I have my Father’s old collection of the magazine…many copies, many in plastic covers…not sure how far back in date they go but I know it’s a ways!
I am wondering if there are buyers out there for it…would prefer to sell the whole lot. Please let me know. Dad was 82 when he passed away 4 years ago.
Thanks for any help on this
Karen
So California
It sounds like your Dad took careful care of his magazines which should help the value somewhat but frankly Karen, with a few exceptions there does not seem to be a thriving market for older issues of Trains magazines. At the train shows I go to some people try to sell them for $1 a copy, with some takers, but I have also been at train shows where each issue sells for twenty five cents and even then they sit unsold.
Others bundle them up by year and sell a year for $5 or so.
The exception is issues from the early 1940s (when it was physically much smaller) and the 1950s, but even then, that is where collectors are often looking for just one or two issues to fill out their complete set. I have seen those sell for $2 an issue. Extremely desirable issues might go for more. One example: here in Milwaukee the April 1948 issue which had a major feature and map on Milwaukee can go for $3 and more an issue. Other particular issues have taken on their own almost cult like status.
Most collectors like completeness – by year or by volume (which did not match calendar year with Trains back in its earlier years). That means they seak out this or that month from this or that year but are unlikely to be in the market for a big collection of Trains.
I suggest separating them by year and trying to sell them by year; and at least initially resist breaking up a year. If the price is reasonable someone will buy a whole year to get an issue or two they really really want. But a big box of Trains sold as a unit is likely to involve so much duplication for most of us that there might be few takers.
I hope this helps.
Dave Nelson
See the “Wanted” section of TRAINS classified; try Ebay; check with local hobby shop(s); local railroad clubs and railroad historical societies (sale or donation); Sourthern Cal? Try Orange County Railroad Museum.
I had a collection of Model Railroader and Trains from inception through about 1985 and could find no buyers. I finally offered them free to a bonfide club or rail history group who would give me a letter acknowledging the quantity and donation of the magazines. The IRS had no problem with me taking the cover price for a tax write off when I filed my income taxes
Paul Gibson at Railpub.com buys and sells old railroading magazines,including Trains.
Go to the site:
and fill out the “contact form” on the homepage. He will probably ask for more detailed information concerning the specific issues in your Dad’s collection so you may want to do a more detailed inventory before contacting him.