LGB can price as high as it wants.
My point is, no one will pay it unless they are just out from under a rock.
There may be some LGB “Collectors” left somewhere. By now they should have their collections
completed. LGB sellers on ebay are hoping for one or two that needs that item.
I have to agree with Victor with the fact that the LGB stuff still appears to sell like gold on Ebay. The prices are through the roof. Last Christmas my wife paid $120 for a used Stainz in perfect condition on Ebay. I have gotten in the habit of trying to buy things new as the close-out ads come from Trainworld. I find the deals terrific and service excellent. It seems to be a much better deal than used on Ebay. I live within a half hour of Charles Ro supply in MA and have even mentioned to them that I thought they should think about utilizing the internet blowout/ clearance approach to selling. When Trainworld runs a clearance on an item, it is usually a terrific deal. I have noticed thought the NO ONE ever has blow out deals on brass track or PIKO builidngs.
As for the grey haired crowd being the sole supporters of the LS hobby…it only makes sense. Anyone with kids would have to have lots of expendable income to spend $200+ on a train. With family clothes, food and everyday expenses, it is a hobby pretty much out of reach on a large scale until the last one graduates college! The price of track alone would make most wives scream.
Just my 2 cents worth on the subject.
Hmm, I have quite the collection of LGB and two small kids, wife and a single income household.
I have made more buying/selling LGB worldwide than a friend’s brother-in-law did last year flipping houses.
Prices are cheap now on S/H LGB on the “higher dollar” items, been tracking prices for a few years.
The interesting thing is the cheaper stuff (well used broken set items) are creaping up, no more $30 good running Stainz locos, but don’t try and sell a 2095, 2085D/1, RhB items, etc…
I really think the problem with LS these days is a lot of people (especially on the forums) don’t want to pay more than $50 for something anymore. What, a steam loco is over $400 now…so what, many Lionel and many H0 ones now too that price or higher.
reposted from another thread:
(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/vsmith/criswell_predicts.jpg)
Criswell predicted that if Marklin bought EPL and predicted that if Marklin went with Walthers for distribution, LGB as we knew it would become a high end niche product, like Accucraft or Brawa. Criswell’s clarivoyence has proven correct once again. Outside of a small handful of items LGB has been priced out of the reach of most mortals …I mean seriously some of the prices rival brass but are the same all plastic, some say now inferior plastic, items that were half the price before the Big Firework. They paid alot for EPL, don’t expect any sales anytime soon. Garrett, $50 wont even buy a Mack these days, I figure between $100 to $200 is a fair price for a small loco, $300 to $400 for a middling engine and up to $500 for a large engine. the problem is that mfrs seam to think we have tons of cash… despite the crap-conomy, how else do we get the $600 plastic 2 axle Stainz block powered Kof II, or $1100 MSRP for the Bmann Forney.
“Garrett, $50 wont even buy a Mack these days”
Not trains, but the quote jogged my memory. When I was working in the Technical Publications of Mack Trucks, Inc. in the mid-1970s, a nicely-equipped highway tractor was selling for about $50,000.00. Don’t even want to know what they are going for now.
Recently sold off most of my 1:29 scale stock and a good amount of my 1:22.5 European equipment. Had enough funds from the sale for a nice entry-level #1 gauge live steamer (and all the support supplies) or the Marklin/LGB 23881 Uintah articulated. The articulated won out this time 'cause I’m a sucker for articulateds. (Hope it turns out to be a good runner - it’s still on backorder - maybe Christmas or after New Year’s Day.) There’s still some stuff that has not sold, SOooooo I still have hopes for the live steamer.
Best,
David Meashey
Dave Meashey said:
"Garrett, $50 wont even buy a Mack these days"Not trains, but the quote jogged my memory. When I was working in the Technical Publications of Mack Trucks, Inc. in the mid-1970s, a nicely-equipped highway tractor was selling for about $50,000.00. Don’t even want to know what they are going for now.
Best,
David Meashey
http://www.truckertotrucker.com/listings/119158.cfm
apparently about the same 
Victor;
Ah yes, but that is a USED highway tractor (2004) with almost 500,000 miles on it. I was referring to NEW equipment. I’d guess there is a fair amount of depreciation on a seven year old truck.
Have fun,
David Meashey
Makes me wonder if I can make you an offer on that 72 Cadillac Coupe DeVille you have in the backyard.