An Interesting Perspective on Model Train Prices Today...

All I can say is thank goodness there are other options. We still see a steady stream of MTH, Atlas, Menards and other smaller brands to choose from. not to mention the aftermarket where I try to spend my limited train money.

You don't have spend a ton of money if your willing to buy on the secondary market and be willing to accept that you are not going to have the top of the line products.
Being the age I am and living in a smaller home I no longer can spend the amount I used to and hence since I sold off most of the collection from the 70's, 80's and 90's. And then although I still have some modern pieces that I really like my collection is a lot smaller.

But it does not mean I still cannot have fun and buy the occasional train. For instance I like scale intermodal trains but they are very expensive even on the secondary market so what did I do I bought the Menards intermodal cars which btw was originally made by ROW (right of way) back in 1995. Mfgs go out of business but tooling is forever.
When I figured out the cost of what I did in comparison with Mth, Lionels, AtlasO, the Menards intermodal cars are about 1/4th the cost. Now in saying that the Menards cars are lighter, less detailed and the trucks are not great but the containers are top notch.
They look 95% of the others and for me that's the greatest point of these models. So you see there are ways to have the great trains but sometimes you may have to do with a lesser model with a little less detail but it is the model you want. Search the secondary market you just maybe surprised on what you find. Don't go on what others say about Menards, make your own decision. The whole point of this hobby is to have fun and how ever you do it is the right way.

Dave

It’s simple. People keep buying them, Lionel will keep making them

I keep buying them....once in a while .  I have bought a few this year, might have to buy one more for my Christmas present .  Since I buy mostly diesels my wallet doesn't take as big a hit.

Your comment really resonated with me George as respects modeling to a specific time, and place. My layout premise is largely imaginary which can turn into a money pit quickly.  To add to that I typically only run passenger sets, so I compounded my financial woes.  But I enjoy it so what the heck.   

Sure . . . but you also have to factor in that, in 1956 dollars, $40 a week was *much* better than just a living wage!

Dang, Steve, you’re SOL!!