I have come into a whole lot of Lionel engines and train cars through an estate sale. Since I am an N-Scaler, I have no real idea on the value of these Lionel engines and cars my question is: Is there a Lionel Value Guide book available? I am just trying to find out about how much these trains are worth. Thanks MARK
Mark, There are two good Lionel price guides available. The first is from Kalmbach, and you can get it at your LHS, or off their website ( www.kalmbach.com ). The other is from Tom McComas, and you can order it at www.tmbooks-video.com/. Both are good, though they approach their research in different ways. Pat
McComas should indeed be a good resource. You might also watch eBay and see how items such as yours are selling. Category 4144. I'm guessing that this is post-WWII O tinplate. So you'll want the 1945-1969 subcategory. But also, as always, there is the one factor that will be unpredictable. Who out there is ready and willing to part with their greenbacks? Just how badly do they want what you have.....? Boxcab E50
Another indicator of value would have been how well was the estate sale advertised. Any estate sale involving Lionel usually brings out the TCA members in that area,and other collectors, regardless of perceived quality or condition. The reason I asked is that some years ago I went to a local auction because the auctioneer, who I knew, told me there were Lionel Trains in it.[I'm an HO'er, but have been known to buy & sell other scales]...when I got there, the stuff was mainly poor quality Marx, and some Triang. I did wind up with it, but I told the auctioneer to be sure what he was claiming....he wouldn't think of mis-identifying china or flatware to a potential attendee. regards / Mike
Thanks for all the input. This estate sale was a private deal, the sellers are friends of my family, and knew that I am into "toy trains". I was offered the 10 pieces of Lionel on sort of a consignment deal. The sellers wanted X amount of dollars, and anything over X was my commission. I was able to get a pretty good idea on the value by consulting the guides that were listed in the replies that I received here on TRAINBOARD. I got ahold of a couple of TCA members here locally, and we made a good deal for the sales of the items. Everybody was happy, the sellers got the price they wanted, I made a little $ and a TCA member got a bargain! THANKS AGAIN TRAINBOARD PEOPLE Mark
