The organisers,AMRSS, had announced that a limited edition (500) of a 158 in First Scotrail Barbie livery would be available at the Model Rail Scotland exhibition last weekend, with any remaining available on mail order on a first come, first served basis. A good idea, with a further incentive to visit the show (if one were needed), presumably AMRSS make a little money and modellers of the OO contemporary Scottish scene have another r-t-r model that could be used on many layouts.
However, on Friday evening the show website advised that all the models were sold out, and from observations and conversations at the show, it appears that some individuals purchased bulk quantities - 25 and 60 were mentioned. And, surprise, surprise, by Saturday evening the £85 models in unopened wrapping were appearing on e-bay at prices of up to £200. Now some sellers are asking £225!
Is this free-market capitalism at its best, or worst, or to serve modellers rather than collectors and speculators should the organisers have limited purchases to one per customer per transaction? Is such a demand usual, and will it tempt Bachmann to produce their own model in this livery at a later date?
Mike B
And, no, I'm not selling mine!