Kind of overlooked this thread, as I read "valued " as "valuable". There are some well chosen and great looking models on display.
I have a weakness for tank cars and covered hoppers. While not a head turner kind of model compared to many of today's offerings the long tanker on the bridge kind of took me out of the off-the-shelf kind of modeling to "doing something a bit different is fun" level. It's a bit sobering to realize this model is nearing 30 year sold. Ugh.
And while I no longer model the EL directly, I still treasure my attempt at an Erie Dunmore caboose using the venerable Santa Fe style caboose as a starting point. I tried many different techniques and learned SO much building this model. I also built some red ones in EL paint and another in the maroon / gray with a modernized rood top - no running board or ladders to the roof level. I sold it at online auction for $80 a few years ago, so maybe this one qualifies as my "most valuable" too.
I don't have photos of my early covered hopper forays handy but I did many of them about the same time as the EL caboose. Most end ironwork on commercial models was pretty heavy handed. My results were a big improvement, but now that I've learned to do artwork for brass etching . . . . .
The process to get to this one might make it the most valued model I own. The late Bob Lucas, mentor to AC&Y fans everywhere shared lots of data to help me get this one as close to right as I could. I can't help but think of Bob when I look at this project. And The Railwire crowd convinced me to scrap casting flat parts to be assembled and go with a one piece casting. A great call. And now I have about a dozen of them! Thanks guys.
Steve Holzheimer