Does it devalue the toy if..

[Rainbowsprite]

I got the Friendship Train, i love it to bits but it bothers me to death that the train is only painted like two colors and all the detail doesnt really *pop* out. The tracks are all purple even the wood. I know toys always come like this and thats fine but would it devalue the train to paint the details up a bit more??

I love painting mini's so i thought this would be cool to do. I just dont want to go to the effort to find out that ive made it worse or devalued it. Whats everyone elses opinion?

[CarnationTwirl]

The question you need to ask yourself is what will contribute the most to your enjoyment of it.
I can't imagine this playset increasing significantly in price during this decade.

[Baby Sugarberry]

It's going to depend on the buyer.

In general, modifying any "collectible" devalues it.  Taking it out of the box devalues it, having factory flaws devalues it.  That said, with a mass-produced item like the train set there are likely to be a large number of them floating around for a very long time, due to MLP's current status as a "hot thing / collectible".  G1 MOC's are rare because very few people were collecting ponies at the time with an eye towards keeping them in the packaging.  That isn't true with G3 / G4. 

In short, it's your toy, if you are actively enjoying it, do what makes you happy.  A superior paint job would probably appeal to some collectors (particularly if it was more show-accurate) while it will turn off other people.  It's much like deflocking so-softs - certain people want them, others don't.

The only thing I'd do is make sure you sign your train or otherwise mark it in some way so future owner(s) know it's been modified. 

[Rainbowsprite]

Okay well that was summed up really well thanks

I would enjoy it more painted, and i would enjoy painting it. I never thought about signing it so ill keep that in mind. I guess i just needed a second opinion

Thank you very much

[hathorcat]

Yes I agree with Baby Sugarberry - with the sheer quantity of these sets in collectors hands not to mention those that will turn up on the second hand market over time from childhood collections, its not a set which is ever going to have a terrifically high value. But on the other hand as long as you know that yes making any modification to how it was produced factor will devalue it for another collector in the future, then there is certainly no harm in customising it as you wish I hope you post pictures of the finished set!

[partypony566]

I say go for it, it's not a rare playset

[lovesbabysquirmy]

We'd love to see your modifications!  Not many people customize playsets.

[starrypawz]

If it's yours and you don't really intend to sell it go ahead, I believe the train is common enough right now it's not a biggy. And for all you know if you sell it someone might be willing to pay more.

[Rainbowsprite]

yaaay ok, well im gonna fo it for sure cuz i think it would look a ton better if i did. Im also busy hunting the other carriages haha