Over the years I have purchased a few of each of the Classic Metal Works vehicles that are no longer currently being produced. I never thought that they would sell for the amounts people are willing to pay.
When will companies like Classic Metal works realize the demand is there, they should re-release their older vehicle models.
Im into HO vehicles about as much as Im into HO trains. I have Classic Model Works and Mini Metals on Ebay favorited and watch them almost daily. Im also surprised and happy about the increase as I have several of the old models. A few months ago at a Train show, I found a nice lady selling the old Classic Model Works vehicles for $4-6. I felt a little bad about buying half her inventory. These are cars and trucks that are going for $20-40 on Ebay. I only bought ones I didnt have already and ones I really liked. Am I a bad person? To answer one of the questions, I dont believe they can make those older cars and trucks again, because they where made in a different factory that CMW doesnt deal with anymore.
I have heard the 49 Ford woodie station wagon goes for as much as $75.
Remember that CMW has multiple customer bases - model railroaders and diecast model collectors. I remember going into Toys R US one afternoon and watched a collector prowling the diecast car shelves, laying out one of each model and color of new releases.
The highest I’ve personally seen a '49 woodie go for is around $40 but $75 might be possible. The '55 convertibles, Chevy fleetline, Hudson and Ford flatbed trucks are also very popular.
I think if one were to break it down we would find out it’s probably one of the most expensive items we purchase for the layout. When you figure you can buy a dcc command station for $150 give or take a few dollars and you spend $104 for four little vehicles, wow that gets expensive real fast. If you have a fairly decent amount of road traffic required such as a small city or town or highway think about how many vehicles you need YIKES that adds up to a lot of money. Vehicles are always something I like to look for at train shows.
I really like the CMW vehicles, and have bought about 50 of them since they came out. I picked all those that represent a vehicle built in 1959 or older (HO) as my RR is circa 1950s.
They are still all in the packaging, awaiting a place on the current layout which is under construction.
Its good to know that they are desireable by others, and that my heirs might be able to pick up a few Ebay dollars for them.
I do wish they would come out with some mid '50s pontiacs!
I’ve got around 50 also, I dont like to think about how much $$$ I’ve got “invested” in them. Im really looking forward to the new releases comming soon, especially the 1953 Ford Country Squire woodie wagon, and the Dodges