Blue Comet-train set # 8702/w 5-pass. cars

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Is this a high dollar collector set or what?
They have one on e-bay starting at $500 so far only one bid.

2

Hello expogs6 ! The # of the Blue Comet Engine from the late 70’s is 8801.Right now the market value of a Blue Comet from 1978 is around $550.00-600.00 Mint condition.So,the ebay price is about right…Keith

3

Thanks much, yes it says new in box, more than I can afford for now, I pretty new to this and thats one I had not seen, but it looked nice!

4

From 1978 Lionel catalog:

Die-cast Blue Comet 4-6-4 Steam Locomotive and Tender, 6-8801 ($510)
Barnard, Baggage Car, 6-9536 ($47)
Halley, Combo Car, 6-9537 ($50)
Faye, Passenger Car, 6-9538 ($47)
Westphal, Passenger Car, 6-9539 ($50)
Tempel, Observation Car, 6-9540 ($47)

“All items sold separately, not as a complete train set”. Therefore, 8801 represents the loco only.

Values shown in parentheses are from 2005 Greenberg’s price list for new items. If the $500 start bid is for the entire set, it compares favorably with the $750 valuation from Greenberg.

exposgs6, do all the window (Windows?) shopping you want, but for now I HIGHLY recommend you spend your money on Lionel reference books before spending any on trains. BTDT, and overpaid early-on.[:I]

5

I have never figured out why, but is seems that most train stuff goes for book value or above on Ebay. Very few “steals” that is for sure! Ebay is on average more expensive than similar merchandise at a train show or in a mail order add.

Jim H

6

Expogs2,

I have had one of these since it was new. You hear different things about MPC era trains but this one runs very well. I bought two of every car, except for the observation, from when the train was first made-it pulled the whole thing without any problem.

The car that is hard to find is the Diner (Giacobinni). It was produced after the original set (I am not sure how long after). I only found this one within the last year.

The set has the “Mighty Sound of Steam” and no whistle or other electronics, but is a good, reliable runner.

7

Giacobini, Dining Car, 6-19000 ($85) - issued 1987[:)]

8

Where do you get the greenberg pricelist ? Also is it wholesale or retail prices or both ?

Thanks

Tim

9

Thanks Chris,

I did not know what year that car was made.

Now I know that it only took 17 years to find it!

10

Tim,

You can get the Greenberg’s 2005 price guide through this website -

http://store.yahoo.com/kalmbachcatalog/toy-trains-books-greenbergs-pocket-price-guides.html

or through Amazon (search “Greenberg’s Lionel Price Guide”).

The values listed are average prices obtained at train meets across the country in spring/summer of 2003. As such, they might be considered “retail”. However, retailers (e.g., hobby shops) typically will price items higher due to overhead costs. If you sell to a re-seller (e.g., retailer), you would get about 50% of the listed value, i.e., the “wholesale” price.

RAK402, good to see you followed rule #1 for collectors - PATIENCE![:D]