Blue Eyez

It's time for the Madison-Bouckville Antique Week again!

This is where we connect with our favorite place to find model trains, Blue Eyez Auctions.

Their tent is the first place we head for when we get to the festival. They always have a box or two of train stuff and Miss Erin is always happy to let us dig through it to our heart's content. This can take a while. After all, these are big decisions for a little guy.

You can find some lovely trains and layouts up for sale on the Blue Eyez Auctions Facebook group. (NOTE: This is a private group that you apply to join. But don't worry, they basically want to see what sort of collectibles you are interested in.) If your child is older or is okay with not handling the trains and you're okay with auctions, then this may be a good way for you to go. But I'm looking for their "seconds" or remainders and this is where I find them. These are the trains that are not quite up to their auction standards for one reason or another.

Not all of the locomotives run but between the fact that my son will happily create a steamie switching yard, then use the non-runners as freight and the lower prices, I'm good with it. Besides, Dada's getting pretty good at fixing them.

There are auction services just like Blue Eyez all over so there's likely one near you. Once you know where your local company is, you'll always know where the treasure is likely to be. In the uncertain search through thrift stores, this can be a treasure of its own.

If you are an auction company that has an outlet for kids to get hold of lower priced trains and associated toys, please leave your contact information in the comments below so we can find you! If any of my readers have a favorite then please let us know who they are.

We need to support each other to keep the love of trains and the hobby of model trains alive!