Apologies in advance for the long post. I'm new here. Unfortunately, my father-in-law (aka 'The Bogwan') passed away suddenly last month. I have been asked by the family to sell his collection. We plan to put the proceeds towards incidental expenses for my sister-in-law's first year in college. Bogwan built his collection mostly circa 1986-1989. He put the collection away when he lost his train room after the birth of the above-mentioned daughter. There are about 135 pieces total in the collection, about half in Southern (SRR) livery, with the next most common being Seaboard Systems. Many of the models (about 15) are brass. All of the brass pieces are mint or almost mint (IMO) in their original boxes, with original soft foam and even originial styrofoam. Many of the pieces are unbuilt kits, complete. I don't expect a lot of money from the kits and plastic stuff, but I do know the brass stuff is valuable to some degree. I have a couple of flickr pages with pictures, plus an accompanying Excel file with details that I can email to any interested parties. Flickr: Bogwan's Trains' Photostream Flickr: Bogwan's Trains 2's Photostream All of the engines are diesels. Just last night, I invited members of a local model RR club to view the collection and try some of the engines on a test track. The half-dozen or so we tested ran beautifully. According to the old timers in the club, they just needed a little lubrication. The club members were duly impressed, knowing the trains hadn't been pulled from their boxes in 20 years. Anyway, just wanted to share the info. I am trying to get a handle of the value on the brass pieces in particular. I would especially appreciate if someone could look up the 15 brass pieces from The Brass Guide Book by Dan Glasure (published 2007) A revised guide book comes out 6/15/09, but I don't particularly feel like shelling out $100 for a couple books that I will need for 20 minutes... Perhaps we could trade info for a couple of the plastic cars? I have looked into consigning, ebay, etc. but not sure which direction to go, especially not knowing the fair market values of the pieces, although I have tried to research as best I can. I appreciate any offers of advice, valuation, or offers to purchase. Thanks, Matt Gillespie Charleston, SC mattgillespie@bellsouth.net PS Opening the boxes has been bittersweet. The trains are awesome, but unfortunately I can't keep them, and I cannot share the fun with Bogwan. The family truly wants the collection to go to folks who can enjoy them.
Thanks, Flash. I'm learning more each day. Just found a beautiful OMI Catalog from '86 with productions figures, etc. on 5 of the pieces. I notice that you are a Calendar Admin. Does this mean you handle the current calendar for the site, or that you deal with printed calendars? I found a very nice calendar with vintage steam engine pics, year 1988, in the collection. Do people collect such things?
I just handle the virtual calendar here on TB where members post railroad-related events. I am too old to handle those paper chronographs.
An update: I just found a bunch more goodies in the stash. A couple of unopened Sagami DC motors; almost 50 unopened decal packages-- Southern and Norfolk Southern designs; about 25 unopened various mini-switches, 4 unopened vintage Switchmaster SM-1's; about 55 unopened detailing accessories by Detail associates & Cannon & Co; about 75 unopened bundles of HO scale lumber - various dimensions.
