People become very passionate about the kind of toy trains they prefer. I learned that somewhere around the age of ten or eleven, when a young friend of mine was given an S gauge, American Flyer train set by his parents. We had some long arguments about which was best, Lionel or American Flyer. He pointed out that AF two-rail track was more realistic than three-rail track used by Lionel. I reminded him that the knuckle couplers used by Lionel were more realistic than the "link couplers" used by American Flyer at that time. If I remember correctly (this was back around 1949) he liked the choo-choo sound made by his engine. I countered with the fact that my engine puffed smoke; for some reason or other (I think it was broken), his engine didn't puff smoke. I claimed that I could make a figure 8 layout more easily than he could. He answered by saying that he could do an over and under figure 8 just as easily; although I don't remember him ever doing that. He felt that AF trains were more accurately built to scale than Lionel. I countered by claiming that Lionel had more accessories available; although neither of us had very big sets then.

And so it went. The argument, for us, was never resolved. Since my previous article "Observations on the Future of Toy Trains" was sent out (http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abu/y207/m07/abu0195/s07), a lot of email came from folks who were upset that I implied O-gauge trains were better for kids than S-gauge or American Flyer. Just as it went with my friend many years ago, I don't think this will ever be settled. Some people favor O-gauge Lionel and other three-rail trains; some favor S-gauge American Flyer (slightly smaller than O-gauge) trains; some favor two-rail O-gauge trains; and still others favor HO-gauge trains or G-gauge garden railway sized trains. Personally I still favor three-rail O-gauge trains for kids, but I have no argument with those who prefer S-gauge. In fact, an excellent variety of cars, engines, and accessories is now available in S-gauge from several different manufacturers. Whatever the gauge, I still claim that the toy train hobby is great for kids.

Here are a couple of responses to my previous article (printed with permission). My thanks go to the authors for their interesting and helpful comments.

Subj: Auction Bytes comments
I buy and sell toys and trains. Buy from ads in local papers and sell primarily on ebay. Never go to TCA or TTOS anymore...hate the drive. 20 years ago we lived in the Chicago area and did the TCA and the "Wheaton" show every month.
I agree that our steamer sales are way down and prices have dropped. Children and parents too have never seen an operating steam loco. Trying to sell a 2026 (Lionel Steam Engine) is a challenge.
The resale market for trains made in the last 15 years is very weak out here. I purchased a large collection in 2006 and LN OB items brought 30 to 60 percent of their original cost. Gondolas, tank cars and cabooses have finally reached the price range they probably always should have: $5 to $15. Nonetheless I am optimistic about the marketplace. I now pay less for the trains but everything sells. . . . (Letter has been shortened somewhat.)
I have always speculated that there are more "collectors" in the Midwest and East than out here, seems like these folks are into operating (as you point out). Have you compared the item count for Lionel in summer vs. winter? I suspect that there are more buyers from January through March, but lack evidence to prove it.
Dave Ely, ElysToys
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Subj: Your recent "Collector's Corner: Observations on the Future of Toy Trains" article
Your recent article would have been great had you mentioned S scale as a better alternative to HO scale than O scale. O scale trains are, in reality, as much too large for little kids to handle as HO trains for too small for them to handle. O scale is also seeing a loss in both manufacturers as well as enthusiasts whereas S scale is growing on both accounts.
I say this as one who has only had HO scale trains for the last 26 years. I got involved in S scale just a bit less than two years ago, and as an experienced modeler AND collector, I can say for sure that the size of S is far more suited for not just children, but adults as well. The size of S scale models is more suited to the size of the hand, and the details are far more appreciable because it is easier to see. And considering the VASTLY improved models now being offered by many of the S scale manufacturers, S scale is, indeed, the scale of the future!
John K. Degnan