Question on Pricing and Selling Trains

[Anonymous]

My Father recently passed away. He had a pretty good size train layout many years ago. I can barely remember it and I'm 40. In going thru his stuff, we found numerous HO gauge engines and cars. There are several AHM HO line Oldtime Coach Virginia & Truckee passenger cars (model 6235 V&T) that are still in the original boxes. Based on some papers and stuff that were in this trunk, I'd estimate these as being from the early 60's. Are there links or resources where I could find out how much some of this stuff is worth? I remember him saying some of the engines were valuable. There is also some hand made kit cars and other cars that are in various condition, some good, some not so good. I'm looking for some ideas on what they may be worth so when I take them to a buyer I don't get ripped off.

Thanks for your help!

Dan

[Anonymous]

My Father recently passed away. He had a pretty good size train layout many years ago. I can barely remember it and I'm 40. In going thru his stuff, we found numerous HO gauge engines and cars. There are several AHM HO line Oldtime Coach Virginia & Truckee passenger cars (model 6235 V&T) that are still in the original boxes. Based on some papers and stuff that were in this trunk, I'd estimate these as being from the early 60's. Are there links or resources where I could find out how much some of this stuff is worth? I remember him saying some of the engines were valuable. There is also some hand made kit cars and other cars that are in various condition, some good, some not so good. I'm looking for some ideas on what they may be worth so when I take them to a buyer I don't get ripped off.

Thanks for your help!

Dan

[Bob Keller]

Hi Dan,

The question of HO value is pretty open since (other than HO brass) it traditionally hasn't been a collector oriented market. I know that folks have suggested this on the forum before, but check eBay. You can search there for completed auctions (under advanced search) to get an idea what your dad's train brands are selling for. You also might want to check with a local dealer about either getting an appraisal or selling it outright. If going the dealer route, I'd suggest selling it as a single lot - otherwise the bst stuff may get bought, leaving you with the clunkers!

Good luck!

Bob Keller
Classic Toy Trains

[Bob Keller]

Hi Dan,

The question of HO value is pretty open since (other than HO brass) it traditionally hasn't been a collector oriented market. I know that folks have suggested this on the forum before, but check eBay. You can search there for completed auctions (under advanced search) to get an idea what your dad's train brands are selling for. You also might want to check with a local dealer about either getting an appraisal or selling it outright. If going the dealer route, I'd suggest selling it as a single lot - otherwise the bst stuff may get bought, leaving you with the clunkers!

Good luck!

Bob Keller
Classic Toy Trains

[Anonymous]

Thanks Bob, That's the kind of info I was looking for. There's a train dealer not far from where I am, I'll give them a call and see what they say.

Dan

[Anonymous]

Thanks Bob, That's the kind of info I was looking for. There's a train dealer not far from where I am, I'll give them a call and see what they say.

Dan

[Anonymous]

Would, could, or has Classic Toy TRain done article regarding e-bay and toy trains and opinions or facts or stats on the overall quality and problems with payment and overly stated conditions etc. Thanks, Greg

[Anonymous]

Would, could, or has Classic Toy TRain done article regarding e-bay and toy trains and opinions or facts or stats on the overall quality and problems with payment and overly stated conditions etc. Thanks, Greg

[Bob Keller]

Hi Greg,

When we ran the Market Basket segment in News & Notes, I often cited eBay prices (both high and low), and I use eBay for the market summary that I write for the Greenberg Pocket Price Guides, but I'm not sure how practical an overview of eBay would be simply because first and foremost, it would be a "buyer beware" story.

I'll pass your suggestion along to the boss and see how we might approach it. Thanks.

Bob Keller
Classic Toy Trains

[Bob Keller]

Hi Greg,

When we ran the Market Basket segment in News & Notes, I often cited eBay prices (both high and low), and I use eBay for the market summary that I write for the Greenberg Pocket Price Guides, but I'm not sure how practical an overview of eBay would be simply because first and foremost, it would be a "buyer beware" story.

I'll pass your suggestion along to the boss and see how we might approach it. Thanks.

Bob Keller
Classic Toy Trains