Microtrains State Cars

[crazyd37]

Just wondering if anyone else in our group is collecting the Microtrains State Cars and what they think of them. Dot

[trmwf]

I think there are three basic types of collectors. 1 Just because they really like the item 2 Because they feel it is a good investment 3 Those that combine both the above Just because a person collects does not mean that they cannot enjoy it. In Dot's case, they can pick up and look at the box and contents and admire it's details and paint. Personally, if I had one I probably would not run it either. Not because I wouldn't want to lower the value but because it really wouldn't fit in. My layout is a working layout and every car has a purpose for being there and fits in to the time period and/or theme of the place. I doubt an Illinois state car and paint job would look very realistic being spotted at the local grain elevator. My wife collects glass paperweights of all things and has some that would have paid for 15-20 engines with ease. They sit in a case and once in a while she'll stop as passing and study and fondle them as she loves them so. In fact, I made her leave the price tags on them as I know if we were both to go quickly, the kids would sell them all for fifty cents apiece at a garage sale. I guess what I'm trying to say is it is up to an individuals taste and desires to have things that they like whether they are useful or not. Now that I've said all this I will add that "I wish I had bought an Illinois car" they sure appreciated quickly. Enjoy the collection Dot and Ed. Mike

[nascarpetlover]

As for as collecting trains, not me, but do have a very small (and I mean small) coin collection. I just would rather spend the money on my trains, besides like Pete said who sees it anyway. With trains you don't have to worry a lot about them being stolen and ending up in a pawn shop somewhere (I do remember the Wig Wag discussion) like you would with some collections. Almost forgot the Dale Earnhardt #3 1/64th car collection with a couple in the safe deposit box (grandkids and wife). Also a model railroad could be considered a collection of sorts if you want to look at it that way. Myself I just look at them going up and down the track, my wife looks at you spent how much on that small item. Her hobby is talking to her friends and relatives on the computer (which is doing right know, two computers so I can use one when I did too). Anyone seen any of the old 1970's Atlas boxcars with real sliding doors like kadee (before they were sued). Saw a few at a train show once it the $50 plus range (and this was for runners). The seller was a woman from Wisconsin I believe. Lou

[70novahound]

The old adage, "collect what you like, like what you collect" says it all! CJ (The Junk Collector's Old Man)

[beastranger]

It seems to me that it is just people trying to surround themselves in things they like. It just depends on how you define it. When I start a new hobby I start collecting whatever goes with that hobby. Here in the train world we can collect trains to run AND trains to put away for a rainy day. I feel that as far as investments go sets like the fifty states are probably better than playing the stock market. Plus you can run them if you want. Doug

[ginzokid]

I knew I would stir up a hornets nest with my post. Short and sweet. We all do what we want to with our trains and that is the whole point. Enjoy this hobby the way you want to because there are so many facets to it, collecting being one of them. And isn't it wonderful that we can discuss this here. Pete

[janesew]

There are many reasons why people collect, the same way there are many reasons why people have the personalities that they have. My wife and I enjoy watching Antiques Roadshow and a few other TV shows about collecting. What you hear time and time again from the "experts" is that you shouldn't collect for the future value but to collect "What you like"... what brings you joy when you see it or play with it. I'm no psychologist so I can't give you the reasons, but I do have a bunch of little collections of stuff that really brings a smile to my face and makes my heart light. They are really only worth something to me. (Like your couple of State cars Pete.) Maybe they might be worth more in the future but that's just the ol' icing on the cake. A different motivation for every one. Fred PS As I've stated before I'm a little, shall we say, frugal with my funds, but I have almost exclusively Micro-trains cars. I collect anything CN, CP, ALGOMA, TH&B transition era but also pick up any cars that interest me aestheticaly or has some meaning: Like Susy Q, or the St. Louis "Blue Flash" (reminds me of Elvis and his "in-a-flash/TCB"), or a Maine boxcar 'cause that's where my sister lives... even a car from the Rock Island Line 'cause I really like Johnny Cash!

[knightofsuffolk]

I have the set too Dot, in doubles. I just got the call from the LHS that my B unit is in now too. I'm not much of a train collector, but something about these grabbed my eye early on. I'll bet the horsepower up front will be an ABBA by the time it's all said and done. I do wish that I had Washington DC and the Virgin Islands though. You have them Dot? Fred..I Love Johnny too, drank a case of beer and cried for hours when he died. John

[untabubba]

All this talk about MTLs got me fired up! I just "won", (bought),(paid for), 3 brand new boxcars. 50'ers with operating doors, etc. I got all three for $25.68, as compared to $39.00 on N Scale Supply catalog site. (I didn't mention S&H because I'd have to pay that to both. FWIW: I'm paying (a mere) $5.00 combined shipping. That's makes the total total $30.68 $10.23 each for BRAND NEW in the box MTLs. I KNOW that beats the snot out of the LHS price I'd pay! My first "high end" purchase guys! (Not counting the "steal" I got on a NiB Atlas GP7TT) Marc

[trmwf]

You da man Marc!! and you can call it winning or what ever you want to buddy, I do. You will enjoy those m/t. Do you have anything with m/t couplers or are you going to have to create a "compromise" car? Mike

[untabubba]

I have an Altas and a LL with MTs on them, I also have a "conversion" car... (compromise sounds a tad negative to me!) Yea, I can't wait to check them out. I have to learn to "appreciate" the difference in quality. I DID (used to) drink Gallo wine by the 4L jug also, NOT ANYMORE!!!! Someday I guess I'll look at my B-mann and LL rolling stock and cringe? Marc

[beastranger]

Marc Someday you will look at your B-mann and LL rolling stock and weather them. Doug

[janesew]

Doug, LOL! :-) Fred

[untabubba]

I guess I missed the "full meaning" of the gag (too "green"), but I can already "see" a few "practice dummies" for my airbrush! :-) Marc

[crazyd37]

John, We have the DC car, no Virgin Is. car. We have several doubles too, just because they came with the one we wanted in a lot. I guess we may have to let them go sometime. Before anyone asks, not the Ill. car. Will get the B unit soon. Thats all for now. Dot

[untabubba]

NO Virgin Is WHAT?!? I'm confused, but VERY curious!! Mr. B