How is the best way to sell?

[jimhaleyscomet]

I would never sell my boyhood set, even though it is worth under $20. It is just too fun to run it every know and then. I have never regretted not selling a train, but I have regretted selling some trains.

Jim H

[dwiemer]

Dave,
Another idea, though it would be a personal preference, I know there is a guy who runs a large layout near Atlanta, I think around either Kennesaw or Stone Mountain, who allows different groups, say the Boy Scouts, or others to collect admission fees and allows the public to come view the layout while the charrity group that collects the fees keeps all the money. Perhaps, if you contact him, (I believe they did a show on Great Layouts on this guy), he may be able to run your trains on a loan basis so that your grand kids and others may get to see them in action, and also, they would be serving a good purpose in that money is raised for charity. The last benefit is that you can still pass the trains on.
Dennis

[reale1]

The set I've descibed is the one that I played with as a small boy and its the one that got me hooked on trains. At age 10 (in the early 50's) I "graduated" to a Fleishman HO set and I've been into that scale in a pretty big way ever since.
The Lionel set is prominently displayed next to the stairs that lead to my present layout. Its a nice reminder of my childhood days, but it just sort of sits there. So I might just hold onto it and pass it on to one of my four grandsons who have all inherited my love of the hobby. I'm just undecided...
Anyway, thanks for your suggestions and advice. It is certainly appreciated and maybe I'll hear from some others who have some ideas, too.

[dwiemer]

I agree with all that Dave has posted. You do run the risk with Ebay as to pricing, but then again, you do no matter what avenue you go. I know they have some clubs in Atlanta ( I live in the SW part of the state), I would contact the clubs to see if they have any TCA members there who can give you a fair estimate of the price. Some books seem to over-value as the estimates are on pristine, never run, etc. You can also do a search on Ebay to find out what other sets like yours have sold for. I don't know how to do this, but others here do.
Lastly, don't expect that you can sell this set and get a goldmine, unless it is a rare, and I mean really rare, not just what some sellers say so, it won't get lots of money. The biggest value in trains are the play value and family heirloom value. I still run the trains my dad passed down to me.
I would be interested in this set, if you do talk to a TCA member and they give you what the fair market value is, and if you still wi***o sell, please email me. I would however suggest that unless you really want to get rid of it, you hold onto it, put it on a shelf or display in some way.
Regards,
Dennis

[Dave Farquhar]

You can sell to a dealer, but you will get anywhere from 35%-50% of book value, depending on a number of factors, including how quickly the dealer thinks he or she can sell the item.

You can attempt to sell to a local collector. I know several people put ads in the local newspaper saying "Lionel and other trains wanted by private collector." What they pay depends on whether it's something they need to fill a hole in their collection. Most don't pay the full price stated in the books, but there's generally more room to negotiate with someone who isn't depending on resale of the item to put dinner on the table next week.

With eBay, the risk is that the item won't sell, and you're out your fees, or it only gets one bid and sells for the opening bid. Realistically, if the item is listed in the correct category (Standard, O, or HO) and photographed well and described accurately, it will sell for a reasonable price, especially since you have boxes. Make sure you mention that it runs, and that the paint is original, and you're the son of the original owner. Some people care about these things and others don't, but this way you'll attract both types of buyer. Odds of it hitting book value are a bit low, because people tend to hedge their bets when they can't examine the piece in person. Also, make sure the auction ends in the evening, when potential buyers will be at home.

But if you don't mind me asking, have you considered keeping the train as a family heirloom? I own a handful of things that belonged to my father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Some of them would be valuable to an antique collector, some wouldn't. They're worth a whole lot more than "book value" to me.

[reale1]

I have an old (approximately 1925) Lionel set that belonged to my Dad. I've been told the engine is a Bild #4, there are two passenger cars, and an observation car. The engine runs, in my opinion the set is in great shape for it's age, its still in its original orange paint, and there are also a couple of pretty beat up boxes that it came in when new.
I hope some of you "experts" can help me with two questions: Is E-bay the ONLY way to sell, and if there are alternatives, what are they? Are the prices shown in books that place values on Lionel trains realistic?

Thanks in advance for your help!
Dave in Atlanta