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About 10 years ago my father purchased a limited edition Lionel train. Evidentally there were only 500 sets of this particular train set. I recall many times I would talk with him on the phone he mentioned that he didn't know whether to open it, or leave it sealed in the box.
Earlier this year my father drove down to visit us, bringing with him the Lionel Train set. "it's taking up space at our house." I remember my 9 year old son seeing it and not fully understanding why we didn't want to open it.
While at work on the railroad yesterday, I came to the realization that life is to short to keep a sealed box on the shelf of my garage for the rest of my life. Would it gain in value? Maybe, but where is the enjoyment!
Today, my son was on his computer blockland game, and my daughter was watching television. I went into the garage, pulled the white box sealed with shrink wrap off the shelf, and took it in the house.
I placed it on the living room floor and removed the shrink wrap. My son looked around at me and my daughter came into the room at that time.
"are we opening it?"
"Yep. Lets get this train rollin"
My son got off the computer and the three of us opened the boxes and assembled the small circle of track on the floor. After placing the Pennsylvania RR 4-6-4, 4 Pennsy coal hoppers, and the caboose on the tracks, the noise from the whistle and the smell of the smoke filled the house!
The rest is history!
Joel
Joel;
First off, WELCOME!
Second, this is how memories are made! What a magnificent first post!
I could see the children around that set and playing with it. I bet there was a look of delight and maybe even some wonder in their eyes! You may have made a dent into the computer playing for a while.
Overall the post brought back memories of my daughter, when she was 18 months old, she started sitting on a cushion right on top of my layout. As the trains moved around, she would turn to watch them. She became quite active in the hobby, and says she wishes she could do some more.
She's soon to be a mother herself now, and has given me the task of buying the trains for the grandson when he arrives!
what a great little story. Welcome to the boards!
Short and sweet. Thanks for sharing your discovery!
I have long since concluded that life is indeed short, and that some things when done will fill it largely. That applies to good and bad. Something like a very special train can't be in the latter category, can it?
It is why I run everything I purchase. First, I have identified it as something desirable, and secondly it was purpose built to run. It is why I will run every brass engine I ever buy, if I ever get one or two, or more. That's a ways off, but if and when it happens, they won't be silent and still shelf queens.
No sirree!
-Crandell
Welcome aboard, Joel. As others have said, what a great first post. You have defined why we have and like model trains. Mosy of those "limited editions" never gain any value or maybe a few bucks at most. What is that compared to your children's happiness? Keep up the good work and let us know if you start to get infected by the layout bug.
Welcome aboard, Joel. As others have said, what a great first post. You have defined why we have and like model trains. Mosy of those "limited editions" never gain any value or maybe a few bucks at most. What is that compared to your children's happiness? Keep up the good work and let us know if you start to get infected by the layout bug.
I've been in to the hobby for some time. HO mostly. Just no real space to build. I'm a huge milw. and BA&P nut.
Someday, oh yeah, someday, it will be done!
Joel
Welcome Joel. The Oak Ridge Boys had a hit song back in the 80's called "Thank God For Kids". To add a little to the message of that song I would say yours have now shown you the real value of those Lionels and that they truly are priceless.
The last I checked, that set was going for close to 30 thousand dollars, Yours must be one of the 3 that were estimated to exist. Seems something occurred during production early on and Loinel had to change the paint scheme from Pennsy to another railroad. Still feel good now?
Alright, I kid, I kid. None of that stuff I said is really true but I couldnt resist a joke. After all is said and done, that is what this hobby is all about. Sharing it with friends and loved ones. I would have opened it too.
^^^^ lol, could you imagine.
The last I checked, that set was going for close to 30 thousand dollars, Yours must be one of the 3 that were estimated to exist. Seems something occurred during production early on and Loinel had to change the paint scheme from Pennsy to another railroad. Still feel good now?
Boy, now that would be about my luck for sure!!
Believe it or not, I still be happier if my kids were happier and we had time to play together. You can always earn $30,000 but my kids will only be young once and they will not be with me forever.
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