Lionel and American Flyer value info

[Anonymous]

I am curious to know what an American Flyer Sante Fe 360, diesel engine, 364 Sante Fe Passenger, T&P 631, American Flyer 636 on an Erie 7210, 734, and Reading 360 red caboose with tracks and transformers would be worth.

Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[brianel027]

Hey Truck Driver, these kind of questions pop up on a regular basis. I'm not much of a Flyer guy (more Lionel and K-Line) but there's some IMPORTANT info we need for an accurate assessment:

A) Does the stuff run and work with no broken parts or pieces, And not, "well it worked 20 years ago." Does it still work and run NOW? Obviously no one will pay top dollar for a train that may not work today. Maybe it's fixable, but the buyer will have to spend money to do that, so they will not want to give you as much.

B) Is it clean with no marks, scuffs or scratches or RUST?

C) Do you have individual boxes or a complete SET box if it was all part of one original set. That original set box (esp. if it's in good shape) will absolutely add value to the individual components to the right buyer.

All these varying condition issues affect the value obviously. Something that is near mint with the original packaging is obviously going to be worth more than something missing a box and in well used (or not working) condition.

[Dave Farquhar]

I don't have a current Flyer price guide so I'm not even going to take a stab at the cars and locomotives. But track and transformers are easy. If the track is in good shape, figure 50 cents to a dollar per section. Straights are worth more than curves. Nobody ever had too many straights but there are only so many curves that fit on a layout.

To approximate the value of a transformer, figure 50 cents a watt--assuming it works. By that rule, a 40-watt transformer is worth about $20. A 300-watt transformer would be worth about $150. There's some fudge factor on both ends. 40-watters are common so $20 is probably a little high. Almost every hobbyist has one or two extras. Since everyone wants the biggest transformer, sometimes people are willing to go a little higher on the high-wattage models. 

If the transformer doesn't work, values plummet. A broken 40-watt transformer usually isn't worth fixing. A broken 300-watt transformer is worth fixing but it'll cost $25 an hour plus parts to do so.

One tip: If the power cord is frayed or broken, and/or if you see rust on the case, DO NOT plug it in. Get it checked out by a professional--a local Lionel dealer if you have one (Lionel dealers can fix American Flyer transformers), or a small appliances repair shop if you don't.