??Locating hard to find "must haves"??

I don't know about 3-rail, but I have used Model Railroader want ads in the past, and scoured eBay lately, and have always captured what I wanted, except for one all cast "Erie-Built" F-M.  I wanted a model of which only 12 were ever built, and I captured it after only three years of trying.  My collection is almost complete.

I have the roof and trucks for the F-M, but have never seen the sides and nose castings. I can only assume they existed.

If you are looking for Brass models, there are some sites and places that specialize in this and will take your wants list.   Caboose Hobbies in Denver is one.    Also Mitchells Brass Trains (I think that is the name) is another.  

For collector 3 rail stuff I am not sure of sources.   And I don't really think plastic is collectible enough to warrant speciall attention as a unique business.  

I find train shows my best source.

Patience. 

All the items that I want are out there and available - I'm just waiting for the ones at my prices. 

Put ads in wherever, OGR, MR, RMC, OST and wait....hit the swap meets and big shows.......and be patient.

And, I thought that Mitchell's closed a few years ago....

What I have had the best luck with is contacting people currently selling items similar to what I'm looking for.  You often see people listing items that they say are part of a collection and they say they will list more in the future.  Don't wait.  Ask what they have or more specifically, ask if they have what you are looking for.  If I see a certain brand for sale that I collect I will often contact the seller to see if they have any others, which they often do.  There are several people out there that buy collections.  Learn who they are and stay connected with them.  

Some of the rarest engines I have found have been through Vince's Trains.  He has one of the most impressive displays at York and will keep a "want list" of the items you are looking for.  It just so happens that today I received an engine from him that I have been hunting for for years.  Better yet, I got it at a great price and it was still factory wrapped.  I will gladly give you his contact info if you connect with me off line.

Thanks Audidriven,

Please tell me how to connect with you off line to get contact info for Vince. New to this board, I don't know how to do that since your profile lists no email address.

Thanks.ogaugeguy

Audidriven,

Please tell me how to connect with you off line to get contact info for Vince. New to this board, I don't know how to do that since your profile lists no email address.

Thanks.ogaugeguy

Sorry, I have it added now.  My email address is nkordo@cpinternet.com to avoid looking it up.

Auction Houses!!!  I have been known to shop for people!!!

http://www.liveauctioneers.com

But beware, with some patience you can find and spend a lot of money on things you thought you would never find or wonder why folks think some things are so valuable.  Last weekends Stout auction had a Lionel 25 year service pin go for $900!