The Rising Cost of Retro Video Game Collecting

This week I scored two titles I've been looking for. 

I paid $10 for each game, which I thought was pretty decent. They are both complete with manual, and the discs are in great shape. However, I got a surprise when I peeled back the price label on InFAMOUS 2.  The label came off in layers revealing its pricing history over time.

$4.99 April 2026 - $6.99 May 2026 - $9.99 June 2026.  The game doubled in price in just three months. There has been a lot of chatter about price hikes after Sony announced they were ending the PlayStation 3 store and production of physical games. Already hard-to-find games like Puppeteer have become even more scarce with the price jumping from $80 to several hundred dollars.

These price changes for InFAMOUS predate those announcements, but they reflect the growing trend of raising prices in the used game market. It has made me reevaluate my approach to game collecting. I now focus on titles I might actually play or want to try. 

Until the next post, happy gaming, clear tracks, and full throttle ahead!

Joined a Train Club

I joined the local train club "Sidney-Shelby County Model Railroad Club"  about 6 months ago to learn more from the people in the hobby about the hobby. The club has a nice layout that is still very much in process as far as scenery goes but it seems to progress weekly. I have even contributed a few buildings which I will feature in a post of their own.  I am still very much in the learning phase and trying to learn the lingo. Train people use a lot of numbers when they talk. The Layout is DCC, which stands for Digital Command Control. The track is hooked to a computer that allows us to control multiple trains using an app on our phones. I could not help but feel like a kid again when I ran a train across the awesome replica of the Big Four Bridge one of the club members had made. 

Besides the many tips and tricks that I have learned so far I think the most important thing I've learned is the importance and value in community. The club is small but they have accomplished so much. I know it was no small feat and it is a testament to their commitment to the hobby, club and community.

Along with making new friends the club has given me the confidence to strike out on my own.  Hence the three projects listed in my Welcome Post.  I don't know where this adventure will take me, but for now I'm just happy to be a part of the club and the building of the layout.

Until the next post, happy gaming, clear tracks, and full throttle ahead!

Welcome to my RussDaMan Trains and Games Blog

Hello World.

I've been retired for a few years and have recently developed an interest in retro video games, and model railroading.  An old man playing video games and trains, isn't exactly news worthy but I thought I'd share my journey as I pursue these two hobbies.  I have found both to be rewarding, expensive and time consuming. Since I am retired money is the biggest issue. 

When it comes to modern gaming the Diablo franchise is where I spend most of my time. My gaming PC was initially built just so I could participate in the PTR - Public Test Realm for Diablo. I've logged countless hours on Diablo 3 and spent a fair amount of time on 2 before moving onto the new version.

Last Christmas I  became the proud owner of an OLED Nintendo Switch and started collecting those games.  I now have a small collection of both new and classic Nintendo titles: Super Smash Brothers, Mario Kart and Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, just to name a few.

Then, for no apparent good reason (Other than an excuse to spend more money),  I bought a PS3 Slim and started a PlayStation 3 video game collection. My youngest son and I get together Sunday evenings and play games from the collection. We are currently playing through "Lego Marvel Super Heroes". Getting to play as the Hulk is awesomely fun.

Well that's enough of gaming, there will be more detailed posts to follow.

Now for my other and newest vice, model railroading. I have always loved trains. As a child  I remember begging mom and dad not to avoid the railroad crossing when they heard a train coming. It was a real thrill for me to watch the train go by. 

You can't imagine my joy when I found my first train set under the Christmas tree. A train set that would be worth a small fortune in today's market. I don't know if I am just chasing after that long ago memory or what but in pursuit of that interest I joined the local model railroad club and now have two N scale projects in process and plans for a third.

• Project 1: Inglenook Sidings Puzzle Layout  Goal: A mobile setup providing an interactive switching puzzle experience. Status - In Process
• Project 2: Suitcase Train Layout  Goal: A crossover with a Diablo game themed train layout in a suitcase for a mobile display.  Status - In Process
• Project 3: Modular layout  Goal: A 2 foot by 6 foot Modular layout for home and mobile display. Status - On Hold Dependent on winning the lottery.

Like the gaming, detailed posts about these projects and more train stuff to follow.

Until the next post, happy gaming, clear tracks, and full throttle ahead!