04-25-2014, 11:57 AM
I remember buying AHM cars about 1965 for about $1.00. I went to a site that recalculates the value of a dollar in different years <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.measuringworth.com/uscompare/relativevalue.php">http://www.measuringworth.com/uscompare ... evalue.php</a><!-- m --> and got "In 2013, the relative value of $1.00 from 1965 ranges from $5.69 to $22.60."
It's worth pointing out that as Charlie says, an AHM, Tyco, or pre-bluebox Athearn car would need new trucks, metal wheels, Kadees, and extra weight. In addition, the paint probably wouldn't be right, so you'd have to repaint/decal it, but in 1965 neither Walthers nor Champ decals were all that great -- thick film, not necessarily prototype lettering. You can certainly find Athearn RTR cars in the $22 range with magnetic couplers, metal wheels, decent paint, and correct weight.
I think you have a similar situation with locos. The Athearn "GP9" advertised in the $10 range with a rubber band drive was a question of getting what you pay for. Even Proto 2000 locos from the 1980s were poor runners, no DCC plug, broken gears, etc. The brass locos at $59.95 in the 1960s were often poor runners, poorly detailed with knockoff casings, and so forth. A $3-400 hybrid now has sound, comes painted, has DCC, and is a much better runner. There really isn't too much of a comparison.
I think value has gone up with prices. This hasn't necessarily been something all manufacturers can deal with, and there are other variables now, such as the ability to deal with China.
It's worth pointing out that as Charlie says, an AHM, Tyco, or pre-bluebox Athearn car would need new trucks, metal wheels, Kadees, and extra weight. In addition, the paint probably wouldn't be right, so you'd have to repaint/decal it, but in 1965 neither Walthers nor Champ decals were all that great -- thick film, not necessarily prototype lettering. You can certainly find Athearn RTR cars in the $22 range with magnetic couplers, metal wheels, decent paint, and correct weight.
I think you have a similar situation with locos. The Athearn "GP9" advertised in the $10 range with a rubber band drive was a question of getting what you pay for. Even Proto 2000 locos from the 1980s were poor runners, no DCC plug, broken gears, etc. The brass locos at $59.95 in the 1960s were often poor runners, poorly detailed with knockoff casings, and so forth. A $3-400 hybrid now has sound, comes painted, has DCC, and is a much better runner. There really isn't too much of a comparison.
I think value has gone up with prices. This hasn't necessarily been something all manufacturers can deal with, and there are other variables now, such as the ability to deal with China.