Just thought I would share this neat fact. For $500 less than the MSRP of a Vision alone Bigboy, you could own say a REAL ALCo 539 motor! You could also snatch up an EMD 567!
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
In 2007 I could buy Preiser 1:22.5 figures at the average price of $17.50 for a three figure set. Today, that same set is going for over $40.00.
In the 1980's Lionel 736 Berkshires were going for well over $200.00. Thanks to the re-issue of most post-war stuff, post-war prices have come down.
In the 1970s and '80s, MPC was not inexpensive. Today, MPC stuff is going for roughly the same price I paid then.
Well the item in that link is used, so less expensive. By your model trains used. You'll save money. Seems to be the lesson here.
I loved the MPC and LTI trains back in the day. I just couldn't justify the prices.
But thanks to the many reissues, the soft market, and the glut of trains at York, I now have many of those items at a low fraction of the original cost.
aussteve posted:I loved the MPC and LTI trains back in the day. I just couldn't justify the prices.
But thanks to the many reissues, the soft market, and the glut of trains at York, I now have many of those items at a low fraction of the original cost.
Tell me about it. I have picked up some of my old wish list items online and even with shipping tacked on, are much lower priced than what I would've paid some years ago. The sad flipside to that is items I purchased years ago are worth less now, as well.
Brendan
If you run the modern high tech full featured model trains, I will agree that the prices are rising but if you examine the Lionel P/W, MPC, Lionel LLC , Williams, MTH and other older equipment the prices are generally very reasonable. My layout is run mainly with $200 (lightly used or NOS) engines and $10-$25 rolling stock. The objective here is to turn the throttle and watch the trains run. It all depends on what you want.
Dennis LaGrua posted:If you run the modern high tech full featured model trains, I will agree that the prices are rising but if you examine the Lionel P/W, MPC, Lionel LLC , Williams, MTH and other older equipment the prices are generally very reasonable. My layout is run mainly with $200 (lightly used or NOS) engines and $10-$25 rolling stock. The objective here is to turn the throttle and watch the trains run. It all depends on what you want.
Your right about that I got some used mth railking locomotives.I got a railking nw j for 125.00.It has a american flyer type smoke unit.I went to a train show and picked up a lionel tmcc berkshire for 375.00 that retailed for 1100.00.Then I got a lionel hudson for 100.00.Their are deals out there you just have to look around.Boxcars I got for 20.00 and sometimes 15.00.
aussteve posted:I loved the MPC and LTI trains back in the day. I just couldn't justify the prices.
But thanks to the many reissues, the soft market, and the glut of trains at York, I now have many of those items at a low fraction of the original cost.
Yeah, I remember hearing comments like "Who'd pay $250 for a Joshua Lionel Cowen Hudson?" 
Rusty
Since "trains" are my most recent hobby, along with Cadillacs, firearms, and clocks, all I can do is watch them run around the big loop in the living room. But I have picked up enough items from the "back part of the catalog" to satisfy some of my childhood dreams. A Berkshire is on the way and I finally have a Hudson. Not the Pre-war (my BFF across the street's oldest brother had a BIG Lionel layout with one,) but the ACL one will do. And I have a SEVEN car consist of Madison cars to get out from under the bed and see if the 675 "Pacific" will pull them all.
I try for bargains that need this and that. Two of my "as-is" purchases from TrainsZ run like champs. I'm not interested in boxes or mint condition and daubing a little flat back here and there isn't a "no-no." (Yes, when I sell that fact will be noted...) But my wife likes to see them running around the room and the cats are mildly interested in them as well. (They don't like the full-sized ones that wander up and down the old Vandalia right of way out back.)
It's a fun hobby and I really enjoy seeing the handiwork that many of you possess (and share.) And when you look at your check book register and note "how much you spent on trains" last month, just remind your wife (and yourself) that's it's still, way, way cheaper than chasing women.
It all depends on what you’re looking for. New stuff in all scales is expensive and becoming more so. Even HO is no bargain; DC diesels are approaching the $200 mark with DCC/sound units nearing $300 or better. It’s caused me to re-think my hobby spending, that’s for sure.
Also, OP- your link is for the turbocharger for that 539, not the whole engine 
Hi all,
I got permission from Jeff Corrick (aka Clint Jefferies) to post the link to the inventory software he is creating. It is still in beta testing but you can try it for the exorbitant price of $0. He only asks that testers provide feedback and suggestions for improvement. He has figured out a way to import from Trainminder but it's not in the software yet (if you ask nicely he may do it for you 
). We hope you find that it meets your needs!
As stated above, there are PLENTY of reasonably priced PW, MPC, LLC, MTH and Williams items available on the secondary market, unless you just cannot live without the current over-hyped and over-priced electronic whiz bangs! I am personally no longer a whiz-bang guy, and ALL of my trains are currently analog traditional control and I have NO regrets! I long ago said adios to my DCS and Legacy equipment, and have not looked back! 😁
As for me, I like the older Lionel engines, many at reasonable prices compared to 20 yrs ago. I can control my cost on repairs. That's why I have older Harleys.
Dennis LaGrua posted:The objective here is to turn the throttle and watch the trains run. It all depends on what you want.
Tinplate Art posted:...there are PLENTY of reasonably priced ... unless you just cannot live without the current over-hyped and over-priced electronic whiz bangs! I am personally no longer a whiz-bang guy, and ALL of my trains are currently analog traditional control and I have NO regrets! I long ago said adios to my DCS and Legacy equipment, and have not looked back! 😁
I partake of the hobby in the same way as Dennis and Art and have never been a whiz-bang guy... Bought manual transmission cars for many years because I liked to drive them...
Although I own my share of expensive model trains and still purchase some new items, prices of high-end models have gotten to the point where I just will not open my wallet that wide. I have that luxury because I usually have older versions of the current offerings. No whistle steam or swinging bell or control by phone - but I can do without them. I guess those things appeal to younger folks - which is OK with me.
MELGAR
Once you start to factor in the cost of living and inflation, today's new Lionel trains are about equal to the cost of their trains in the late 1930's.
Plus today you're getting better sound, smoke, advanced electronics and wireless transmission.
They were expensive back in the '30's, but at least more reliable than the modern electronics.
I agree, but that's what owners of horses and buggies said when they first saw those new-fangled driving machines - and now look where we are.
When you consider that Legacy came out in 2006 and Bluetooth is only a couple of years old, we're really in the infancy of modern train electronics and, like the early pioneers of horseless carriages, we're the ones that are bearing the burden of whatever lack of reliability exists at present; but I'm guessing that within 10 years these modern electronics will be as rock solid as those pre and post war locos.
I just hope we all make it that far !!
I'd get a lot more play value out of a nice 3rd Rail Super Chief set than a 567 prime mover. Just my opinion.
Sometimes it's just worth spending the money on a new model train because it's something you like. In the case of many of my trains the chance is they won't be produced again or at least anytime soon.
Now if the 567 prime mover provided power to run my layout that might be a difference story. It would be the penultimate "proto" sound.
I’m glad that there are hobbyists who buy the over-hyped, over priced electronic wiz-bang items. They keep the industry going forward for generations to come. Thank you.
This subject never dies. We all make our own unique value judgments. I think that prices for much of the new stuff are over-the-top but I buy some anyway. Since I am on a train budget (prudently forced there by my wife) I spend roughly the same amount each year but buy fewer and fewer items with it. The extra (literal) bells and whistles are lost on me as is command control; on a 4x8 ft. Layout who really needs it?
Fortunately, I have accumulated so, so much over the past thirty years that I need nothing new in the first place, and my biggest problem by far is storage room.
Dave Warburton posted:This subject never dies. We all make our own unique value judgments. I think that prices for much of the new stuff are over-the-top but I buy some anyway. Since I am on a train budget (prudently forced there by my wife) I spend roughly the same amount each year but buy fewer and fewer items with it. The extra (literal) bells and whistles are lost on me as is command control; on a 4x8 ft. Layout who really needs it?
Fortunately, I have accumulated so, so much over the past thirty years that I need nothing new in the first place, and my biggest problem by far is storage room.
That's where I'm at with N-scale. I've bought so much stuff over the past 20 years, I could easily live the rest of my life without ever buying another N-scale item. As a matter of fact, due to this reason, along with the increasing prices of N-scale, I quit buying N-scale stuff cold turkey a couple of years ago.
I started taking a small interest in 3-rail O-gauge about 5 or 6 years ago. My interest really picked up about 3 years ago, when I started noticing used O-gauge items selling for the same price or LESS than comparable N-scale items! 
For instance, I went to a train show just a few weeks ago, and picked up several really nice, used O-gauge box cars priced at $3 each!!! (Admittedly, some had a broken or missing part or two, but good Lord! I can fix all that stuff with only a little bit of effort). In comparison, most used N-scale freight cars start at $4 ~ $5 each for the low quality ones, and quickly go up in price from there.
And I haven't attended a show yet in the past few years where I didn't walk out with at least a couple of REALLY NICE scale-sized O-gauge freight cars in the $10 ~ $15 ~ $20 price range. And that's just freight cars. I have even gotten some really great deals with several used loco's!
I dunno, but I think I have picked a good time to be getting into O-gauge. While I have purchased a few somewhat expensive (but still affordable) new items, as far as I'm concerned I have more than offset those expenses with some of the almost "give-away" prices of some really good stuff at the train shows. 
Keep buying up those Vision line locomotives- the more the better fellas!!! You are making the JLC and Legacy locomotives a BARGAN and I am loving it! Thank you for your service. Nick
rockstars1989 posted:Keep buying up those Vision line locomotives- the more the better fellas!!! You are making the JLC and Legacy locomotives a BARGAN and I am loving it! Thank you for your service. Nick
True enough. Whenever a newly-featured model of a previously-released item comes out, the price usually drops significantly for the old version.
A smart buying strategy for sure unless you just have to have the latest whiz-bang features.
If cost is a major issue go old and used. Buy O27 or O if want to splurge and buy Lionel, Marx and K-line from the 1940s to the 1980s. You will save in the low price you pay for the trains and you will save in fixing them yourself as they are repairable and parts are available from donors, etc.
You will have to give up paying $600to $1200 for a new shinny locos with all the fancy electronic controls and ringing bells. You will have to give up paying hundreds of dollars to buy new circuit boards, electronic e units and paying the train shops to repair them.
It is up to each model railroader to make the right choices for him or her self.
Charlie
Because more items made in the past 15 years have been built to order, it will be become harder and harder to find them used due to decreased production levels.
Andrew
At York I look for certain vendors who buy collections of the newer trains and blow them out. Or people who are suddenly needing ro retire. I just keep an open mind and look for bargains.
Things I would never have bought or tried out, I might take a shot at for 10 cent on the dollar or less,
It's best not to really need it want a certain item. Much easier walk away.
falconservice posted:Because more items made in the past 15 years have been built to order, it will be become harder and harder to find them used due to decreased production levels.
Andrew
I’m seeing the effects of this in HO as well. Some stuff is basically impossible to find because of the limited quantities made, and when you do find it, the price is higher than original retail.
What I'm about to say may not be popular here, but if cost is a paramount concern, then stop buying trains.
I firmly believe one can be a very happy O Gauge model railroader with just a few used trains in good working order with no boxes. Then, one could put one's limited resources into layout construction, scenery, and figures (the little people). Arnold
Arnold D. Cribari posted:What I'm about to say may not be popular here, but if cost is a paramount concern, then stop buying trains.
I firmly believe one can be a very happy O Gauge model railroader with just a few used trains in good working order with no boxes. Then, one could put one's limited resources into layout construction, scenery, and figures (the little people). Arnold
I would venture to say that just about everyone here has big money tied up in their train collection. In recent years the missing Eastern Road pieces are still purchased but most of the spending in the last 10 years has been on the layout, with track switches, scenery , items, lighting, paints and table work. The layout is run with 4 conventional consists ( that we sometimes change) and has not experienced a single failure issue in over 12 years of running. That's my definition of value.
For the Last Four last years I have bought many Menard's Train cars ! I think I am past 15 plus cars ! At $20 to $30 each I buy 5 per season avg . The Lionel cars on the cheap end are $50 each used unless they need work ! $70 new ! As for engines go Buy one new Lion Chief Plus engine at $350 for a diesel engine $400 for Steam !
I go to one Train store that buys Estates & other used equipment ! I buy alot of used MTH Freight cars there ! Sometimes Engines !
I am slowing down alot on the Engines & cars ! I need more Fast track turnouts ! the remote ones . I have 8 manual 0-36 ones now .
Like Arnold said Stop buying trains !
Just play with the Trains you do have & have Fun !
Bill
WRGMILW posted:For the Last Four last years I have bought many Menard's Train cars ! I think I am past 15 plus cars ! At $20 to $30 each I buy 5 per season avg . The Lionel cars on the cheap end are $50 each used unless they need work ! $70 new ! As for engines go Buy one new Lion Chief Plus engine at $350 for a diesel engine $400 for Steam !
I go to one Train store that buys Estates & other used equipment ! I buy alot of used MTH Freight cars there ! Sometimes Engines !
I am slowing down alot on the Engines & cars ! I need more Fast track turnouts ! the remote ones . I have 8 manual 0-36 ones now .
Like Arnold said Stop buying trains !
Just play with the Trains you do have & have Fun !
Bill
Bill, it sounds like you have made economical purchases within your budget and enjoy the hobby. I try to be that way.
Another thing I do might be helpful to you, Bill, and others to consider. If, like me, your income goes up and down (mine changes month to month), when your income is up, treat yourself and make a purchase then; and don't when your income is down. One can even use such purchases for motivation: "My goal is to make $ X next month, and if I do, I'm going to buy that Visionline/LC+(my choice)/MTH locomotive."
I tend to think in metaphors, and a steam engine can be a metaphor relevant to this topic: "I'm like a steam engine, a powerful force in my profession/business/job, will roll over my competition, and I cannot be stopped."
I believe my thinking tends to be unconventional about a lot of things, but I'm very curious if any of you folks have had similar thoughts about your purchases.
Arnold
