News.....

Beth - Thanks for the update on the MTH 64’ wood sided passenger cars.   I have been on the fence and I pulled the trigger on 3 of them tonight after hearing that they should be available this year.

They look awesome and who knows if we will have the same opportunity to get custom runs like this once MTH winds down.

Thanks again for all of your efforts on the custom runs over the years!

Chris

Thank Beth.  York isn't the same with out you ! ! !

"Do not buy model trains as an investment." That's very good advice. I have known this for about 20 years. I would think anyone reading this forum knows this. The problem is somehow the word has to get out to the general public. They think their beat up Lionel PW trains are worth a fortune.

"Our special run of MTH 64' wood side day coaches should be here in July,"  Wow, that's next month!

Beth, when you announced your special run of 64’ woodside passenger cars you indicated there might be other cars in the future like baggage or combine cars. What are the chances now that might happen given Mike said there would be one more catalog coming out?

Pete

@Norton posted:

Beth, when you announced your special run of 64’ woodside passenger cars you indicated there might be other cars in the future like baggage or combine cars. What are the chances now that might happen given Mike said there would be one more catalog coming out?

Pete

2020 Vol. 2 is the last & final catalog.

2020 v2 is the last M T H catalog. 

2015 was the last Weaver catalog.  But former Weaver items are still being manufactured.    

Good point...

Mark in Oregon

@Hudson J1e posted:

"Do not buy model trains as an investment." That's very good advice. I have known this for about 20 years. I would think anyone reading this forum knows this. The problem is somehow the word has to get out to the general public. They think their beat up Lionel PW trains are worth a fortune.

"Our special run of MTH 64' wood side day coaches should be here in July,"  Wow, that's next month!

As usual with most absolutes, this is not 100% true. I think it is good advice for those collecting ordinary trains, no matter the era. However, there are some exceptions to the rule. Some of the recent auctions have demonstrated that there are rare and pristine examples of items out there that definitely increase in value and will continue to do so. I liken it to art. Most art is not really collectible. You will lose your shirt. However, the Renaissance masters have continued to sell for more and more unbelievable prices. Lloyd Ralston recently auctioned a prewar Ives Jr. freight set in immaculate condition with original boxes. I guessed it would sell for over $2500, and it ended up going for $2700+. That set will sell again someday for even more money, guaranteed. If you could find an original C-7 Ives Prosperity Special, the set would sell for over $250K. Marklin stations and Santhion replicas will also continue to appreciate. They are handmade and hand-painted. Many originals were destroyed in the war. The point of my post is that if you want to invest in a collection of model trains, it is possible to have a fine investment. You just need to have a lot of money, luck and be willing to pay top dollar for the best items. Gambling on MTH items at this point is just that.

George

Another point is are you a collector or a model Railroader?    What is your hobby?    If it is collecting, then finding these rare items and storing them away for future appreciation, or maybe displaying them at the risk of losing value is what you do.    If you are a model railroader, obtaining models of prototypes  you like and want and then running these or displaying them for  your pleasure is what  you do.

However, it is misleading to think that all of grandpas trains are going to be worth a fortune and put all the grandkids through college.    The truth is that probably 99% of the hobby stuff we buy will loose value and is only for our hobby enjoyment.

@prrjim posted:

Another point is are you a collector or a model Railroader?    What is your hobby?    If it is collecting, then finding these rare items and storing them away for future appreciation, or maybe displaying them at the risk of losing value is what you do.    If you are a model railroader, obtaining models of prototypes  you like and want and then running these or displaying them for  your pleasure is what  you do.

However, it is misleading to think that all of grandpas trains are going to be worth a fortune and put all the grandkids through college.    The truth is that probably 99% of the hobby stuff we buy will loose value and is only for our hobby enjoyment.

I think that's right.

I disagree with the idea that displaying the item will risk it losing value. I am not a fan of any collector who stores stuff away unseen. There is just as much risk in storage as on display, maybe more. Certainly, you need to have proper displays and proper maintenance of the displayed items. Think of art galleries. They display very valuable items with very little risk to value. If you are a collector, you should enjoy your collection on display, not just try to remember what's in the boxes. 

I personally collect some items, but only for my own enjoyment and to show others, not as an investment. I like to run my trains. I admire the fine investment grade items, but also know that I cannot afford that game.

George

Given the last day to pre order from the 2020 catalog is still two weeks away and all versions of the woodside cars are in that catalog, wouldn't it be still possible to have MTH (factory) paint up some baggage cars and combines to match the coaches you have special ordered? I am in for green unlettered and would buy cars done for other roads but have never been able to match MTH green and those who ordered the coaches lettered for other roads I suspect would be interested as well.

BTW I am believer in if you don't ask you will never know.

Pete

I looked at the Stout auction results just now...   Most everything was used.  Thats fine if u are buying it to run on your layout.  But no good and way too expensive for resale.

And FOMO (fear of missing out) is definitely a thing at auctions.  If I offered an MTH CSX Dash9 , used, no guarantee that it worked, for 250. plus 18% buyers premium, high shipping costs and possibly an extra shipping fee and sales tax...  I dont think I'd get any takers.

@Norton posted:

Given the last day to pre order from the 2020 catalog is still two weeks away and all versions of the woodside cars are in that catalog, wouldn't it be still possible to have MTH (factory) paint up some baggage cars and combines to match the coaches you have special ordered? I am in for green unlettered and would buy cars done for other roads but have never been able to match MTH green and those who ordered the coaches lettered for other roads I suspect would be interested as well.

BTW I am believer in if you don't ask you will never know.

Pete

The short answer is "no"  .    Im lucky that we are getting the cars we are.    Hopefully some combines and baggage cars in the future.  Actually combines were more common than baggage cars at that time.   I did a lot of looking thru pix for this. As its is, we are getting 4 schemes, 2 rail and 3 rail.  That was asking a lot.

I could have done just green unlettered cars, coaches, baggage, and combines, but my feeling (i could be wrong) is that not that many ppl do their own lettering anymore.  3 different lettered cars and unlettered was a big ask.  I really would have liked to do 10 different lettered schemes..so doing the unlettered was kind of a compromise.

And then theres the money end of it.  I've got to lay out something in the low 5 figure area to get this done. I dont have the cash lying around to go for the mid 5 figures, just on one project. I have Atlas special run LNE USRA 2 bay hopper cars coming in July too, plus all the regular catalog stuff. I cant speak for others, but I order for stock, not just what is pre-ordered. That takes cash.  The manufacturers dont say "Here, take this, and you can pay us when u can"

Believe me, Ive thought about not stocking any catalog stuff, and only doing special runs...but I just feel it becomes too limiting.   I like to be able to offer variety.  Its a choice, as are a lot of things. 

Anyway, the plan is to do baggage cars and combines in the future, if it is possible.

beth

Interesting perspectives from someone in the middle of the hobby, thanks to Beth for this informative thread. BTW, I was amazed to hear Beth came to York from CA!

Beth, If you run across any mth europian 3 rail hirail engines used let me know. Such as the traxx or taurus engines. My email is glasgoreg@mail.com

Just asking since you find lots of good stuff out there and are always looking. Thanks roger.

Beth

I appreciate your candid thoughts and insights into what is for most of us a just a "hobby", not a "business".

Mark in Oregon