Old trains-lionel 50+ yrs old

[Anonymous]

I discovered my old Lionel trains that I gat around 1950.
I have models #'s and discriptions, starting with locomotive #671, blk.coal car #6456 and 7 more various cars.
How can I find what they are worth?

[lionelsoni]

http://store.yahoo.com/kalmbachcatalog/10-8704.html

[Anonymous]

Well, the 671 locomotive is a model of the Pennsylvania Railroad's steam turbine locomotive. This Lionel model was made from 1946-49. It's value depends on the tender (black coal car) that goes with it that should either have the number 671W or 2671W stamped on the bottom. If it's 671W the engine and tender are together worth $130 good, $200 excellent. If it's 2671W they're worth $135 good, $240 excellent. The 6456 is a hopper car and it's value depends on what colour it is. If it's black the value is $8 good, $13 excellent. Maroon is $6 good, $14 excellent. Grey is $15 good, $33 excellent. Enamel red with yellow lettering is worth $50 good, $115 excellent. Enamel red with white lettering is worth $225 good, $510. If you give me the numbers for the other cars I can tell you their values as well.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Nice job Sask.

So Apenach, now what ?

SELL or PLAY?

I vote play!

[brianel027]

Many times I go to train shows or yard sales and find folks have priced old Lionel trains based on the highest book price without consideration to actual condition. Just for your info, here's how things are pretty much defined by the TCA:
LIKE NEW: Original condition with very little sign of use, no nicks, marks or blemishes.
EXCELLENT: Some signs of use, but well maintained, no dents, marks or rust.
VERY GOOD: Few scratches, exceptionally clean and well maintained, no dents or rust.
GOOD: Signs of use, small scratches, blemishes, dents.
FAIR: Obvious signs of use including scratches, dents, dings, and rust.
POOR: Beat up, not working or only partially working, missing parts.
(of course, the worse the condition, the lower the monetary value)

I would add if something is dusty or dirty, regardless of operating or not, it's rates as poor in my book, since dust and dirt can hide surface and structural defects.

Also keep in mind apenach, to get a also good price, (in addition to the engine running well) couplers should spring open and wheels should be cleaned on gunk build up. The pre-war and post-war Lionel trains are certainly the collectors favorites. But also bear in mind that there are more trains for sale today than there are buyers. And with all the new technology and improved operation as well as graphics on the new trains, prices have been on a slow downward slide on older trains in general, unless they are in prime condition with all packaging and boxes or are something really unusual, such as a factory error or prototype. Also bear in mind, that many of the older Lionel trains are being reissued/reproduced, not only by Lionel but by Williams Trains too. This also contributes to the softening of prices. Of course, all it takes is one person who really wants what you have, and your trains can become an exception to the rule. And there are still those who insist on the post-war originals.
You might also want to take a look on ebay to see what prices are being paid for the items you have... check the completed auctions.

All that said, unless you are desperate for the money, I vote with Big_Boy_4005 and set the trains up and run 'em. If you have kids around or grandchildren, I'm sure they'll be blown away. And the smiles on their faces may bring back some memories of how it was for you many years ago.

If you decide to keep 'em, check out the article in the January Classic Toy Trains on getting the trains out of the attic and making them run. There's some good advice there.
Heck, run 'em for the holiday at least even if you do need to sell them.
Have fun and good luck. It was nearly 50 years ago I got my first Lionel set and the train bug is still with me!

brianel