I’ve got a question and I would like to hear some different opinions on. Because of space limitations I’m going to dismantle my basement layout and build a small switching layout. Over the years I have managed to accumulate a large number of locomotives. I will only need a handful for my new layout. Now I can either sell the excess or store them. My question is if I store them will they become obsolete 5 or 10 years from now. They are all good quality (Atlas, Kato, Stewart, Proto 2000). With all the recent developments we are seeing with respect to DCC and sound I don’t know if they will be “dinosaurs” in 10 years.
What do you "futurist’s think?
In my opinion, your good quality locomotives will still be good quality locomotives (although old) in 10 years. The only problem you might have in the future is if everyone goes to a new method of control (like DCC now), you might not be able to convert them to run with the new system. This still might not be a problem, because you could always continue running them with an older system.
It depends on your long range goals/plans. If they fit into those, keep, if not liquidate them to fund things that will…
As my focus changed, I have sold, and will sell more of my locomotives. My wife would like sound in all of the locomotives, and over the years I have narrowed my focus from the whole 20th Century down to a 5 year (or so) span. The same thing is happening with my rolling stock, structures, etc.
In this market, it wouldn’t make sense to make a system that couldn’t adapt, so like you can install DCC in old locomotives, I wouldn’t be surprised if you can install the new future system. Maybe one won’t even come along…
You can always donate them to a worthy cause - Like ME!!![:D]
Seriously, store your colection. You never know if your modeling tastes will go back to bigger operations.
Unless the future holds some type of new motive system, model rr loco’s method of power will remain electric motors. I can’t see this changing much. In fact it may be your present locos may be more desireble in the future. However, selling them is certainly an option if you need some cash for funding the hobby. List them on ebay!
I have the same problem! too much rolling stock, too many engines, not enough space.[:p] i just put what engines and cars i want to run on when i want to run them and take them off when i want to run something else. I am tring to put a large switching yard in so i can fit all the cars(this is hard on a 4x8[:D]), and a extension so i can fit my round house and turntable
I’ve got one word for ya! Glass faced display cabinet![:D]
O.K. thats 4 words.[D)] My Bad.
I can only run 10-15 units normally, but I’ve rostered 76 of them.
Rather than store the excess, I bought a modular bookself at Wally-world,(99 bucks) added 2 extra shelves(15 bucks) and got glass doors made for it(80 bucks). That way I can display all my units safely (away from the cats!), give active units a “rest” from time to time. Also it’s easier to add “visiting” road units as I wish.
The display case takes up very little floor space, cost less than a wall mounted unit, and stores 2-3 times as many locos. Plus I can run them whenever I wish, without having to dig them out of storage or sell them!
Pretty cool huh?[:D][:D][:D][:D]
[I would definitely keep those old locos. you may wind up with something of value in the future.size=2][/size=2]
When I decided to stick to the '50s modelling, I didn’t sell my modern equipment. The small fleet of diesels are in storage on my shelf. I keep them in case I want to have a “Back to the future” session on my layout.
Proto UP SD-60
Genesis UP SD-70M
Athearn UP SD40-2
Athearn UP SD40T-2
Athearn MP U30C
Spectrum CR SD-45
Athearn D&RGW GP40-2
Athearn BN GP38-2
AJ makes a telling point: Your needs/preferences may change in another few years and you might be faced with replacing all the motive power you sold off as excess.
Were I you and financial considerations were not a deciding element I would keep the current roster on display or otherwise at hand.
Randy
Well, thanks for your input. To tell you the truth, even though I don’t have enough space, I would really have a hard time parting with them.
Thanks
I like the display case idea. I have far more trains than will fit on my layout, so the walls around my layout are filled with shelving that they sit on.