"ALWAYS"

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    There is always a bargain at York !   Last week took me to

York Pa for the TCA (Train Collectors Associations)  yearly

fall train meet.  This members only show is the biggest

show in the country and people from all around the U.S. make

the trip each year.  Six large buildings jammed with any

type, model or color of model train imaginable.

Everything from the newest electronic marvels that talk

and practically run themselves to early wind -up cast iron

versions from the thirties,  they're all there. 

  Personally I'm a 'tweener'  somewhere in the middle.  Most

of my collection is from the late forties to early fifties although

I have sprung for a couple of the more modern trains. 

Truth is the new ones simply run so much better and aren't

near as cantankerous as the older versions.  Problem with the

old ones is they haven't been made for forty some odd years

and are getting harder to find in good condition.

That is why I felt lucky to find the pair of American Flyer

Silver Bullet passenger cars pictured above for only one hundred

dollars for the pair.  Usually that would be a 'each' price but

the dealer selling them said they were a consignment item

and the last of a lot so he accepted my low ball offer. 

Sometimes it pays to be cheap..lol 

They are part of the third and last 'Streamline' Am Flyer set

that I needed.  Yes they need some work and a good cleaning

but are basically very sound cars.  Now the engine/tender for

this set isn't as easy. Very few are found in good shape so it looks

like I'm back to the restoration bench again.  With soldering iron

and paint booth at the ready I hope to soon have another check

mark on my 'want' list.  Who knows... It may help me keep my

sanity through the winter...lol