I'm also a big fan of keeping dogs in the house. Just like a very audible alarm going off, few intruders will continue if there are dogs creating a ruckous inside. Plus, I just like dogs. 
Sorry to hear the news. Hopefully they will get what they deserve and you get your trains back.
think everyone should keep there eye out on ebay..thats where most stolen stuff pops up at and also craigslist too.
Look at it this way, your education is not complete until you have been the victim of a violent crime, and you have spent a little time in jail.
That really sucks Art Sorry to hear this stuff I guess these morons watched the Soprano's last week and saw that Blue Comet They were thinking 8K
Art,
I am sorry that this happened to you. I hope that you will be able to recover your stuff. Good luck.
Norm
Sorry this happened to you. Having gone though this my self (multiple times sadly, not trains but tools and power equipment) I have a few things to add to the good advice you have gotten so far.
It is fine to check the pawn shops but keep in mind pawn shops are legally required to report all purchases to the police. What you have to watch are any other place that deals in used items. Thrift stores (they are not all non profit),Trading post, flea markets and the like are not required and in most cases do not report purchases to the police. Pawn shops have to hold all purchases for at least 72hrs other retailers do not.
Have you tried http://www.leadsonline.com/mai...ilians/civilians.php yet?
Since my mishaps I have installed cameras on a DVR system. Even if you can't get good enough footage to make a positive ID at least you know exactly when the event took place, the number of perps and you can get a basic description.
Don't rule out local Hobby Shops as well. We (Musical Instrument store) regularly get stolen merchandise (well once every 2 to 3 months) offered to us. I am happy to report that proactive victims get their stuff back as well as justice for the thieves. We consider it a victory when a potential seller is escorted away on cuffs.
don't discount the items showing up locally, like within a 50 mile radius. I can see the electronics and the trains, but a one of a kind teak chair? and a heavey chair at that? sounds like someone knew what you had.
there has been a lot of musclecars stolen the last couple of years, and several have been found close to where they were stolen, and some were in plain sight when found.
Art,
I am very sorry to hear this.
This happened to me about three years ago and I am still stinging from it.
Check local antique and train stores, Craig's List and Ebay.
I found and recovered some of my trains locally, when this happened to me.
The feeling of your home space being violated is something someone should never have to deal with. There is nothing I or we can do to take that feeling away other tan to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry this happened to you.
So sorry to hear this Art! I hope they get the bastar**!
Sorry to hear about this. Its one things to steal TVs etc...but it gets personal when its your hobby. And it must have been something the thief knew about. You average thief has no clue what a toy train is worth or where to sell them.
