have come across a collection of HO scale trains, 8X10 room with about 600 ft of track, buildings, nice set up, what is it worth( i know, pretty general question) new to the game, any feedback helps, thanks
In fact so general that nobody will come up with specific numbers.Depending on what makes this lot,like brands,models,DCC or not,how well it’s been cared for,etc,this may be worthed next to nothing to litterally thousands of dollars.
alot of rivarossi, just been sitting idol for years except for occasional grand child tinkering, has several engines in display case, i think all have original AHM boxes, she let me hold one that is new in box to investigate, 2-8-8-2 “USRA” Mallet (5091 SF)
282 mikado 1878, 284 class s birkshire 1934, 464 hudson j3a 1937, 462 usra cresent 1923
462 heavy pacific 1919, 460 casey jones 1900, 462 light pacific 1902, 4882 cab forward ac111928
464 streamlined hudson class j3a 1938, these engines in display case, perfect condition , if anybody can point me in right direction, would appreciate it,
I will point you in a direction. It may not be the right direction, but it’s one that works for me. The only reasonable value estimate I can come up with for used mass-produced items like Rivarossi is the going actual selling price on eBay. Your stuff is only worth what somebody else is willing to pay for it. Also, keep in mind prices are going to fluctuate wildly in any given week, but the overall trend for older Rivarossi is probably slightly down over the last 2 year, as it is for most older model railroad items. Prices tend to be lower during the summer, and slightly higher in the winter.
From a buyer’s perspective, Rivarossi is not the cream of the crop (IMHO). The pizza cutter flanges are ugly and won’t run on code 70 or smaller track (the main reason I won’t touch them). The mechanisms, while average for the day, aren’t up to par with today’s best. The detail was certainly above average for the day, but again suffers some in comparison to today’s products. The result is that the selling price is capped by the discount prices for today’s production. There isn’t enough of a collector’s market to push older Rivarossi higher (again, my opinion). Also, most bidders include shipping costs in their maximum bid calculations - I certainly do. The seller has to subtract shipping off the top, and then eBay/PayPal takes another 10-20% (usually around 10% for locomotives in the $50 range).
So your real eBay market is those seeking bargain-priced, reasonably good locomotives. My experience is that a hobby shop or dealer is going to give you 25% of the going eBay price, cash up front, for the lot. A decent Craig’s List ad will usually draw the dealers in the area. If you are going to accept 25 cents on the dollar, don’t let him cherry-pick the collection. Insist he takes the lot.
While 25% seems terrible, it saves you researching each item, taking good photos, writing accurate d
To be quite truthful, the collection is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, provided they have the cash in hand. Old Rivarossi and AHM products are practically worthless to anyone who knows quality, or the lack thereof.
If the layout is made from the same level of quality, it’s not worth the cost of hauling it away.
It sounds to me like this entire collection is 20 to 30 years old.
Coachti, are you wanting them for resale or for your self? If for resale offer to sale the stuff on E-Bay, and split what it sold for. Offer 50 50 split and see what she says. Getting a good prices takes a lot of effort to make up a good listing and taking pictures.
If you want them for your self, general rule I would use is $40.00 per steam engine (assuming they are AHM etc) $80.00 for the Articulated engines. Ruffly $4.00 to $6.00 per rolling stock, $5.00 to $10.00 per building. On the track,if it is brass, pass it buy! 600 feet of junk is still junk. If it is Nickel track, around .50 cent per foot.
All so just because it is in it’s box, do not assume it is new! I bought around 4 engines off E-Bay where the seller thought it was new because it looked good and was still in the box.They where used and wore out. I still did good, all the sellers did the right thing and gave me needed funds back so I could repair the engines.
All so don’t assume all the engines and rolling stock is the same quality! In my case, I have around 10 cheap Tyco and Life Like (Life Like all so made some great stuff) engines, all 10 would be worth around $30.00 to $50.00. Yet, right next to them is a PCM engine that list was $700.00 by it self.
Another rule of thumb, is the heaver the engine, the better quality. I have a 2-8-8-2 by PCM, engine by it self weights in around 3 pounds. Guessing a AHM would be around a pound and a half. (pure guess, I never had a AHM steam engine)
Cuda Ken
The big question you need to find out, do any of these locomotives run?
I have several Rivarossi locomotives that were my Dad’s. From the 60’s.
I like them, I’m using Code 100 track so I’m not having any problems with the “pizza cutter” flanges.
There are a few people that ask reasonable prices for MR stuff & there are some, one in particular comes to mind, that are way out to lunch on pricing.
Like someone suggested already, do some homework, check out ebay & kijiji & see what other itmes are going for, especially in your area.
Gord