lionel pre-war train set

[Anonymous]

I have a pre-war lionel standard train set. It was my fathers, and is in used condition, but has alot of pieces (tunnel, bridge, crane, lights, etc.) I would like to sell it to a collector. Where is the best place to sell this set? How do you price a set like this? [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Well, the first step in determining the value is to make a list of what you have. The engine and cars, and possibly some of the other pieces,should each have a number on them. If you list the numbers of what you have, myself or another forum member could look up the values in a price guide for you.

As far as selling them, there is always ebay. Prewar Lionel usually sells for good prices there. A hobby shop that deals in vintage trains or an antique store might be willing to buy it from you, but remember that these people are in the business of making money with the intent of reselling it. They would only give you about 50% of what they would sell it for. There is also the possibility that there is a train collector in you area who would be interested in privately purchasing it.

[Anonymous]

Definitely make (and post) a list of the items. That will give you some idea of what you have.

In collecting, condition is all important. You described your pieces as "used," but that by iteslf doesn't mean much. A better way to describe them would be New, Like New, Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor. At least that would give folks a general idea of the condition (assuming you are being as honest as possible in describing them). Most likey, the items, if they are prewar, are in good or fair condition. If they rank higher than that, you'll likely be able to get a whole lot more for them. And if you have the original boxes, there will be a premium paid for them, as well. Sometimes the boxes are worth even more than the trains.

[dwiemer]

You will get different estimates from different people. While the books will give one estimate, in the end, it is only what someone is willing to pay. If you check with a local hobby shop, perhaps they can give you the name of a TCA train collectors association members, or check a local model RR club. Ask one of the members to give a fair judgement of what you have, grade them, and then check what the same items are selling for on Ebay.

Personally, I would try to hold onto them if they have any sentimental value. You may want to set them up and enjoy them. Or, you may want to see if there is a relative that might want to pass them onto. If, as a last resort, you want to sell them to a collector, you might want to check again with the same club with TCA members. If you want the collection to stay together, this would be the way to go. If you go Ebay, you would get a better price by dividing the set up and selling. Don't forget that with ebay, you have to set up an account and they will get a percentage of the final price.

Good luck in which ever venture you take.
Dennis