Lionel james gang set

[cheese3]

i have a lionel james gang set. Does any one know how much it is worth

[brianel027]

Cheese, first off before anyone can give you a ballpark number of what the set is worth, there are some very important questions that need answers: What kind of condition is the set in? Do you have the original set box and what condition is the box in (set boxes are important to collectors)? Are all pieces that originally came with the set still intact, not broken or abused, clean and in working order? Is original paperwork still with the set?

The James Gang set is one of several low end sets that Lionel MPC made during the 1970's through the mid 1980's. These sets, though nothing to write home about, did serve a valuable purpose for introducing folks to the train hobby. Opinions differ on the quality of these sets. Many were DC operated sets, which isn't so bad in itself (I run my trains DC and love it) except that the DC power pack included with these sets was the same one in many HO sets... in other words, no amperage for running operating cars or cars with lights. Worse than this though were the plastic wheel sets and even worse, the plastic rivet pins used to hold the trucks to the bodies that were loose and caused easy derailments. Those quibbles aside, the sets did their job and some of these sets have become somewhat collectible because they were intended for kids and overlooked by serious train buyers.

If the set is in very good plus to near mint condition, it could be worth a couple hundred bucks to the right person who wants or needs to have this set. As with nearly any so-called collectible, the guide books can give you a price, but it is only worth that dollar figure when someone hands you that amount of cash. In the past have noticed some of these low end Lionel MPC sets actually doing quite well on ebay.

[Chris F]

From Greenberg's Guides -

1053 The James Gang (1980-82):
8005 ATSF General locomotive and tender
9541 Santa Fe baggage/combine car
9306 ATSF flatcar
9305 Santa Fe stock car
2784 freight platform
four plastic figures
two horses
six telephone poles
5013 curved track, eight sections
5018 straight track, four sections
DC power pack
2905 lockon and wire

2005 Greenberg pricing - $175 (excellent condition), $220 (new condition).
Excellent = minute scratches or nicks, no dents or rust, exceptionally clean
New = brand new, absolutely unmarred, all original and unused, in original packaging with all paperwork provided by the manufacturer

[Anonymous]

Was this the one with the General with the yellow boiler?