[-moved by selector from Classic Trains forum]
Hi all- I’m an absolute noob as far as trains go. Have inherited a postwar 1958-ish (I think) Lionel Rectifier with some cars. Looking to sell, so a couple questions.
Should I keep the set together and sell it that way, or am I better off selling seperates?
Is ebay my best bet or can you point me another direction?
Are there appraisers and what do they charge?
Any help and advise greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance-
-Dave
Welcome to the Forum!
It might be best to keep the set as it is to sell. It all depends on what the set is, as some post war sets are worth very little while other post war sets can bring in major money.
You need to give an item by item description of the set; engine number, what cars come with it(passenger or frieght) and the numbers on the cars, if there are any buildings that are with the set or anything else like animal or people fiquires.
Ebay may be a good way to sell the set but you might get better sale chance on www.choochooauctions.com Personally I prefer Choo Choo Auctions dot com.
Lee F.
Rabbitearscarver,
[#welcome] I’ve bought a few things through eBay okay. Prices can vary a lot. You can check the various prices by comparing what you have to those for sale. Condition can mean a big difference in price. Many sellers on auctions sites have no idea what they have or what they are talking about. They go by some collector books and what the market will bear. Caveat emptor if you don’t know, either.
I hear train shows are also a good place to buy/sell and trade. There, you should be able to get some really good advice, since many are collectors/operators, not someone just trying to make a buck.
Are you planning on selling out? If so, maybe a local who runs the kind of trains you have would be a good way to go. If there is a good reliable hobby shop in your area that deals in trains, you could ask them, too.
Good luck. Maybe you’ll be like most of us and set up that old train and start having some fun.
wyomingscout
Dave: Hi! These guys are correct. Unless you are desparate for the $, check around first.
Make a list (for us or for yourself when you check the auction sites).
Take some pictures. If you have the capability, post the pictures.
Once you get an idea of the value, you can go the “E-Bay” route, “Choo Choo”, or… ( Just remember that there are related expenses. )
[2c] There is always some value in toy trains whether as collector items, play-with toys or plain old salvageable “junk”. AND not to mention that you might really get ‘hooked’ on the hobby.
Keep us updated. Good luck.
PS If it turns out to be “junk”, let me be the “junkman”.
wyomingscout:
Lander- what a great small town! I’m down in Steamboat Springs, CO. Pretty close as the crow flies.
I’ll put together a list and pics and check back with you guys.
Thanks for all the timely responses
-Dave
Great, I love Steamboat Springs; grew up in metro Denver. Going to Caboose Hobby tomorrow. I feel like a kid the night before Christmas.
Hope you decide to run your trains. I waited too long to get mine back out. Got one grandson interested, but missed the older boys because I didn’t think there was enough left to start with.
Mom & Dad packed everything away 50 years ago. Oh, well, better late than never. We’re having a ball with them now, even with the breakdowns and cleaning the old rolling stock and track needs.
Charlie