wondering what value is

[rrswede]

The following two bits of information came from postings in 2005.

 

Posted by brianel027 onWed, Jan 26 2005 10:10 PM

--- first off before anyone can give you a ballpark number of what the set is worth, there are some very important questions that need answers: What kind of condition is the set in? Do you have the original set box and what condition is the box in (set boxes are important to collectors)? Are all pieces that originally came with the set still intact, not broken or abused, clean and in working order? Is original paperwork still with the set?
The James Gang set is one of several low end sets that Lionel MPC made during the 1970's through the mid 1980's.  These sets, though nothing to write home about, did serve a valuable purpose for introducing folks to the train hobby. Opinions differ on the quality of these sets. Many were DC operated sets, which isn't so bad in itself (I run my trains DC and love it) except that the DC power pack included with these sets was the same one in many HO sets... in other words, no amperage for running operating cars or cars with lights. Worse than this though were the plastic wheel sets and even worse, the plastic rivet pins used to hold the trucks to the bodies that were loose and caused easy derailments. Those quibbles aside, the sets did their job and some of these sets have become somewhat collectible because they were intended for kids and overlooked by serious train buyers.
If the set is in very good plus to near mint condition, it could be worth a couple hundred bucks to the right person who wants or needs to have this set. As with nearly any so-called collectible, the guide books can give you a price, but it is only worth that dollar figure when someone hands you that amount of cash. In the past have noticed some of these low end Lionel MPC sets actually doing quite well on ebay.

brianel, Agent 027

"Praise the Lord. I may not have everything I desire, but the Lord has come through for what I need."

 

Posted by Chris F onThu, Jan 27 2005 9:28 AM

From Greenberg's Guides -
1053 The James Gang (1980-82): 8005 ATSF General locomotive and tender 9541 Santa Fe baggage/combine car 9306 ATSF flatcar 9305 Santa Fe stock car 2784 freight platform four plastic figures two horses six telephone poles 5013 curved track, eight sections 5018 straight track, four sections DC power pack 2905 lockon and wire
2005 Greenberg pricing - $175 (excellent condition), $220 (new condition). Excellent = minute scratches or nicks, no dents or rust, exceptionally clean New = brand new, absolutely unmarred, all original and unused, in original packaging with all paperwork provided by the manufacturer

Hope this helps

 

[Kooljock1]

Please remember that this is one of the few "DC-Only" sets, and will not run on your typical Lionel transformer.  If you wish to run with other Lionel product, please order a Lionel solid-state AC to DC reverse unit and install it, or have your local Authorized Lionel Service Station do so.  It is not expensive, and will open up a world of opportunities for your son.

Here's a Lionel bulletin on the issue:

http://www.lionel.com/ForTheHobbyist/GeneralTipsAndFAQs/TechTip2.cfm#convert

Jon 

[KRM]

mxbandit

My son was just given this old Lionel train set belive it has never been opened it is a Lionel james gang train set. Dont know year. He wants to open and play with it but if it has good value im trying to get him to just keep it boxed up and save untill he is way older, he is 9 now. Thoughts trying to up load photo but cant fiqure out how to on here

 JMHO, ""he is 9 now"".  Let him play with it, he is 9 What is worth more than your child having fun? I bet the person that gave it to him did not think it is about value.

http://cs.trains.com/ctt/f/95/t/29449.aspx

[mxbandit]

My son was just given this old Lionel train set belive it has never been opened it is a Lionel james gang train set. Dont know year. He wants to open and play with it but if it has good value im trying to get him to just keep it boxed up and save untill he is way older, he is 9 now. Thoughts trying to up load photo but cant fiqure out how to on here