Model Trains
 

I have two sets of model trains that I am interested in selling. The first is an "O" gauge set, made by Ives, probably from the late 20s-early 30s (this was my dad's who was born in 1927). The second set, also "O" gauge was made by Lionel, either 1958 or 1959. Any idea where I can go to have these valued? They have been sitting in my family room, behind a sofa for the past 5 years... the sofa is gone so there is no longer anywhere to hide them.

Thanks for any help or guidance.

Mike

I recommend looking for a model railroad club near you and asking the question with that group.

Might also try this:

Lionel Price Guide

Any pics or model #'s?

There are several price guides for the Lionel. It all depends on condition and if they have the original boxes.

Here's one:

Lionel Price Guide

I have a '50s Lionel unboxed, It's in nice condition and worth ....maybe $150 max.

For that kinda money I just leave it and look at it here and there and it's fun.

This. Prices are all over the map. Lots of factors drive price. Are they in the original box, model, condition, etc...

Thanks for the replies. I will take some pictures and post.

Mike

My FIL asked me to sell his trains before he died a few years ago.

He had a fairly large collection of Marklin HO Model trains, which were all in their original boxes, perfect shape, etc.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A4rklin

I started off as you would expect: E-bay, web sites dedicated to Marklin Trains, etc. I even stopped by a local hobby shop and chatted with the very knowledgeable owner. It became clear to me that the collector train hobby is a world without end and that trying to value my FILs collection was going to take some doing.

In my case I got lucky. The hobby shop owner knew the "best " Marklin guy and gave me his name and number. He turned out to be a retired Navy pilot and we hit it off immediately.

He and his brother ran the business and they had a very extensive web site. I spent days on it and other sites developing an excel spreadsheet, etc. It was a great winter project.

He happened to be visiting his brother in DC and agreed to drive down and appraise the collection at my house.

It was a great experience and I learned a bunch, especially the fact that with few exceptions, trains just aren't that valuable. My FILs collection was worth a few K and the bulk of that was in two specific, rare locomotives.

Sorry for the long winded post but start on the web and try and find the right person to guide your evaluation and sale.

I don't know where you are located but give these guys a call. They could probably give you some leads. Buy Trains Online Anytime - TrainShack.com