Model Train Magazines

[interested]

My son-in-law has receintly inherited about 260 model train magazines from the 1920's till 1970 plus real railroad train repair and operating manuels from his grandfather.   He has been trying to find someone who would give him an idea of how much they are worth.  He has a collection of train tickets and a logbook on the reservations of train cars for movement from one area to another. Can someone please give me a good person who can keep him from getting ripped off.

[henry6]

You don't say where you are...so best advice is to find a local railfan and or model railroad group who would be able to direct you...check for them thorugh local hobby shop or library...local historical societies...check through local antique dealers who might know of buyers and sellers of rail stuff.  And maybe the best is to check the classifieds of TRAINS, Model Railroader,and Classic Trains.  DO NOT TAKE ONE APPRAISAL BUT GET SEVERAL PEOPLE TO LOOK AT THE MATERIAL AND GIVE YOU A PRICE.    But, please, tell us here, where you are located.  Either there are those here who  might be interersted or can direct you knowing your city.

[interested]

We are located in Memphis, Tn.  

[wjstix]

I would think anything model rail mags from the 1920's would be valuable, since Model Railroader and Model Craftsman (later Railroad Model Craftsman) magazines didn't start until the 1930's. I believe Lionel had a magazine that was issued in the 1920's. Catalogues from that far back should have some value too, especially if they're in HO or OO, which were just starting out then.

For value, I guess one way is to do a search on ebay and see what similar items have been selling for. If you have some Lionel stuff you check with...I think it's the TTCA (Toy Train Collectors of America)??...to try to get more on what that stuff might be worth. There are also books available (check the local hobby shop) on collecting Lionel and the values of some things. Also, many RR flea markets seem to have one guy who sells old mags, maybe go to a local flea market and hook up with someone there.

[IRONROOSTER]

Be prepared, the model magazines probably won't have much value. The collectors market is weak for anything other than for Lionel and other toy trains and brass models. Other model train stuff doesn't have much in the way of collectors.  I don't know which magazines you have but most of the ones after WWII are still fairly easy to find and frequently are $1 apiece.  The pre war magazines are probably not of interest to very many.     Getting an evaluation of these is probably going to be tough.  He's high but you might check this online seller of magazines to get some idea http://www.railpub.com/

The railroadania items may have value depending on what they are, some railroads are more collected than others.  Railroad Historical societies may be able to help. 

Good luck

Paul