Two-tone Green City of Denver

[Anonymous]

Hi:

I have a 1936-39 Lionel 636 City Of Denver set that was painted over and used as a prop for one of the first Fedex TV commercials. Upon closer examination, I discovered that it was the rare two-tone green version. I'm not a train expert, and I don't know if it's ruined by the alteration, more interesting, or a possible restoration project. I'm planning to sell it on eBay shortly. Does anyone have advice about where I should post announcements of the sale (discussion lists, etc), or what bidders may expect to see mentioned in the listing? I have no idea if it works (it was rigged up with wiring for TV). Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Much obliged,

David

[Algonquin]

Hi David,

The value of toy trains is determined primarilly by condition. A train like yours in nice original condition will draw a lot of attention from collectors and therefore a high price. However, most collectors want trains in original condition. The re-painting of yours greatly reduces its value.

Also operating condition is important in value. If the train is in good working order, a person wanting the train for operating will pay more. If he believes he will have to purchase parts to get it operating properly he will be want to spend less to get it.

There are people out there that will buy the train to restore it to look like original condition. However, most collectors will not pay any where near as much for a restored train as one in original condition.

There are no price guides covering restored trains so putting a value on it is difficult. I recently saw a beautifully restored 1934 M-10000 Lionel Passenger set in a train shop for $800. Keep in mind that the dealer probably had several hundred dollars into the restoration of this set and included some markup as well.

You never know what you might get for your train on E-bay. In its current condition, I would still thick you might still get a couple hundred dollars for it from someone willing to restore it.

I hope this information helps some.

Regards,

Tim Pignatari

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Tim.

I went ahead and posted it at 99 cents. Let me know what you think.

Take Care,
David

[Anonymous]

Whoops, forgot the link. Here it is:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1765075596

[Algonquin]

Hi David,

I just checked out your pictures on E-Bay. The physical condition of the train looks good. Looks like a nice candidate for a restoration. As a matter of fact, it looks pretty nice as is.

It looks like you are generating some nice interest in the set with nine bids so far.

Good luck,

Tim

[Algonquin]

Hi David,

$1,200.00. Not bad. That is more than I initially would have expected, but I am glad you were able to get a nice price for it.

Regards,

Tim Pignatari