Estimating value

[Anonymous]

I'm going to place an old Lionel train set on Ebay for a friend and would like to know the approximate value so I can place a reasonable reserve on the auction. The set is without boxes with the exception of the transformer which has an exceptionally nice box and the transformer itself looks really nice. All parts are in good shape and have been played with. The uncouple/couple switch has frayed wires but it in otherwise good condition. The set is listed as "Outfit No. 1477S "027" Freight Train with Smoke". The numbers are as follows (thanks in advance for any help offered):
1 ea - No. 1034 75 Watt trainmaster Transformer
1 ea - No. 2026 Locomotive - Still has sticker with cleaning instructions for white smoke (barely holding on)
1 ea - No. 6017 Caboose
1 ea - No. X6014 - Baby Ruth freight car
1 ea - 6012 - Open car (flat bed?)
1 ea - 6466T - Coal car
1 ea - Smoke pellet jar with 3 - 4 pellets left
1 ea - uncouple/unload controller - freyed wires
8 pc - curved track
4 pc - straight track
1 ea - CTC lockon

Thanks again,
Todd

[trigtrax]

Your set is the 1950's version of a starter outfit. Nothing listed would have any real value to collectors.. The engine is worth between 75 and 100 when you can find a buyer so you could use that number for your reserve and hope for the best.
The thing about e-bay is it's totally pot luck and you never know when you're gonna catch a live one. I saw a nearly worthless 6465 Sunoco Car pull in a $350 price one time.
Good luck with your auction.

[Chris F]

The 1477S O27 30car Freight outfit was cataloged in 1951-52, and consisted of the following pieces of rolling stock:

2026 2-6-4 steamer ($40/$80, price w/tender)
6466T tender (no whistle)
6012 Lione gondola ($2/$7)
6014 Baby Ruth boxcar ($5/$9)
6017 Lionel Lines caboose ($14/$34)

There's no set price because that would require boxes. Prices for the individial items are from the 2005 Greenberg's pocket price guide (emphasis - GUIDE!), and represent good/excellent condition.

The 75-Watt 1034 transformer is valued at $22/$38. Values for the track items would be minimal. I'm not sure about the smoke pellets, but suspect a low value there, too.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your posts and time. This is very helpful.
Todd

[lionelsoni]

You should make clear in the auction that your locomotive has the 2-6-4 wheel arrangement (assuming that it does), rather than the similar 2-6-2 locomotive with the same 2026 number.