Background on an ALCO

[mdainsd]

IMHO opinion those guides arent worth the paper they are printed on.

Ive always maintained that if that is the value they profess, then write me a check and I'll sell it to the author. Not likely.

I find the big online auction house to be about the best gauge as to current value. Yeah, there can be issues with condition etc, but a quick average by Lionel number will very quickly help determine what an item is really worth.

Again, just my opinion.

[phillyreading]

sir james l,

I agree with on the issue of selling prices, because at train shows stuff don't sell at the book price, usually lower than book price by several dollars or you end up taking it back home.

Lee F.

[sir james I]

On the powered A I just gave an average price I felt was likely, and The B we came out about the same. And with todays market I think that is a" close to selling "price. At least around here. As you know price guide and will to pay price can be quite different. In this area of SE Mich. a $100.00 for the A & B would be a reasonable selling price. I see lots of MPC complete boxed starter sets in the $120.00 / $140.00 price range and they do not sell. So how can anyone give a real value when there isn't one. I gave a reasonable price based on the price guide maybe a little high on the B unit but they are harder to find than the A.

[phillyreading]

sir james,

You covered it pretty good except the price that I have for the 8252 is between $85 excellant & $125 in like new condition, also the B unit is between $50 & $70. These figures are taken from Greenberg's Pocket Price guide for 2008. Is it possible that you have a different price guide?

Just a word on the prices in the price guides, don't expect to get that for your trains as that is what dealers charge you, not what somebody will pay you!

Lee F.

[sir james I]

You would have to check with electric rr about up grades. the B unit is listed at 50 to $75. Make sure you keep the armature lubed at both ends and that motor should run for years.

EDIT- You ask for more info,there isn't much else. The body and frame were carried over from the PW Alcos and the motor has some MPC changes that are the same as others MPC made. The colors of silver and blue were also used to make a santa fe version. What is it you want to know beside that? Idon't know what else to tell you.

[sarpilot]

Thanks sir james, I also have the B unit. You wouldn't happen to know if a Sound Commander 2 made by Electric RR could be installed in this unit? Its in great shape and is only missing the plastic horn on top of the engine. It might be worth the 50.00 upgrade for sound.

Thanks STEVE

[sir james I]

The price guide says 1972 and that sounds about right. They also made a B unit for seperate sale #8253. A very good price for a ex. condition 8252 would be about $100.00. and that could be on the high side.

[sarpilot]

I have an ALCO made by lionel. The side number is 8252 with a Deleware and Hudson livery. I don't have a modern era guide and I think this is a MPC/fundamentions unit. Any info you can give ie year made, variations value ect. would be appreciated.

STEVE