Derek Boles wrote:
As a resident of Toronto, I am constantly reminded that there are a
great many people in this country who have a great deal of money to
spend and don't really care what something costs. Bidders see
something they like, bid a phenomenal amount so it's guaranteed
they'll win and the rest of us are just out of luck. Witness recent
eBay transactions where people were paying $500 for a roster shot
slide of a locomotive or streetcar.
Until a couple of years ago, I used to pick up old (1910-1920s) CP
timetables on eBay for prices in the $15-$20 range. Now they are
routinely selling for $50-$100 each. There's a dealer who shows up at
local train shows here selling old timetables for up to $300 each. I
never see anyone buying anything from him but, as a friend once told
me, he only has to make one sale to make it worth his while.
I can't afford this hobby any more.
