Good Post Dave and congrats on your find! Since I retired in Dec. part of my daily routine has been spending some time on e-bay and on this site. I must admit I don't need any more trains, but if a real "Bargain" presents itself, I take advantage! I will NOT over-pay for an item, but if it's going to go cheap.... well... you all know the rest!
Uncle Al
I like to fix things that are broken. That keeps purchase costs low.
Another technique to control costs is to buy the last generation of something when the latest generation comes out.
man after my own heart. I've got more than enough trains that are fully operational, so I look for the busted and crusted. I enjoy the challenge of bringing back the dead.
There are many, many ways to enjoy the hobby apart from buying engines and rolling stock--detailing a layout; building structures; repainting/decaling engines and rolling stock; and, etc.--that can be done with modest funds.
I think it is worth posting that although Dave likes to "parade" his deals in front of me, he also passes some on- I picked up a whole box of cars from him this past summer to use on our seasonal layout for a super great price. These "common" cars saved my "good" ones about 40 hours of track time on the wheels & trucks. The kids of the community ran the train pulling the ex-amcdave cars at full speed for 3 hours at a time, for 11 sessions. I will run my stuff, but these high speed hot laps were entertaining, and fun for the kids.
So- Dave, keep on postin' the good buys, as it reminds us that we don't have to get too discouraged with some of these 2015 sticker prices, and thanks for passing your good luck along.
One day, I will beat you in the Deal of the Day contest! 
Some the most fun I've had is finding treasures in those boxes under the tables at train shows!
Yep, that's where a lot of the bargains and resulting fun reside.
I think to one degree or another we set are own budget and work within it.
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