The HO special interest group at the Reading Society of Model Engineers has a lot of surplus Atlas Code 100 #4 turnouts after dismantling our last layout, and we are trying to figure out how to get rid of them, hopefully getting some money to buy more #6 turnouts in the process.
For evaluation purposes: The turnouts are used, but in good condition. The points have been filed and the turnouts are tuned for reliable operation, and they were never ballasted. However, many of the throw bars were trimmed for use with Caboose Industries ground throws. The turnouts vary between 2 and 10 years old and were operated only during open houses held 2-3 times per year. We have approximately 20, roughly half RH and half LH.
So a few questions:
1. How much are they worth? The list price of an Atlas Code 100 #4 is $17.95 according to Walthers 2012 Reference book.
2. What would be the best way of selling the old turnouts? I have no experience with E-bay, Amazon, etc.
3. How have you or a club you belong to gotten rid of surplus model railroading materials in the past?
Thanks,
S&S
Modeling the Pennsy and loving it!
Our club sponsors an annual swap meet, and we have a table offering material that's surplus to club requirements. It's amazing (to me) what people will buy.
I would think ebay is the way to go. As to value let the worldwide ebay market place tell you. List them with a nominal starting price and the bidders will determine the value.
Hello All,
Is there a yourth in model railroading group in your area?
I recall reading about a 4-H program dedicated to model railroading. You might consider donating the turnouts and other items that your club no longer uses or needs. If the organization is a charity then your club could write them off. This won't provide funds for the upgrade but sometimes it's not about the money.
As far as auction sites; eBay, Craigs List, etc., these can be hit or miss. See if someone in your club sells through these. Setting up an account and going through the listing process might be a bit daunting for only a few items (depending on if you want to list them as singles, pairs or lots).
You could also see if anyone in your club knows someone that is an existing seller on an auction site and see if they will auction them for you.
One suggestion about auction sites; there are some retailers that will go through the process of listing your items for a fee or percentage of the sale, plus listing fees. The businesses that I have see offer this service tend to be pawn shops and gift shops. This might be another option worth checking out.
Finally what about a good old fashioned classified ad in the local paper. Today many papers will offer an online listing along with the listing in the printed paper.
Recently, a woman who had been widowed, listed her husbands O gage layout for sale in the local paper. She eventually sold it but the paper picked up the story and ran a piece about model railroading. This might provide some good press about your club and attract new members.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Walther's online catalog lists these for $19.95.
Model Train Stuff has them listed for $11.99, but doesn't currently have right hand ones in stock.
Since Atlas hasn't completely caught up on demand, you might find them a little easier to sell right now. On the other hand if the trimming means that Atlas switch machines don't work, that's going to be a problem for some people.
I doubt you can get more than $7-8 dollars a piece, but who knows. EBay is probably the best for prices. A local train show is probably easier, but you may have to take less.
Good luck
Paul
There are two yahoo groups that you can join that allow the selling of HO equipment: HOSwap (https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/HOswap/info) and HOExchange (https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/HOEXchange/info). Doesn't cost anything to join, and doesn't cost anything to buy/sell.
There is also facebook group, HOInterchange, that works the same way.
These are not auction sites. You have to list your selling price. You also need to be up front with your descriptions of the items.
10 years ago, Walthers gave a list price of $11.25 for a code 100 #4 Custom Line Mark 3 turnout, if that is what you have, and I would presume that if your clubmembers were like the rest of us they didn't pay list price.
It occurs to me that in your case you might look into either getting a table at a train show, or maybe finding someone who would be willing to put them on his table for you. I think you are in the Reading, Pa. area. Is that correct? There is a train show in Leesport at the Farmers Market several time a year. I think at least one of them is sponsored by the Reading Technical and Historical Society. Maybe someone in your organization already has a table at one of these events.
My club sells surplus items to its own club members either at a monthly meeting or if there are a large amount of things we may hold an auction during a meeting.
Check your pm box
mike
alco's forever!!!!! Majoring in HO scale Minorig in O scale:)