lionel 726

[Anonymous]

Hello,
Like many before me, I was given some trains after my uncle passed away, I was wondering if they were worth keeping or give them to the grandchildren to play with.
The engine was Lionel #726 with Tender #2426W, a Lumber car #3451,Operating work crank #2460,Crossing Gate #152,Coal Elavator #97 and several old snap together buildings and Misc. Lionel switches and a couple LARGE transformers it appears each would handle 2 or more trains everything still in original boxes.
I haven't seen these things since the early 1950s.

[Algonquin]

Hi,

Before you give those trains away to your grandchildren to play with (which is what they were made for in the first place) you may want to let them know what they are worth. The 726 Berkshire locomotive you have was made between 1946 and 1949. Depending on the condition of the engine and tender, they are worth between $250 and $600 (based on the latest Greenberg price guides).

The Berkshires were one of Lionels premier engines and were included in many top of the line sets. The engines still run as nice today as they did when they were new. All that is usually required is a little lubrication of the motor and wheel bearings.

All of the pieces you mention are fully restorable to operating condition. The value of each piece depends greatly on its condition. Kalmbach publishes the Greenberg Guides to Lionel Trains that document values for each piece based on condition. As a rough guess, you probably have $500 to $1500 worth of trains, depending on their condition.

You can also check E-bay for recent prices. They sell a lot of Lionel there.

Some work is generally required to get the locomotives and transformers running if they have been stored for many years. Transformers should be checked out for damaged wiring before operating by a qualified transformer repairman. Locomotives and whistle tenders may only require lubrication. If they had a lot of previous use, the motors may benefit from cleaning and brush replacement. A Lionel Service Station can make these repairs. You can locate one through the Lionel websites dealer locater at (www.lionel.com).

Let me know if there is any additional information you would like. I hope this limited amount information is helpful.

Regards,

Tim Pignatari