Pristine or a Little Play wear!!??

Some play wear, but not too much.

If you are asking whether I'd prefer a reproduction, restoration, or an original unrestored piece, then the answer is:

I will take an unrestored original over a reproduction or restoration any day.
Of course I would like those original items to be in the best condition possible.

 I look at a scratched up and dented piece, and imagine the joy some child had making all those marks. and if they are already "played with" I don't have to worry about putting the first marks there myself. and the stuff with play wear is usually in my budget.

Pristine is above my pay grade. I look for the "scratch and dent" department when buying tinplate. I  have found some really nice (less than pristine) stuff for cheap simply because it has a few scratches. I like the patina too. Prewar trains are old, and I don't mind if they show their age. I will repaint if the piece has turned to "rusty gold" though.  lol

Popi,

   I like and own them both, if the rolling stock or engine needs a major over haul that is a different story, major rust also has to be cleaned up, other wise the small blemishes form a child's hands just adds to the over all enjoyment of Tin Plate Trains.  However when dealing with figures for my layout, I like to restore them, and make them look great.

PCRR/Dave

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

Popi,

   I like and own them both, if the rolling stock or engine needs a major over haul that is a different story, major rust also has to be cleaned up, other wise the small blemishes form a child's hands just add to the over all enjoyment of Tin Plate Trains.  However when dealing with figures for my layout, I like to restore them, and make them look great.

PCRR/Dave

HA! Momma needs a new pair of shoes!!

as a mostly prewar collector, it would be insane not to admit i like to find trains in the best condition possible, though pristine (i.e. new or like new) is extremely rare.  my baseline is typically C7 or how i define "the best condition one could expect from something that has been used/ played with".

as far as new production, i'm glad it happened as it moves many collectors out of the market for operational models, but i doubt if i'll ever buy any modern tinplate models.  fifty years from now, my models will be approaching 150 years old and still running while i estimate most new production will be non-operational shelf displays for want of an e-part long out of production or in the dumpster.

cheers...gary

handyandy posted:

Pristine is above my pay grade. I look for the "scratch and dent" department when buying tinplate. I  have found some really nice (less than pristine) stuff for cheap simply because it has a few scratches. I like the patina too. Prewar trains are old, and I don't mind if they show their age... 

Same here. Genuinely old and well-used trains have more character IMO, and are a lot more affordable. I put work into making them run well, first.

Ace posted:

handyandy posted:

Pristine is above my pay grade. I look for the "scratch and dent" department when buying tinplate. I  have found some really nice (less than pristine) stuff for cheap simply because it has a few scratches. I like the patina too. Prewar trains are old, and I don't mind if they show their age... 

Same here. Genuinely old and well-used trains have more character IMO, and are a lot more affordable. I put work into making them run well, first.

That Union Pacific is really cool!

-Matt

I take after my Dad and go for quality condition. However, we still run them. Everything you see on this wall will be run when I finish my layout. These prewar trains are "survivors," and while a few scratches here and there give them character and serve as a reminder that they are toys, I prefer quality original condition over restorations.