As I ponder my eventual demise, I have been thinking of an odd question that I would like some feedback to. Is the resale value of a locomotive really that much higher than one with just a DCC decoder to warrant the extra cost of putting sound in any locos I currently have that need a decoder.
For example the Genesis F7 AB set I just purchased for 150.00 would cost around 45.00 to put decoders in both, or 160.00 to put dcc sound in both. Would the extra 115.00 increase the resale value or sale appeal to justify the extra expense?
Any opinions or am I over analyzing?
Thanks,
SB
It's going to depend on the buyer more than anything else.
When I looked at the relative prices of DC vs DCC-with-sound engines, pricing online so I'm looking at new ones, I realized that it's cheaper to buy the engine with DCC and sound already installed than to buy a DC engine, decoder and speaker and put it in myself.
For me, wanting sound one way or the other, I would go for the engine with the electronics already installed. On the other hand, there are plenty of modelers out there who still run DC, and others who like DCC but are not fans of sound.
While you asked about resale price, I would also suggest that you consider resale demand as well.
Mostly, though, what do you want, sound or no sound? If you want sound, get sound and don't worry about resale value.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I don't think it would be worth it. Just the fact that it is DCC would be enough. Not everybodies "taste" in sound is the same.
I mean if you have locos with sound, great, maybe they will fetch a few more dollars, but to do it just for resale purpose seams like a waste of money to me.
Just show a picture of the loco with the shell off, so the buyer can see what decoder you have in it.
Kind of like redecorating the interior and installing carpet in a house just for resale. The realtor will laugh at you.
Just make sure the loco runs as good as it can, and let the buyer do what he wants.
My opinion only, others may vary.
Mike.
My You Tube
The key word for DC or DCC/Sound should be used..
Some seems to forget a used engine won't fetch more then 50% of MSRP unless its a rare bird like a P2K Ohio Central GP7 or a P2K Indiana & Ohio high hood GP30 which usually fetches around $250.00.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Are you buying/upgradeing with the intent to resell,or do you want to use/enjoy them now before your upcomeing demise
If you're selling on Ebay, sound will only add about $20-40 to its value. (depending on the decoder. )
Charles
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440
Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440
Assuming you aren't planning on dying anytime soon I'd agree the difference in value wouldn't be that great. Problem is DCC like any electronics is changing and improving so quickly. An Atlas GP-7 from 2008 with an old Soundtraxx LC ("low cost") sound decoder installed isn't going to be worth much more than the same engine with a 'regular' DCC decoder - or no decoder at all. The old LC unit has few options and was made before noise reduction came along so has a "whine" to it. The 2008 LC isn't very good compared to today's sound decoders - and most likely today's sound decoders won't be as good as the ones available in 2028...assuming DCC hasn't been replaced by some other system by then.
Thanks for the replies. Most of my locomotives have sound or I have put sound in. There are however about ten that still need a decoder or dcc/sound. From the replies I think I will just put a dcc decoder in them especially the ones that can realistically MU with others. There may be a few that I will still put sound in especially the ones that will operate alone or like the Rock Island AB set.
I imagine hopefully, by the time I do pass on it wont matter since its many years down the road.
A litte different angle here....
Don't consider installing sound as an investment. You likely won't recover the money you put in. But don't panic over this, virtually nothing will recover its retail value in the model railroad world despite thread after thread that stubbornly seems to assume this simply must be if one only makes the right choices in what to buy.
In other words, buy for yourself and the present, not for when it doesn't matter anymore to you.
That said, if you look at the market for new locos, sound sells, more and more every year. Doesn't matter that a few are insistent you'll never pry that DC loco out of their hands until they are dead. When was the last time someone like that even bought a new loco? Maybe 2005? [jus' keeeddding here folks, it's a joke with a kernel of truth, so don't overreact]
Two locos otherwise alike, one with and one wthout sound? Most likely the sound unit will sell first. So if you want to leave what you can and make it easier on your survivors to move stuff out, going with local or internet sales, your best bet is that sound is aboard. It's an easier sell.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
There was a time when brass was king. In some circles, and for some issues of prototype, it still is. Plastic has all but caught up in terms of detailing, but it's creeping up there in price as well. Add a decoder of any merit and a sound installation, you add MSRP value of about $100-ish.
Who's the prospective buyer? If it's a BLI fan not interested in a CNW 4-8-4 or an SP&S 2-8-2, he/she's gonna want a Paragon of some kind, and that means a QSI or BLI system, factory installed. I would expect to get near 50 cents on the dollar from an especially keen buyer who has been looking for what I'm selling for four years and BLI hasn't expressed an interest in a new release of it any time soon. Those more patient, less keen, more savvy....maybe 30 cents on the dollar. These days, brass is pretty much in the same ballpark.
Just staying with BLI for discussion purposes, they produced the Stealth series in late 2005 or so...DC with no decoders. Which of those sold today, used, would command the higher price? Probably the latter across a broad range of buyers. Ten years ago, maybe the Stealth version would have been sold for about the same price because the DC market would have been bigger. That's a whopping 13 years ago!
This stuff simply isn't an investment any more, not even in brass...especially in brass. Again, except for the 1000 or so diehard brass deep-pocket guys still purchasing a model-a-month now into their 70's, it's almost a toss-up as to what is going to sell for the better dollar. Select your buyer wisely.
Excellent points Mike.
Nobody here is trying to discourage you from adding sound, by all means, if you like sound, great!
You want to add sound for your enjoyment, and if it brings a few more bucks when it's sale time, great!
My point earlier, was that to add sound, simply as an investment in hopes of higher resale value, is generally not going to be worth the expence, especially has your fleet gets older, and the much better, and newer come out, as the years go on.
You add sound for YOUR enjoyment.
When buying newer runs of locos I feel the same as Mike. I will pay the extra to get sound if the price is only about 50 or 60 dollars difference but if its higher than I can put sound, in I will get the DC version. None of this is for an investment your best off just trying to minimize your losses and just have fun.
For instance I just bought one of the Rapido 8-40cm for 100.00 the cheapest DCC sound I found was twice the cost. Since I am running it with a couple of UP's with sound it does not need sound.
I tend to believe that decoders, just as computers, memory sticks, gaming consoles, or other electronic devices are never a great investment, because technology improves quickly.
The vast majority of my fleet are brass locos (either OEM painted or custom projects) to which I added decoders. I do that because I like the sounds and realism, and I pick-up the same brands (ESU loksound for 4 axels & switchers / TCS for 6 axels) so it is easier to build consists.
Over time, these chips will lose their value (just as your car, sports gear, ...), but not the locos. The chips added value will rather allow me to better enjoy my operations, than improving resale. For investments, you're better off with realty or stock market (if you're good at it).
S.
Stephane (Ironstef70)
My Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC051f4F3z0iwDFa8FqRtgXQ/videos
My past projects:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ironstef70/albums/with/72157651845821179
It won't make any difference.
Resale value is no where near as high as most think.
Model trains are not meant to be an investment, unless you are investing in fun value.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
If it currently does not have sound, do not add sound unless you want it to have sound - you will never get back the cost of the decoder plus your time in increased resale. If you want sound for your own use, fine, but don't do it as a way to increase resale of the loco.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
blabride As I ponder my eventual demise, I have been thinking of an odd question that I would like some feedback to. Is the resale value of a locomotive really that much higher than one with just a DCC decoder to warrant the extra cost of putting sound in any locos I currently have that need a decoder. For example the Genesis F7 AB set I just purchased for 150.00 would cost around 45.00 to put decoders in both, or 160.00 to put dcc sound in both. Would the extra 115.00 increase the resale value or sale appeal to justify the extra expense? Any opinions or am I over analyzing? Thanks, SB
Resale value? What resale value?, you're kidding right? For the most part these things are like used cars, you buy them to use, not for their investment value.
Trust me, it is rare the model train that you can recover even most of your investment from, let alone break even or make a profit, especially adjusted for any inflation.
Just use yor trains as you like, buy what you want and can afford, don't lose any sleep over what they will be worth, and don't think you are leaving your widow or your kids a gold mine - you are not - sound or no sound, DCC or DC, they are not going to be worth all that much.
I like to say I buy trains with the same kind of money I use to take the wife to dinner, money I no expectation of ever recovering......
Sheldon
Normally I don't chime in on these kind of threads, but don't forget about brass. Brass regularly catches big chunks of money, and it's possible to get what you paid plus some for many pieces.
Julian
Modeling Pre-WP merger UP (1974-81)
fieryturbo Normally I don't chime in on these kind of threads, but don't forget about brass. Brass regularly catches big chunks of money, and it's possible to get what you paid plus some for many pieces.
Some brass is the rare exception. Sure it generally holds more value than other stuff, but only some of it will give you inflation adjusted profit.
So unless you account for inflation, breaking even is loosing money.
Julian and Sheldon are right about some brass. I sold most all of my brass in the early 2000's as I saw where plastic molding was finally going. However, pieces like my Hallmark Texas Special and Texas Eagle will seem to at least hold their value. With the annoucement of another UP train from Walthers I doubt anyone will ever do these in plastic. Also many brass steamers tend to hold their value as well. At least until the 50 and older crowd passes.
Just need to find a Hallmark KCS Southern Belle.