What a great spot! To me it shows a train collector/operator who most people would consider to be a normal human being.
As for whether EBay is a good venue...... in some respects its too good. I've purchased my share of stuff there. But I've cut back considerably. I prefer to find my trains the old fashioned way.,.... antique shows, flea markets, estate sales, and word of mouth. It's the hunt that makes collecting fun for me.