One could compare collecting with playing a game. A game that is all about beauty and nostalgia, but it’s also about the quest for that very rare model. A collector enjoys every model he finds; again the collection has become more complete.
The collecting game has its own rules and the good thing is that everyone can determine his or hers own rules of play. To stick to those rules, you keep things well-organized and make it possible to reach your goal. I do believe in the following rules of play:
Only Britains farm
During childhood I played with Britains. I had a big farm, which I still cherish. Like all of you, I still remember the first tractor I got. Other toy-manufacturers were less good-looking and were less detailed. One can play this collecting game as hard as you like. I have been silly enough to collect Britains farm models starting from 1920.
Nostalgia & authenticity
My collection has to be original by which it remains unique and authentic. I would never buy a tractor (or a box) that is not original. From some models only a few are left over and only those which are original and authentic are worth their money and even increase in value.
BritainsFarm recorded price-development on eBay since 2001 and concluded that only original and boxed models remain their value. So, a carefully obtained collection will not decrease in value.
Lately a lot of restored and repainted models are offered and even replica-boxes are on the market. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish from original. Sooner or later somebody becomes victim of ignorance; which is against (my) rules of play.
Be patient
Obtaining a nice collection requires time, patience and money. Some models are offered very few and you must be quick to buy those (for big money sometimes). However, some models are more or less unique.
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Collecting Britains 
