New Post Office policy-a dream realized for those of us who want to hide our purchases.

You are wise to hide them because in today society of no-fault divorce, that person who told you till death do we part will want half if not all of them.  Think it can't happen, think again gentlemen.

In my experience, if you count on something remaining hidden or secret it will be discovered.  I can't speak from personal experience about a divorce situation but having to split the value of the collection is the least of your worries.  Shortly after I joined there was a story about a guy whose collection was hauled to the curb on trash day.  I don't recall one way or another if he ever got any of them back.

My favorite joke on the subject is, "I never sneak my train purchases into the house.  I store them in the trunk of my car and then openly bring them into the house at 3 AM!"   Better hope she is either unarmed or doesn't mistake you for a burglar...

Dewey, you are the man.  I love to hear stories like yours.

eBay, I got it for a song, it has been working vey well. It does not hurt to by her a bobble or dinner. sing a little to her...tell her she still looks like a teenager.  It has been working for over forty years and I have a sizable train collection maybe even bigger then Scotts.

I can't beat Dewey's story but for our 20th anniversary last year my wife bought me my Legacy PM 1225.  She has also purchased most of my more expensive items.

Marty,

Even a skilled police detective like you would have trouble unraveling the schemes used by some to buy trains and sneak them in the house.

Some would say they have devised the "perfect crime."  Getting the trains ordered and in the house is like pulling off a "reverse theft" if there is such a thing.

Best advice ever on marriage:

"Meet the mother"

No matter how many indicators tell you otherwise, in forty years - that's what you're going to be married to.

Bob, very good thought.  We do have some very sharp guys in our hobby.  I wish everyone the best in obtaining the trains they desire. 

Never had to hide a train BUT they sure did become a point of contention when the divorce came along.  Marital Assets.  I was ready to dump them all into her lap if she even tried.  She didn't want the hassle of selling them.  Score one for the good guy!

Ho ho. Don't you know you got to hide your love away?

So, what if the wife is the main breadwinner? Even if I were the only bread winner, should I slap her around and tell her I don't care what she thinks, I'll do what I want? Well doggone it, I'm fresh out of wife-beater t-shirts?

Real men aren't afraid to admit that their wives may not like them spending significant amounts of THEIR money on trains. Here, we live in a community property state; spouses own half of all marital property, which includes all the income, and all the trains.

Some wives may not mind trains, but the reality is that many - no doubt most - don't care a wit about them, and may even feel their husbands spend too much time and resources on their toy trains to the exclusion of things their wives feel are more important. 

There are a lot of different situations out there. One size doesn't fit all.

Most wives are happy that the husband has a hobby.  The hobby might keep them closer to home to share family time together.  I must live a very sheltered life because the married people I know share the hobby with the wife.  If a man is lucky enough to have a wife who is the bread winner, good luck to him.  I am happy for him.  I was never that fortunate to have that situation.

Real men act like men and do not make lame excuses for their actions to make themselves feel good.  If the wife makes the money she should have a say in the matter.  I do not agree that most do not give a wit about trains. 

Lets face it guys this is not a cheap hobby.  Each guy has to do what he has to do to keep peace.  If buying trains is that much of a problem, only you know what to do for your own situation.   You are correct in stating one size does not fit all.  Good luck to everyone.