My Dad recently found some old Walthers car kits in our attic. They came in yellow boxes about 12 inches long. There’s a Coach (6671), Auto-box (6810), Reefer (6802), Brex Reefer (6818), and Boxcar (6805). Some of the instructions have “1944” printed on them. I can only assume all the kits are the same vintage. They are all a combination white metal and wood kits, unassembled, with trucks included. I’ve part checked them all and everything is there.
We are trying to determine what they are worth. We’ve decided to keep a couple and barter or sell the the others. Does anyone out there have a ball park figure for any of these kits? Thanks…FRB
I doubt that they have much value. They have probally been sitting up in your attic for many years. Over time, the parts in kits can become warped, damaged, and unwanted. I suggest finding a model railroader who can use them if you have no interest in them yourself. It sounds like you’re more concerned about making a profit lol.
Hi FRB, and welcome to the forums. I’d say they’re worth quite a bit…since a lot of Walthers kits from the '90’s will bring a good price on eBay. I’d say, perhaps, in the $30-$50 range, although I could be way off. I base this on the fact I have to pay over $20 to get the winning bid on eBay for a Walthers kit from the 1990’s, not to mention the bidding wars I’ve gotten into.
Regarding damage…no. One box car has this wooden siding that is slightly warped but nothing a little glue couldn’t handle. As for making the profit “nickl02”, Ulrich and Roundhouse kits of the 50’s and 60’s fetch around $20 per car last I checked. Sounds like you might want these kits more that I do! (laugh out louder!)
Depending on whether they are of the more common variety or something harder to come by (Walthers made a lot of passenger care kits way back), they might be expected to go for anywhere from $15 to $30. The only folks they are going to appeal to are the very small fraction of hobbyist that either recall or have an interest in older models and there really are very few. It is very difficult to come up with early items of really significant financial value as there is no true collector’s market in HO trains, just individuals with some specific, unusual, interests.
I agree with your assesment of who would buy and build these things. I happen to be a gluten for punishment! A couple of the kits have a lot of character. Right down to the paper embossed rivets! Looks like I have my winter projects all lined up…
Just speaking for myself. I love that sort of kit, but I would not give more than $10 for them. And at that only if they were a road name or something special I wanted.
There might be “collectors” of this sort of thing out there somewhere that might pay a whole lot more.
Welcome to the Forums, Feather_River_Bill. As you work on these kits over the winter, keep us posted on how they turn out. Old or not, they should add some class to your layout…just from the historical point of view.
Regarding damage…no. One box car has this wooden siding that is slightly warped but nothing a little glue couldn’t handle. As for making the profit “nickl02”, Ulrich and Roundhouse kits of the 50’s and 60’s fetch around $20 per car last I checked. Sounds like you might want these kits more that I do! (laugh out louder!)
FRB
I have no interest in them. I just don’t want you to expect more than what they are worth from an ebay auction. If they truly are in good condition, you could try selling them at a train show. You might get more money than if you sold them on ebay.