I have a Western Maryland 3 truck Shay #6 that is #88 of 100 … O guage. It was specially made by the Ajin Co in Korea for Sunset Models Inc. Never been out of the box and is in perfect condition. Does anyone know or where I could find out the value of this train? It belonged to my father when he was alive and he had it in his Model Railroad Speciality store. I have other trains I am trying to find value on, but the WM No 6 Shay is the one that I really want to find out about. I have had no luck in calling distributors…sigh. I’ll check back to the forum when I can or you can email me at Chellx33@aol.com. Any help you can offer would be wonderful! Thanks ya’ll!
Try checking an e-bay auction site for same or similar loco. Check also ads in MR, MRC, etc. Some offer brass for sale or purchase, and some also offer estimates. Personaly I’d be loath to part with it without a good reason.
Ebay doesn’t have this kind of train and personally I find Ebay to be a joke. I know that this train is not made anymore and considered BONEYARD…however it seems that no one can give me any info on it … so far…sigh. Yes, I have it for sale, but am thinking if I can’t find a buyer then … well it’s not meant for me to sell. I still get offers for my 001 Shay…no way will I part with that. Thanks for your help guys and if ya’ll come across the info I am lookng for please pass it on it will be much appreciated! kiss
Mitchell (Sask_Tinplater) is usually very good at helping people with “pricing” items. He has a large collect of items and usually knows where to look to help people.
I will email him and link him to this thread to see if he might give you a hand.
Hi Michelle,
O scale brass is going to take a little more work, they make a price guide for HO brass but I’ve never seen one for O. My ball park guess? I would say an absolute low of $500, probably more towards $750 plus. Ajin is one of the better brass mfgrs., so it’s definately a desirable piece.
You might also try picking up a copy of Model Railroader and check out the ads, both the ads in the main pages and the classifieds. The classifieds usually have guys advertizing that they buy brass, and the regular ads will have many shops advertizing brass for sale. A couple emails or calls to some of these places should help you nail down a value.
If I may,
Understandingly you want a value assessment on this, my source, outdated memorabilia is worth quite a bit when in good or mint condition like that.
May I say that keeping that as an heirloom in your family would do your dad
proud, I am sure he loved his trains. Good luck with your search.
ken
Michelle, What ever you do be careful not to be taken in by some shady collector or dealer that knows the real value of your shay and will offer far less then that shay is worth.Thankfully the majority of the collectors and dealers are above board and will be able to help you determined the value of your shay.As always get more then one opinion of what that shay is worth.
Check Model Railroader magazine as there are hobby shop listed that specialize in brass of all scales…Perhaps they can help you.
I know that back in 1996/1997 this particular train retailed at approx $1700.00. Yes, it’s in mint condition, even the box that it is in. Honestly, it’s never been out of the box and I will not take it out for any reason. The ad I placed has gotten no responses or inquiries so in my heart of hearts I know it’s not meant to be sold…just curious to know the value. I really appreciate all your help. Thank you,[:X]
I would place the engine in a safe deposit box. I think the value is in excess of 2000 dollars. If that was my engine it would be in the safe deposit box at the bank because the temprature and low humidity as well as the tornado proof vault.
I applaud your choice in keeping the engine in the family.
I received your e-mail, Jim, but unforutunately I really can’t help out much here. Modern brass scale O gauge trains really aren’t in my area of knowledge as far as what I collect, but thanks for suggesting me here. It’s good to see that others have been able to provide information here.
Michelle, check out Caboose Hobbies in Denver. They do a ton of Brass sales both new and consigned. Call them, they can probably tell you what it’s worth as they probably have as good of idea of the market as anybody. Here’s a link, when you get to it scroll down to the section about 2/3’s down called “Consigning with Caboose Hobbies” to get a better feel of their understanding and experience in the brass market. I checked their O scale (non HO) brass section but they don’t have anything comparable to your loco for sale at this time. Still, they probably have a real good idea of its value.
You miight also try The Original Whistlestop in Pasadena. They too have worldwide clientel and deal in brass of all scales. I’m not having much luck with it today but their link is:
I’ve sold some brass through the WhistleStop myself. I considered both Caboose and WS but chose WS only because it’s local to me, but they take 30% of consignments, while Caboose only takes 20%. I’ve been to both places several times. Both are very reputable and have been around for several decades, so they know their stuff.
I can appreciate your not necessarily wanting to sell the item. I was torn for similar (though still different) reasons over selling an S scale brass loco that was also literally mint . I did set a higher selling price (but not too high) to offset this lack of great desire to move it. In other words, if I sell it, OK because I got a premium. If I don’t sell it OK because I wasn’t real enthused to do so anyways. It took a year to sell and I almost pulled it out of consignment once or twice because I wasn’t so sure. But now 7 months after selling it, I still don’t have any real regrets at having done so. Best o’luck to you. Take care.