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How Much$$??

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How Much$$??
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 21, 2004 5:55 PM
Does Anyone know how much the old O scale Lionels from the 60s are worth?

How much per engine?

Per Car?

What about condition?

Thanx Benjamin R.
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Posted by lionelsoni on Sunday, November 21, 2004 6:03 PM
http://store.yahoo.net/kalmbachcatalog/toy-trains-books-greenbergs-pocket-price-guides.html

Bob Nelson

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Posted by brianel027 on Sunday, November 21, 2004 7:02 PM
The best way to find a general ballpark idea what the "market" is really paying for what you have is to look on ebay for the items and also check the completed sales on the specific items. It is helpful when looking at price guide books - any of them - to consult the TCA definitions of and guidelines to condition. Then compare that to the condition of your items. Many folks get all starry eyed when they look at the first book price (usually in mint or near mint condition depending on era) and FORGET to make the percentage deduction for the condition.

Sometimes you get lucky. There are stories of empty train boxes fetching fabulous prices on ebay. I recently noticed a 1970's vintage Lionel bottom line stater set going for almost double what the book said it was worth. So obviously finding the RIGHT buyer who NEEDS to have what you have for sale (and has DEEP pockets) is always a nice situation to be in.... but you can't always count on it either.

Just being a realist. Truly, I tell you, what the trains are worth is what they are worth to you in the fun of running them. Or seeing the smile of a child who is having the first chance to actually see Lionel trains for the first time!! That's the true value.

brianel, Agent 027

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

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Posted by Dave Farquhar on Sunday, November 21, 2004 8:06 PM
That's a very general question. Some are worth less than they were when they were new, after adjusting for inflation. Some are worth much more. A rule of thumb you can follow is that the higher-end the piece was then, the more it's worth now, though there are exceptions.

A price guide is your best bet for determining the train's monetary value. Like Brianel said, a lot of the trains from the '60s are worth more as family traditions than they would fetch from a collector. I bought a low-end Lionel outfit from 1962 for $35 this summer. I can't help but think whatever memories were connected to that train were worth more than 35 bucks, even if it only came out of the basement once a year to sit under a Christmas tree with a few porcelain buildings.
Dave Farquhar http://dfarq.homeip.net
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BOXCARS FOR SALE
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 21, 2004 8:36 PM
I HAVE 14 BOXCARS FOR ATSF FOR SALE $60.00 +Shipping Send SASE to William Cawley 9 Highland Road Glen Cove Ny 11542
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Posted by 3railguy on Sunday, November 21, 2004 8:48 PM
Depends on what engines and cars you are talking about and the condition. Engines range from $20 to $800. Cars range from $10 to $100. Or more for the rare ones.
John Long Give me Magnetraction or give me Death.
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Boxcars For Sale
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 21, 2004 9:31 PM
I Will Check it out for you and get back to you Tomorrow
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 24, 2004 4:27 PM
Thanx cant wait to hear what you have to say William.
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Posted by Back2Trains on Thursday, November 25, 2004 12:19 PM
Ebay seems to be a reasonable indicator of what things will bring, although I know a lot of people will dispute that idea. If you watch Ebay, you must watch several of the same item over a period of time....was there a reserve, what was the starting price, did the item actually sell? And, given all of this, there are two factors that ultimately figure in: demand and condition. Condition is everything.
Jim
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boxcars for sale
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 27, 2004 8:10 PM
okay so they are Atheren Ho scale sized and are in pretty good condition some have boxes and were built by me after christmass
of 97

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