|
Post by ptc on Oct 25, 2022 15:16:40 GMT
"Be it Lionel, MTH, K Line, etc. they are toy trains meant to be enjoyed and run on layouts, carpet layouts, or under a Christmas Tree. Someday, be it the original buyer or one that bought and paid a premium price to acquire will wake up and find that their investments are not that and time to unwrap and enjoy what they were meant to be.
I buy only what will fit my layout, the era, and what I enjoy playing with. I have no really safe queens, nor any item that hasn't been unwrapped and played with."
Right on the money. Our hobby trains and accessories are meant to be enjoyed, no sitting in some box. If that happens, it is no longer a hobby.
|
|
|
Post by Country Joe on Oct 26, 2022 0:28:21 GMT
One thing I find amusing from seeing Big Boys for sale on E Bay and on Facebook, how many are unopened. It seems that some buyers treat toy trains as investments only and the price they are asking. There was a time when Baseball cards were a trend in investing, and new manufacturers jumped in, flooding the market and eventually the downfall for many that had put big money into them. Same from several decades ago when Radio, cereal, and other premiums were going for sky high prices, but there are so few that remember Little Orphan Annie, Tom Mix, etc. and now these are going for pennies on the dollar if even ever sold on E Bay. Be it Lionel, MTH, K Line, etc. they are toy trains meant to be enjoyed and run on layouts, carpet layouts, or under a Christmas Tree. Someday, be it the original buyer or one that bought and paid a premium price to acquire will wake up and find that their investments are not that and time to unwrap and enjoy what they were meant to be. I buy only what will fit my layout, the era, and what I enjoy playing with. I have no really safe queens, nor any item that hasn't been unwrapped and played with. I agree 100% Walt. Trains are a bad investment, but they are wonderful toys, meant to be used. I understand that there are collectors who's pleasure is displaying their trains on shelves, but that's different from keeping them in the sealed box thinking they will increase in value so the owner can make a fortune someday.
|
|
|
Post by harborbelt70 on Oct 26, 2022 15:41:15 GMT
Not only are 3rail trains not any sort of investment grade purchase, but being kept in a sealed box means you don't get the joy of unboxing them - or even better watching Emile The Big Crab Cake unboxing one of his on YouTube! The art of recording an unboxing is not one I have learned but I regard Emile as the master of it. Seeing his dogs witness the process is a real bonus for us dog persons.
|
|
|
Post by ptc on Oct 26, 2022 21:03:30 GMT
Emile is the best at this.
|
|
|
Post by david1 on Oct 27, 2022 18:22:55 GMT
I just don't get people who buy trains and never open them. Like Joe said trains are meant to be enjoyed no matter the value of the item. I have always enjoyed my trains by myself and with others shortly after I received them. No staying in the box for me.
Dave
|
|
|
Post by g3750 on Oct 30, 2022 13:31:29 GMT
Just what the O-Gauge world needs is another Big Boy. Lionel really knows how to read the market. Yes, but this isn't unusual behavior for Lionel. Back in the 1990's and 2000's, they seemed to be turning out minor variations of Hudsons every 15 minutes. They're going to flog the horse pulling the wagon until it dies. And then find another horse.
George
|
|