1957 lionel train

[Anonymous]

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW MUCH MY TRAIN IS WORTH? IT IS A 1957 LIONEL TRAIN MODEL #1581 WITH 6 CARS. IT IS IN MINT CONDITION, AND RUNS PERFECT. I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH I NEED TO INSURE IT FOR. IF ANYONE HAS AN IDEA, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AT [e-mail].

[Anonymous]

is this a factory set number(1581)?  what are the individual train car numbers? the loco number etc. some complete sets boxed are worth more than individual trains. do you have the boxes? if so what are the conditions of them. the more info you can supply will help.

[Jumijo]

 

If you know it runs great, then it isn't mint. Mint means unrun, unused.

[PostwarMan07]

The TM Lionel Price Guide I have from 2002 does have a set #1581 from 1957.  That set includes:

611 Jersey Central NW2 Switcher

6476 LV Hopper

6024 Shredded Wheat Boxcar

6424 Flatcar with 2 autos

6464-650 Rio Grande Boxcar

6025 Gulf Tankcar

6560 Bucyrus Erie Crane

6119 DL&W Work Caboose

The guide is not up to date but it says that set with all origional boxes, inserts, and packaging in excellent condition and the trains being in excellent condition is worth $600.00.  Like the guys said above, the price will be affected by the condition and completeness of the set.  Also remember that prices for postwar trains have changed a lot since 2002.  Hope this all can help and enjoy the trains!  Thats a great train set.

[kpolak]

Welcome!  Hope this set brings you a lot of fun. 

Here's a recent thread about getting collections insured.

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1224589/ShowPost.aspx

A $600 train set should be covered under your homeowners policy.  Take pictures, quote recent published prices, and present it to your insurance agent, to see what they recommend.

Kurt