Hey everyone,

I had a great time at the Amherst Train show this last weekend (West Springfield, Massachusetts). Tons of awesome people, and some amazing setups. I got to control the VisionLine Big Boy, so that was something.

I went to buy a Rotary Aircraft beacon, the reproduction from 2010, for my layout. I failed to inspect the box closely, and when I got home, I realized that the guy at the table sold me a rusty 394 beacon frame from the postwar era without even the lamp. Literally just the tower frame. He put it in the modern plastic insert and retaped the box so well I thought it was mint. I'm glad I'm only down thirty bucks.

So take this as a cautionary tale from me: Always inspect things before you buy them! This goes for online sellers too (eBay).

If anyone else has had similar experiences, or just got something cool at the show, feel free to share!