If you've ever spent time browsing in wine shops, then you've probably wondered where on earth some vineyards get their label designs from. Clearly some are purely a marketing ploy. Some are humorous, but do they really make you buy? In the case of rolling stock, some of us may be tempted by clever or attractive marketing, but aside from simply limited edition collectors models, there are often other reasons why we each choose to buy a wagon or carriage. I'll start the ball rolling with a set that I recently acquired in Tokyo in October. When I came across the Paul Gaugin art collection set (4415,911), I simply couldn't resist it because I love both the Tahitian Islands as well as Paul Gaugin and his art. I'd have to admit that I was completely oblivious to the price (expensive) and the fact that it was a limited edition was simply a bonus. It'd be interesting to hear some insights and confessions from the rest of you!?

Edited by user 20 December 2013 15:59:07(UTC)  | Reason: Photo uploading error

I agree, Jim. I buy Märklin items because they fit a Lok or other coaches/wagons I have

or sometimes just because I like it. Peter

Pretty nice set!
Lucky that you found it!
I am a big fan of Gauguin's painting too!
Just a small point: Paul Gauguin lived in the Marquesas Archipelago (Nuku Hiva to be precise)which is a different part of French Polynesia.
Tahiti itself belongs to the Iles de la Société) and is about 800 nm away.

For me it goes like this: I see something I want It quickly develops into a fever Then I need it to cure the fever and thus I buy it with good conscience. It's quite simple really

Yep I'm with you on that one. Even just the mere mention of Märklin will make my ears prick up for a closer look.

Like many others here I tend to collect to some sort of a theme, examples are the Christmas wagons which currently my oldest daughter gets for me religiously and which are very treasured. I also was for a time collecting the MMagazin Wagons' I like the attractive blue colour scheme of them although I'v not purchased a new one for around 5 years so I'm a bit behind and catch-up is costly.

But from time to time something really outstanding for me comes along and I just have to have it. One example was this limited set which came out a few years ago for a specific retailer, it has some of my favourite brands featured and makes a nice looking and unique consist.

Code 84422 from 1995, only 500 sets produced

And further below, something quirky I just HAD to have, cracked me up when I saw it

Hi Cookee, thanks for the photos. You know, I cannot be sure about it but I think that

the photo of the wooden Märklin boxes might have been used to sell American-looking

train sets to American Soldiers stationed in Germany in the 1950s? I know that some

of these sets were sold at bases in Germany (PX stores). ??? Peter

Nice topic, Steve. I ♥ those artist wagons. Peter

That's a good point, we (the MMRC) happen to have just such a large exhibition layout ("Bergtalbahn"), I'm sure next time we display it I might find a corner where it could be placed for curiosity.

Cheers

Steve

Nice all. I was absent in 2013. Ailing aging parents and lack of funds and interest.

Robert Plant 1973: "does anybody remember laughter?"

I think collecting is very individual, everyone has their own take on it.

I like things that are prototypically correct as Fast Eddie mentions, particularly in making up engine and consist.
But then I also collect wagons with no particular realism, such as commemmoration/museum wagons for any year that ends in "9".
Märklin began business in 1859, that is why I chose "9".
So I have wagons for 1929, 1979, 1989 and so on.

I also have a few commemmorative/celebratory wagons for each of the model manufacturers Fleischmann, Jouef, Märklin, and Kleinbahn.
Piko and Roco have escaped me so far.
Kimball

Adrian How is Miss 7 doing. Now I am 83 she must be in her 50s lol

Piko and Roco are OK most of the time.