Henry, Thank you for taking the time to respond. I appreciate your advice!
Karen
Mike, Thank you for your detailed response! This was so helpful. The trains have been taken out of the boxes. (This is probably the only thing I can tell about these trains!) but they appear to be in great shape. I took some more photos and put them back in the box and will try CL or ebay with lots of disclaimers making sure any bidders know that I am not an expert. I hope you have a wonderful day. Thank you again! Karen
The problem with the earlier example of an Athearn "blue box" car is they've been around for so long, it's hard to pin down an over-all value. A 1980's-era Athearn boxcar that someone who may or may not have known what they were doing built from a pre-dec kit, with somewhat innaccurate and semi-transparent milky-white lettering, plastic wheels, horn-hook couplers, and a rusty unpainted silver weight under the car is worth a lot less than a recent ready-to-run car that came from the factory with excellent paint and lettering, Kadee-compatible scale-head couplers, and metal wheels.
You may not know, but the couplers on those trains are not what modern model railroaders use. More realistic couplers can be added, but that is an expense for the buyer. Details on modern models are superior to what was available in the past.
Even though you have the boxes, it is an ordinary commodity and not very collectable. There are other online places to sell. Facebook may have a community "yard sale" group near you. There is also a facebook group for selling trains and I think there is a selling group on https://groups.io
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Welcome, EstateTrain Mom to the MR forums.
What amazes me about your trains, is they are all in the original boxes, and all are in excellent condition! A lot of buyers on the auction sites love this.
As far as keeping for furture value? I don't think so, as it appears you have nothing "rare" and of great value to serious collectors.
As far as the quality of your trains, well, most are "train set" quality, meaning average to lower end, and the AHM locos, don't run bad, they are not like smooth runners that many want.
I'll probably get beat up by some members on here that have and run AHM locos, I'm going by my experience with them. They can be good runners with some extra work, and some have installed decoders for DCC, and really like their performance. I'm sure owners and operators of AHM locos will chime in.
Overall, because of the great condition of everything, along with the boxes, I guess I'd stick with the auction sites, like Ebay. It can be a lot of work, pictures, posting, shipping, handling, etc., etc., maybe you can find someone who is savy with auction sites to help.
When you do list, remember that those original boxes will be an eye catcher to a lot of buyers/collectors. It's up to you if you want to carefully remove the cars from their box for a better display.
With the locos (locomotives/engines) and showing pictures, be sure to show pictures of the bottom of the loco, along with all the typical side views, end views, etc., and again, don't forget the box, and it's great condition. Buyers will look at hand rails, etc., to make sure it's all there.
As far as how much the loco has been run, you'll have to fess up, and say "you just don't know", unless of course you do know. To me, looking at your pictures, it's hard to tell if some of these locos and the cars, have ever been taken out of the boxes!.
Good luck to you and your "decluttering" efferts, and hopefully you can make a couple of bucks along the way.
Mike.
My You Tube
Forum users, please note that while it's OK to ask for and provide advice on where and how to sell model railroad equipment like this, it's not allowed to directly offer, advertise, sell, or link to sales or auctions of this equipment via the Forums. If you wish to offer advice, feel free to do so, but if you want to do anything else, do so via private message. Thank you.
--Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editorsotte@kalmbach.com
Hi, I stumbled on this message thread while trying to learn more model trains. I don't know anything about model trains and we picked up a box of stuff at an estate sale and it has been sitting unopened for the last 5 years. Yes.. the Marie Kondo decluttering and sparking joy book has bit me We are trying to make room and I have no idea if this is worth anything or if it's something we should hold onto? I'm the mom to two boys who haven't shown interest and we are pretty busy. If I could sell this what is the best place to sell? I am located in Eastern NC.
I hope this is against the rules or anything like that. This community seemed nice and very knowledgeable. Thank you.
I'm not sure how to post photos so here is a link: https://imgur.com/a/IEWP8zg?s=sms I can take different pics if needed.
riogrande5761 The above is a good example of the saying YMMV. If you have a lot of time and done mind the hassle of what to do with the stuff you want want or can't use, maybe you sort of break even such as the example given here. In my case, I don't have a lot of spare time to muck about with trying to get a few bucks out of the flotsome and jetsome that came with the useful items. Trainset transformers have always been considered low quality and even MR magazine has always recommended getting a quality MRC power pack instead. Sure, you can run a few accessories off of the cheap trainset power packs but here is the thing. I see those at train shows for a couple bucks. In fact I could probably pick up all the useful stuff above at a train show and not have to figure out how to get rid of the other schlock that came as a lot.
The above is a good example of the saying YMMV. If you have a lot of time and done mind the hassle of what to do with the stuff you want want or can't use, maybe you sort of break even such as the example given here.
In my case, I don't have a lot of spare time to muck about with trying to get a few bucks out of the flotsome and jetsome that came with the useful items. Trainset transformers have always been considered low quality and even MR magazine has always recommended getting a quality MRC power pack instead. Sure, you can run a few accessories off of the cheap trainset power packs but here is the thing. I see those at train shows for a couple bucks. In fact I could probably pick up all the useful stuff above at a train show and not have to figure out how to get rid of the other schlock that came as a lot.
Maybe the key is to have realistic resale expectations and have "a guy" who will buy anything.
Assuming I can't unload it on craigslist or ebay in a bulk lot I can think of at least two guys at the monthly train show that will buy virtually anything I bring. Not going to get much for it, but it will be something and it will be gone. Any lot will sell if you price low enough.
However, I do agree with your point that if you have good train shows around then it's probably a better use of your time and money just to go there. Most of my of collection has come from from train shows and online deals on forums, lists and the occasional ebay purchase but I like to watch Craigslist and my local resale shops for the occasional super-deal.
Visit the Chicago Valley Railroad for Chicago Trainspotting and Budget Model Railroading.
EilifMy general rule is to only buy lots that have things in them that I want and that the value of what I want is at or close to what I'm paying. Then even if I have to unload them in a junk lot myself I'm still coming out ahead. All this to say I personally disagree about buying layouts being a bad idea if you know there's something in there you want. I recently bought a layout for $40 that was an individuals incomplete work on foamboard plus the contents of a Bachman train set from the late 00's. Items I kept: -Bachmann GP40-2. -A pair of shipping containers -A bunch of trees, mostly un-installed -EZ track loop and switches for Christmas use and a transformer. Definitely got my $40 worth and I sold off a few other items and made a few bucks.
All this to say I personally disagree about buying layouts being a bad idea if you know there's something in there you want. I recently bought a layout for $40 that was an individuals incomplete work on foamboard plus the contents of a Bachman train set from the late 00's. Items I kept: -Bachmann GP40-2. -A pair of shipping containers -A bunch of trees, mostly un-installed -EZ track loop and switches for Christmas use and a transformer. Definitely got my $40 worth and I sold off a few other items and made a few bucks.
In my case, I don't have a lot of spare time to muck about with trying to get a few bucks out of the flotsome and jetsome that came with the useful items. Trainset transformers have always been considered low quality and even MR magazine has always recommended getting a quality MRC power pack instead. Sure, you can run a few accessories off of the cheap trainset power packs but here is the thing. I see those at train shows for a couple bucks. In fact I could probably pick up all the useful stuff above at a train show and not have to figure out how to get rid of the other schlock that came as a lot. You can get trees at the dollar store 2 for a dollar at Christmas time probably in the vein of train set trees.
Of course, it all depends on what is acceptable to you and having the time etc. Different strokes.
It's worth noting that "Train Set" stuff today is quite a bit ahead of what it was in the 80's and 90's.
And that's part of the trick. There is literally enough old trainset schock out there to fill a row of large roll-off construction debris bins and a lot of it is on ebay and a lot at train shows. If you don't know your trains very well, you could end up with the older stuff and a lot of regret and some wasted money.
Lastly, I second the suggestion to join groups like HO swap. I've gotten some great deals there and the prices are usually less than ebay, having more in common with train show deals.
I sell and sometime buy on HOSwap over the past 8 years and it's been over all good. There are a lot of Athearn bb, MDC, Accurail kit stuff sold for fair prices. Just get the digest so you get one or two batch emails a day and can check for things you might need. Train shows are also good because you can go see items up close and find some good deals.
Lastly, and most importantly, it really helps to know your products - that way you can tell what is worth it and what is a waste of time.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
MJPinSEWI I definitely am not looking to be a dealer but if I come across a collection that has value to me at a good price I would probably do it. 9 out of 10 times when someone is selling a complete layout they are looking to get the money back that they put into it. Not going to happen. I have seen poorly constructed ones that the seller probably got discouraged with and gave up and I have seen some very nice ones but the seller wants top dollar and by the time you tear everything down the layout itself would probably be junk nor would it fit in your space. either case may or may not be a good deal depending on everything included. When I go to look at something I have to make a decision on the value wether it’s a single piece or entire collection. 35 years ago if I were to look at a collection and say “there are 50 Athearn BB cars and 2 locomotives for $100 that’s a deal” but today I don’t know The value any more.
I definitely am not looking to be a dealer but if I come across a collection that has value to me at a good price I would probably do it. 9 out of 10 times when someone is selling a complete layout they are looking to get the money back that they put into it. Not going to happen. I have seen poorly constructed ones that the seller probably got discouraged with and gave up and I have seen some very nice ones but the seller wants top dollar and by the time you tear everything down the layout itself would probably be junk nor would it fit in your space. either case may or may not be a good deal depending on everything included. When I go to look at something I have to make a decision on the value wether it’s a single piece or entire collection. 35 years ago if I were to look at a collection and say “there are 50 Athearn BB cars and 2 locomotives for $100 that’s a deal” but today I don’t know The value any more.
csxns Thought you were talking about the first time they came out , i did get some of the RTR ones when they came out some run good some not so i am stuck.
Thought you were talking about the first time they came out , i did get some of the RTR ones when they came out some run good some not so i am stuck.
Read my earlier post. I did say "early RTR SD40T-2s bought for around $69. The defining term being RTR which were not available in the 1989s.
I haven't run all of my RTR SD40T-2s but the few I have ran well. I bought a total of seven from the first run but sold them all off as they came with PTC cabinets which put them at post 1986, and I backdated to before that date.
I've ordered ScaleTrains SD40T-2 due later this month.
BRAKIE Jim, LL hasn't been around for years
Jim, LL hasn't been around for years
riogrande5761Home»Model Railroader»Forums»General Discussion (Model Railroader) New Reply Fill out the form below to create a new reply. riogrande5761 wrote the following post 10 hours ago: csxns riogrande5761 The first RTR Athearn SD40T-2's could be had for around $69 street price. When they came out in the 1980's i paid way less than that. You got what you paid for as well, a blue box SD40T-2. I also bought some D&RGW SD40T-2's in the 1980's - they were the kit version and nothing like the newer RTR upgraded version. The RTR SD40T-2's didn't come out until around 2007 and they were based on upgraded blue box SD40T-2 tooling. If you don't believe me, check the info from Athearns website on this page: http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=D%26RGW+SD40T-2&OA=True&Page=2 Some improvements to the RTR SD40T-2 were retooled roof fans, improved tunnel radiator on the rear roof, see through air intakes on the rear sides, fine grab irons and other details. They also tooled the nose signal light which didn't exist on the blue box D&RGW nose, a signature detail. Added to the second RTR run and later the were an improved snow plow, MU cables, cut bar levers on the pilot Add Quote to your Post
Russell
MJPinSEWI cuyama MJPinSEWI After looking over a few dfferent sites I didn't see much for sale by itself but I did find several complete layouts for sale. There are over 30,000 used HO items currently listed on eBay. The majority of those listings are for individual or small groups of railcars and locomotives. Quality varies wildly, so it helps to know what you are looking for. There are also many other on-line HO resale forums and groups. Others may be able to post specific examples. If you only want the equipment, a used layout would be a pretty inefficient way to purchase. Good luck with your layout. Byron I would normally agree but there are 2 in particular that caught my eye. 1 is a 4’x8’ HO scale with track nailed down & no other work done. 1 locomotive and about $25 freight cars for $125. The other is also 4’x8’ N scale (I haven’t committed to scale yet) with track nailed down & nothing else done includes 5 locomotives & 75 freight and passenger cars plus about 20 structures for $300. I havent looked at either so I would assume most equipment would be “train set” quality at this point until I know differently.
cuyama MJPinSEWI After looking over a few dfferent sites I didn't see much for sale by itself but I did find several complete layouts for sale. There are over 30,000 used HO items currently listed on eBay. The majority of those listings are for individual or small groups of railcars and locomotives. Quality varies wildly, so it helps to know what you are looking for. There are also many other on-line HO resale forums and groups. Others may be able to post specific examples. If you only want the equipment, a used layout would be a pretty inefficient way to purchase. Good luck with your layout. Byron
MJPinSEWI After looking over a few dfferent sites I didn't see much for sale by itself but I did find several complete layouts for sale.
There are over 30,000 used HO items currently listed on eBay. The majority of those listings are for individual or small groups of railcars and locomotives. Quality varies wildly, so it helps to know what you are looking for. There are also many other on-line HO resale forums and groups. Others may be able to post specific examples.
If you only want the equipment, a used layout would be a pretty inefficient way to purchase. Good luck with your layout.
Byron
I would normally agree but there are 2 in particular that caught my eye. 1 is a 4’x8’ HO scale with track nailed down & no other work done. 1 locomotive and about $25 freight cars for $125. The other is also 4’x8’ N scale (I haven’t committed to scale yet) with track nailed down & nothing else done includes 5 locomotives & 75 freight and passenger cars plus about 20 structures for $300. I havent looked at either so I would assume most equipment would be “train set” quality at this point until I know differently.
csxns riogrande5761 The first RTR Athearn SD40T-2's could be had for around $69 street price. When they came out in the 1980's i paid way less than that.
riogrande5761 The first RTR Athearn SD40T-2's could be had for around $69 street price.
When they came out in the 1980's i paid way less than that.
You got what you paid for as well, a blue box SD40T-2. I also bought some D&RGW SD40T-2's in the 1980's - they were the kit version and nothing like the newer RTR upgraded version.
The RTR SD40T-2's didn't come out until around 2007 and they were based on upgraded blue box SD40T-2 tooling. If you don't believe me, check the info from Athearns website on this page:
http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=D%26RGW+SD40T-2&OA=True&Page=2
Some improvements to the RTR SD40T-2 were retooled roof fans, improved tunnel radiator on the rear roof, see through air intakes on the rear sides, fine grab irons and other details. They also tooled the nose signal light which didn't exist on the blue box D&RGW nose, a signature detail. Added to the second RTR run and later the were an improved snow plow, MU cables, cut bar levers on the pilot
hon30critter MJPinSEWI I don't like the idea of buying a complete layout but if I were to be getting it at the right price it would be a consideration. I've been watching your thread with interest and I decided that I would offer my worth. If you are buying an entire collection and know for sure that it contains enough stuff of interest to justify the purchase, go for it. However, that is hard to determine unless the listing is very detailed or you can see the stuff in person. If you are buying a bunch of stuff sight unseen except for maybe a few pictures, then you had better enjoy gambling. You may get lucky, but given that the majority of affordable collections probably do not contain a high percentage of good quality stuff, the odds are against you. Even if you do find a few gems in the pile, you will still be left with a lot of stuff that you probably won't want. If you are willing to go to the trouble of listing those items on eBay or rent tables at train shows, you may be able to get some value for them. If you would rather spend your time running trains, then I don't think that listing things on eBay is a good use of your time. Did you get into the hobby to model trains or to become a used trains dealer? My suggestion is to forget spending your money on whole collections and focus on exactly what you want to buy. Don't buy something just because it looks like a bargain, including collections. Focus on your chosen era and your chosen cars and locomotives. If I was starting over today I would have avoided buying roughly 100 of the freight cars as well as some cheap brass switchers that I now own. That's somewhere around $2200 worth of cars that I will likely never run. In other terms, it's about $2200 that I could have spent on stuff that I would really like to run. Dave
MJPinSEWI I don't like the idea of buying a complete layout but if I were to be getting it at the right price it would be a consideration.
I've been watching your thread with interest and I decided that I would offer my worth.
If you are buying an entire collection and know for sure that it contains enough stuff of interest to justify the purchase, go for it. However, that is hard to determine unless the listing is very detailed or you can see the stuff in person. If you are buying a bunch of stuff sight unseen except for maybe a few pictures, then you had better enjoy gambling. You may get lucky, but given that the majority of affordable collections probably do not contain a high percentage of good quality stuff, the odds are against you.
Even if you do find a few gems in the pile, you will still be left with a lot of stuff that you probably won't want. If you are willing to go to the trouble of listing those items on eBay or rent tables at train shows, you may be able to get some value for them. If you would rather spend your time running trains, then I don't think that listing things on eBay is a good use of your time. Did you get into the hobby to model trains or to become a used trains dealer?
My suggestion is to forget spending your money on whole collections and focus on exactly what you want to buy. Don't buy something just because it looks like a bargain, including collections. Focus on your chosen era and your chosen cars and locomotives. If I was starting over today I would have avoided buying roughly 100 of the freight cars as well as some cheap brass switchers that I now own. That's somewhere around $2200 worth of cars that I will likely never run. In other terms, it's about $2200 that I could have spent on stuff that I would really like to run.
Dave
mbinsewiThat all comes with you getting more confident in knowing what your looking at. You know what the bottom of that Athearn looks like, you can tell it's an all wheel drive loco.
Mike makes a really good point. Get to know your stuff before you spend your money.
If I can suggest, why not start a thread asking for help with what to look for when buying rolling stock and how to pick out the stuff that you don't want. Lot's of people have learned the hard way about what is a bargain and what is not. Why go through the same learning curve when there are tons of people (like me!) who are all too willing to tell you how stupid we have been in the past?
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
MJPinSEWIIf only it were that easy. If I am at an estate sale or a train show I can hardly come on the forum, post the question, and wait for an answer before buying.
That all comes with you getting more confident in knowing what your looking at. You know what the bottom of that Athearn looks like, you can tell it's an all wheel drive loco.
MJPinSEWII don't like the idea of buying a complete layout but if I were to be getting it at the right price it would be a consideration.
BigDaddy MJPinSEWI My fault. That’s what I get for not paying attention to what I’m doing. I'm not busting your chops, just looking for clarity. All the best
MJPinSEWI My fault. That’s what I get for not paying attention to what I’m doing.
I'm not busting your chops, just looking for clarity.
All the best
I know. No reason not to call me out when I do something stupid.
I fixed them now so they should make more sense.
MJPinSEWIMy fault. That’s what I get for not paying attention to what I’m doing.
BNSF UP and others modeler One thing that would really help is if you posted the specific links of listing that you are eyeing. Then we can give you a more specific yes or no on if it is worth getting or not.
One thing that would really help is if you posted the specific links of listing that you are eyeing. Then we can give you a more specific yes or no on if it is worth getting or not.
If only it were that easy. If I am at an estate sale or a train show I can hardly come on the forum, post the question, and wait for an answer before buying.
BigDaddy I see the problem. When you "Add Quote to your Post" there are often a lot of extra blank spaces. Scroll down The end of the quote looks like (/quote) except the ( ) are square brackets Enter what you have to say, after that, and it won't be lost in the grayed out quote area.
I see the problem. When you "Add Quote to your Post" there are often a lot of extra blank spaces. Scroll down
The end of the quote looks like (/quote) except the ( ) are square brackets
Enter what you have to say, after that, and it won't be lost in the grayed out quote area.
My fault. That’s what I get for not paying attention to what I’m doing.
I'm beginning to realize that Windows 10 and sound decoders have a lot in common. There are so many things you have to change in order to get them to work the way you want.
riogrande5761 MJPinSEWI I agree about the lower quality stuff, but like I said that is just an assumption at this point. I sent the sellers e-mails asking questions but have not heard back nor have I physically seen anything at this point. Odds are what happened in these cases is someone started a layout and lost interest for whatever reason and are just trying to recoup some of their money. I know some of the newer RTR stuff from Bachman & others is better than what they offered in the 80’s but without physically seeing it I can’t make a judgement on it. I just figured they are both close enough that they are worth a look. No info from sellers, walk away. The other thing is, do you care about the rolling stock, if they are generic trains that don't match anything real. Or are you interested in a particular RR and time period and want some or much of the equipment to look like the real things. Probably won't find much of that from batch purchases but you never know. I don't do FB, but my wife does and there is a FB model train group where people advertise trains for sale with photo's. It's like the io groups HOSwap but FB and more photo oriented. I tend to see mostly Athearn blue box, MDC type stuff there which is a minimum I would suggest but also Atlas, ExactRail, etc. as well.
MJPinSEWI I agree about the lower quality stuff, but like I said that is just an assumption at this point. I sent the sellers e-mails asking questions but have not heard back nor have I physically seen anything at this point. Odds are what happened in these cases is someone started a layout and lost interest for whatever reason and are just trying to recoup some of their money. I know some of the newer RTR stuff from Bachman & others is better than what they offered in the 80’s but without physically seeing it I can’t make a judgement on it. I just figured they are both close enough that they are worth a look.
I agree about the lower quality stuff, but like I said that is just an assumption at this point. I sent the sellers e-mails asking questions but have not heard back nor have I physically seen anything at this point. Odds are what happened in these cases is someone started a layout and lost interest for whatever reason and are just trying to recoup some of their money. I know some of the newer RTR stuff from Bachman & others is better than what they offered in the 80’s but without physically seeing it I can’t make a judgement on it. I just figured they are both close enough that they are worth a look.
No info from sellers, walk away.
The other thing is, do you care about the rolling stock, if they are generic trains that don't match anything real. Or are you interested in a particular RR and time period and want some or much of the equipment to look like the real things. Probably won't find much of that from batch purchases but you never know.
I don't do FB, but my wife does and there is a FB model train group where people advertise trains for sale with photo's. It's like the io groups HOSwap but FB and more photo oriented. I tend to see mostly Athearn blue box, MDC type stuff there which is a minimum I would suggest but also Atlas, ExactRail, etc. as well.
I don't plan to model a prototype railroad but probably freelance my own branch line so most of the cars & locomotives will be purchased from other railroads.
If there is something new in the post, just above this one, I can't pick it out.
Doughless mbinsewi MJPinSEWI Thanks for all of the input. I wasn’t so much looking for a value of the actual items I’m looking at but more of a general value of used items if that’s even really possible Nope. It's what ever a buyer is will to pay. Most sites like HO swap, and I'm sure with the facebook sites, you can make an offer. You can't on Ebay unless the seller gives that option. MJPinSEWI but I know there are times that buying something pre-owned can help save money Yes it can, I do it alot. Check out sale sites, get familar with how they work, bid on a couple of items you like, or make an offer! Jump in and see what you can find. There is no cut-and-dried formula for any of this. Mike. While there is no cut and dried formula, say, a New In Box Proto GP7 that's listed for $99 won't sell on ebay. It will sell at about $59. Anybody who paid $99 paid too much. Wait a few days or weeks, one will pop up at the right price. $65 is fair. There are other rules of thumb for other manufacturers. $40 to $75 is a good range as a general rule for DCC ready locos. $125 to $150 for DCC/Sound, maybe $175 if its a newish release. If you pay more than that, you might as well just buy it at a store and get the factory warranty. That's diesels. I don't know steam, but my guess is that its probably 50% higher.
mbinsewi MJPinSEWI Thanks for all of the input. I wasn’t so much looking for a value of the actual items I’m looking at but more of a general value of used items if that’s even really possible Nope. It's what ever a buyer is will to pay. Most sites like HO swap, and I'm sure with the facebook sites, you can make an offer. You can't on Ebay unless the seller gives that option. MJPinSEWI but I know there are times that buying something pre-owned can help save money Yes it can, I do it alot. Check out sale sites, get familar with how they work, bid on a couple of items you like, or make an offer! Jump in and see what you can find. There is no cut-and-dried formula for any of this. Mike.
MJPinSEWI Thanks for all of the input. I wasn’t so much looking for a value of the actual items I’m looking at but more of a general value of used items if that’s even really possible
Nope. It's what ever a buyer is will to pay.
Most sites like HO swap, and I'm sure with the facebook sites, you can make an offer. You can't on Ebay unless the seller gives that option.
MJPinSEWI but I know there are times that buying something pre-owned can help save money
Yes it can, I do it alot. Check out sale sites, get familar with how they work, bid on a couple of items you like, or make an offer!
Jump in and see what you can find.
There is no cut-and-dried formula for any of this.
While there is no cut and dried formula, say, a New In Box Proto GP7 that's listed for $99 won't sell on ebay. It will sell at about $59. Anybody who paid $99 paid too much.
Wait a few days or weeks, one will pop up at the right price. $65 is fair.
There are other rules of thumb for other manufacturers. $40 to $75 is a good range as a general rule for DCC ready locos.
$125 to $150 for DCC/Sound, maybe $175 if its a newish release. If you pay more than that, you might as well just buy it at a store and get the factory warranty.
That's diesels. I don't know steam, but my guess is that its probably 50% higher.
This is all great information. If I were to decide to go look at one of these I wouldn't have time to post things & wait for responses. You have to look at the items, make a determination if it is worth buying and go from there.
Some people prefer to just seek out the particular items they want and go buy them. I don't have an issue purchasing a large group, keeping what I want and selling the rest. I have done this in the past & gotten some great deals although not nessecarily with trains but I don't see why it wouldn't work.
Several years back, when I took a job as maintenence mechanic, I needed a good size tool chest for work. I found one about 2 hours away for $200 OBO. It wasn't perfect but it would work. So I offered $150 and got turned down saying he was staying firm on his price. Apparently he didn't know what OBO meant. I said the only way I would give him $200 was if he left everything in it. He said OK so I handed him the cash and loaded it up as fast as I could. It was filled with high quality machinists tools, taps, dies, micrometers, calipers, gage blocks and tons of other stuff. He had gotten it from his father when he passed & obviously didn't know what he had. I kept the tools & things that I wanted and could use and sold the rest off pocketing over $1000. I'm not saying this will happen with model trains but there are deals out there to be had if you're not afraid to look but you also need to have an idea what things are worth before you start.