Thanks' from oldmom

[Anonymous]

Thank You jwse3o for keeping me up there for others to read. And Thank you to everyone who was kind enough to answer. I will try to find a dealer in my neighborhood to see if he can help. Kind of scared doing it though. Might like to take advantage of an old lady. But will try. Thank you all again

[jwse30]

"Thank You jwse3o for keeping me up there for others to read. And Thank you to everyone who was kind enough to answer. I will try to find a dealer in my neighborhood to see if he can help. Kind of scared doing it though. Might like to take advantage of an old lady. But will try. Thank you all again"

I wish I'd have thought of this when I replied, but here's a few more options.

Your local library may have a price guide available. You'll be looking for one for Lionel HO. I'm pretty sure "Greenberg's" publishes one.

Another idea is to go to ebay and search the completed auctions portion for the various cars, etc. Perhaps you'll get lucky and find an auction that ended recently with the whole set (well, at least the Lionel engine and cars)

As far as a dealer taking advantage of an old lady, it happens I'm afraid to say. To prevent that, bring a friend. The friend can make up an excuse to leave after an offer is made, and you can leave and sleep on it. If said dealer doesn't give a price that makes you happy, don't sell it. That said, the dealers typically offer about 1/2 (or less) of the value of the trains, so they can make a profit reselling it.

A fourth idea is to actually set them up and run them, if only at Christmas time around the tree (no offense intended if you do not celebrate Christmas). If you have a dog or a cat, it's fun to watch them watch the trains as well. Who knows, you may become an avid model railroader if you give it a try. At the very least, you can verify that everything works prior to selling them.

A fifth idea, and let me state now that what I know about Lionel HO (or any other HO) could possibly fill a thimble, is to give it away to the pediatrics ward at your local hospital, the neighbor kid that is having troubles, a kid in town who's mommy or daddy is currently deployed in the military, whatever. I don't kow what you financial situation is (nor is it any of my business), but if these items aren't worth much resale wise, they may be worth everything to the right recipient.

If it was my set, I'd set it up and run it a few minutes before trying any of the above mentioned tips. Being a "train guy", I just don't understand how watching a toy train can't bring a smile to one's face. If you can't break out at least a grin, then persue the other options I've suggested.

Hope this helps a bit,

J White

[Anonymous]

J. White,

Thank you. I like your 5th idea best. I had thought of it before, but was curious about just how much they would be worth. Getting down on the floor to set them up would be a problem.. LOL, because I would not be able to get up again.. Thanks again, and God Bless.
oldmom