1.) Era
a.) I
b.) II
c.) III
d.) IV
e.) V
2.) type of Loco (E-Loco, Diesel, Steam)
3.) Shunting Locos
a.) Diesel
b.) Electric
c.) Steam
4.) Passenger Locos
a.) Regional Trains
b.) Express Trains
c.) International Trains
5.) Goods Locos
a.) Electric
b.) Diesel
c.) Steam
d.) heavy goods trains
e.) regional goods trains
6.) I don't care
7.) So long I like it
8.) any loco, solong I can purchase it cheap
9.) I'm trying to have all them
10.) I'm very selective
11.) Only Märklin
12.) It has to be powerful
13.) When I can afford it

Hello River,

not quite sure what you are getting at here.

Personally, my collection is Swiss (mainly SBB, BLS and BT-SOB) from 1965 to today. My collection consist mainly of trains I have ridden on and trains that I have seen on my trips to Switzerland and Europe.
I don't think that there is any lok that is essential, but they are all treasured, partially because they are a joy to look at and operate and also because each one brings back memories of a time and place or a trip.

Each person has their own motivation and reason why they are a modeller or a collector. The important thing is that there is no particular motivation that makes you a better collector or not a true Maerklin fan. We all can share our love of trains and of Maerklin hopefully without stress and strife.

Regards

Mike C

7.) So long I like it
10.) I'm very selective
11.) Only Märklin
13.) When I can afford it

That´s how I look at it. I´m trying to get trains that will keep their value and are attractive. Like my Big Boys. I hope they still have some value. It looks strange together with my ICE 3, but I buy what I like. But I´m gonna be really careful buying more white trains.

When I was a child I got some Lima cars and other brands. They looked toyish to me so I smashed them and took the wheels as load. I know myself. If I buy another brand I don´t feel good. It´s just the same for me with everything else. Electronics, Video Games, food, Clothes, and so on.

Mike,
there is no hidden reason behind nor is there a particular reason to raise a question about curiosity and choice.
We all talk about how many locos or carriages we have, we talk about layouts we've build or in the process of building.
I've mentioned potential choices people may have.

And thank you for sharing your choice with this forum.
You can be assured I'm not passing your choice onto any model train spy.
My particular interest and choice are locos from Austria, Switzerland, Germany & France.
No particular Era as I have enough locos to create any Era at any time.
As I have all three types of locos: Steam, Diesel & Electric, my layout covers all of them.
It was never intended of how much you've got, whether you are a collector or not, whether you have a layout or not or you may display your locos in a display cabinet.

As you mentioned your preferences are Swiss Locos.

Modellers or collectors may do not regard locos as essential.
Some may purchase a loco from "I'll have to have it" reaction.
We're never satisfied what we've got but for some people who re-create Era I may not be interested in all the new stuff.
but awaiting patiently for the next Era I loco.


regards.,
John

Hi,

For me; any era, any type. I can arrange my layout to suit any era - apart from cantenary in era I

Prefer Märklin but buy anything as long as they are of acceptable quality; reads "less plastic more metal".

Cem.

I agree with Nev.

The topic is a little premature for me, as I have no lay-out.

I also wish for Märklin to produce a top Class 65 Steamer. Fleischmann has done it, and my very old class 65 is converted to AC, but it is not running very well over turn-outs (sparks) :-(

An interesting topic, I think;- I frequently ponder my motives choosing this or that;- I must admit that purchases more often than not are irrationally based;- aesthetics is important to me:- I look for visual beauty in a locomotive;- do not ask me to explain this;- it is something one recognize seeing it! I prefer Mãrklin models,- they have an overall quality that set them apart;- this is obviously not an objective observation,- I find it easy defending my preference though;- this alliance,- as Mike C refer to,- do not pose any problem to me. I do buy models from other manufacturers,- so fare I have bought about two dozen non-Märklin locomotives,- mostly made by Roco,- and danish producer Hobbytrade;- generally these models are equal to Mãrklin in most respects,- but they lack the more substantiell feel of models made of metal!
By the way:- I just ordered a locomotive the other day;- this model is neither Swiss, nor German,- not Scandinavian either,- it is a model based on an Italian prototype;- this will be my first Italian model;- it came about as a result of me taking a look at the July-news at the Roco web-site;- I simply fell for E444 serie R (FS);- Roco no 68440,- a locomotive to my taste, based on good looks;- I like the somewhat subdued colors,- and the organic rounded shapes;- reasons enough for making a purchase, I believe!

G.Natvig