1951 or 52 Lionel train set value

[Anonymous]

I have my childhood train set and was wondering the value.  I don't have the model number but I'll give some details:  Black locomotive that used liquid smoke and a coal car tha had a whistle built in.  I have a sonoco tank car, box car with a hobo that will pop out, 5 or 6 other cars I can't remember off the top of my head.  Two transformers with 2 handles each one black one orange,  Three rail track, can't say how many pieces, but it used to make about a 6ft circle.  Some plastic houses.  Curious about the value.  If they are worth much, I can pull them out and give more detail.

[tim o'm]

Larry:
What you are describing could match almost any steam powered train set. The early 50s are when the largest variety of Lionel trains were made, so your description doesn't help us much. Most people are also interested in the condition of the set, its box, how "well played with" the train is and others. Also important is whether the locomotive is metal, and what the cars are made out of. I will encourage you to look for any identifying marks, numbers, etc, on all the items before you add to this post. Pictures would be fine, too, but I know not everyone has a camera that can easily upload an image.

Otherwise, spend some time in "toys & hobbies" on e-bay. What you have is probably there in O-scale, under lionel, and that will give you at least a working number on expected cost.

Good luck.

[DMUinCT]

Go to "e-bay" (Google or Yahoo Search will get you there). Type in Lionel, you will see 12,000+ items come up.

The number on the side of the locomotive cab is the "catalog number".  Same goes for the numbers on your cars.  Now, you can find out what your units are really selling for. Upper left corner, after the word Lionel, one space, then type the number you are looking up (one number search at a time).  Value is always based on Rarity and Condition.

[Dave Farquhar]

I'll echo what Tim said. The numbers on the side of the locomotive and all the cars is necessary to identify and estimate value. Color can also make a difference. I know one example of a gondola in its common black color is worth $5, but a rarer yellow version is worth well over $100.

And condition is everything. Two weeks ago, I saw a large lot of Lionel and AF trains priced at $250, including several desirable pieces. Lots of lookers, no takers. Last week, I saw a diesel locomotive, the same model that had been in that lot, in much better condition. It was priced at $300 and there were a couple of people falling all over themselves to get it.

For this reason it's hard to give a firm value of a train without seeing it in person--a scratch decreases the value, and while the camera magnifies some flaws, it tends to hide others--but at least it's possible to give a general idea.