Have 2 Late 80's Lionel Classics Sets - Help on Valuation?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
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My Dad bought 2 Lionel Classics standard gauge train sets in the late 80’s. When he died in the early 90’s, I took possession of these sets.

I’ve been moving them around the country (and not using them) for over 10 years and want to sell them. I’ve found only limited information on their value and am hoping someone in this forum can shed some light on what I’ve got here.

One set is 6-13104 and contains an Old No. 7 brass and nickel engine w/ matching (coal/hopper?) car. The other is 6-13412 made up of 3 orange and cream colored passenger cars…2 say “Parlor” on the sides and 1 says “Observation” on the side. Both of these sets are in their original boxes and the trains are in their original styrofoam and wrapped in original plastic. They were setup and run for a couple of years only at Christmas prior to my Dad’s passing. They were never handled or used by young children.

I’m aware these are reproductions that were evidently made for Lionel by another company.

I’m getting ready to move again…and just don’t want to keep hauling them around the country and I’m sure someone would appreciate having them more than I.

Can anyone provide general advice on valuation and the best way to sell these? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks![%-)]

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I believe there is a “Greensberg’s guides to trains” for Lionel sets. It is probably available in your local library. If not visit a local hobby shop and see if they have the book. Another source is if there are any local train clubs in your area. Sometimes you can sell to them an know your set will continue to be on display for the public.

Where are you? If you visit a hobby shop be prepared that they typically pay substantially less than Greensberg’s values. You will get a lot more if you sell it on E-bay.

Jim H

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Hello Dave: Send me more information, I may be interested, shawkins8@cogeco.ca Regards Steve

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From Greenberg’s 2005 price guide -

13104 Lionel Lines “Old #7” 4-4-0 “7E” [1990], $850 [new condition]
13412 Lionel Lines “Old #7” Passenger Car set [1990], $800 [new condition]

Since these pieces have been run, they’re not new. “Excellent” condition pricing typically is 20-35% less.