about driving 3 hours, pay for a hotel and meals, and need to cover those costs as well as making enough to pay for the trains being resold (and make a profit as well). Different people have different reasons for selling - motivations vary, needs are different - that may be why some sellers never seem to move items - the need/motivation to sell are unique.
Yes indeed! I have some other hobbies that run shows and meets and fests and, in all honesty, at least half the "Sellers" use the event as an excuse to, uh, "swap tales," to be polite about it. Nothing wrong with that. That is why they are called "meets."
Only thing that bothers me is when I actually want to buy something, I often feel guilty interrupting the seller's speech about his gall bladder operation or his hip replacement. Of course, half the time the seller's buddies are jabbering away directly in front of his table, so potential buyers can't see anything anyway!
On the rare events when I do sell my goal is to take NOTHING back home; if my stuff was really valuable somebody would have bought it long ago. I take what I know will sell and plan on accepting lowballs on the rest!
Dave, I would totally agree that nothing is shipped for free. Personally, as a consumer, I always fold that cost of shipping into the sales price as both combined is what it cost to get the item into my hands. But, a large volume company, usually as part of a contract, gets a tremendous discount for shipping.
Jim
Rocky Mountaineer posted:Many of the post-war dealers simply haven't changed with the times. They're stuck in the mindset that folks think there's VALUE in a rare postwar Jersey Central FM with a maroon vs. gray roof. Variations like that are part of the "collector's mentality" that has fallen off dramatically as many enthusiasts have evolved into operators who don't give a hoot about variations -- at least not in a sense that they're willing to pay a premium for them.As for the post-war trains in average to poor condition... I'm not sure there was ever a sizable market for those.
David
A Jersey Central FM with a maroon or gray roof...now that would be a rare item!
Bob
CNJ 3676 posted:Rocky Mountaineer posted:Many of the post-war dealers simply haven't changed with the times. They're stuck in the mindset that folks think there's VALUE in a rare postwar Jersey Central FM with a maroon vs. gray roof. Variations like that are part of the "collector's mentality" that has fallen off dramatically as many enthusiasts have evolved into operators who don't give a hoot about variations -- at least not in a sense that they're willing to pay a premium for them.As for the post-war trains in average to poor condition... I'm not sure there was ever a sizable market for those.
David
A Jersey Central FM with a maroon or gray roof...now that would be a rare item!
Bob
nice catch!
bostonpete posted:CNJ 3676 posted:Rocky Mountaineer posted:Many of the post-war dealers simply haven't changed with the times. They're stuck in the mindset that folks think there's VALUE in a rare postwar Jersey Central FM with a maroon vs. gray roof. Variations like that are part of the "collector's mentality" that has fallen off dramatically as many enthusiasts have evolved into operators who don't give a hoot about variations -- at least not in a sense that they're willing to pay a premium for them.As for the post-war trains in average to poor condition... I'm not sure there was ever a sizable market for those.
David
A Jersey Central FM with a maroon or gray roof...now that would be a rare item!
Bob
nice catch!
Ooops.... my head was thinking Lackawanna, but my fingers typed Jersey Central. 
But you knew that, right??? 
