By Andrew Liszewski
I don’t know about you, but when I hear mention of a $12,000 model train diorama I expect to see a layout filling an entire basement, not something that barely fills a dining room table. But apparently that’s all 12 G’s will get you from Hammacher Schlemmer. The diorama, which was designed by Lionel’s own display builder and modeled after a 1950’s department store window setup, features 36 feet of O-gauge track, various models like buildings, water towers and a mountain with tunnel, and comes with a New York Central Flyer locomotive complete with 6 passenger/stock cars and a caboose.
It’s a nice idea if you’re looking to get involved with model railroading and don’t have the patience or time to build everything from scratch, but for $12,000 I’d demand a setup that can at least deliver beverages and snacks directly to my couch.
[ The Genuine Lionel Store Display Diorama ] VIA [ Born Rich ]
What was the $12k spent on? This is less than $1K
Why that's worth at least $12000.99.
How the hell is Hammacher Schlemmer even i business still? What morons are buying this junk?!
At $12,000 I'd expect the entire display to be hand sculpted from metal recovered from the original engine of the 20th Century Limited, or the Polar Express, or some even more famous train.
I know lots of people who collect and would gladly pay if that's what it's worth. I mean think about it in any other sport. Like there is a kid who spends about $2-3k to get his gun to have gold accessories. Then add on the internals are at least $100-500 each piece. That gun gets expensive. It matters the hobby and the person's wallet. There is even ice cream that costs $100s. If there is an object, there is the same object for way much more because of some add on or reason.
$12k to fill up an entire basement with a layout? Dream on.
$12k to fill up an entire basement with a layout? Dream on.