So I spend my time over where things are "ALOT" smaller on the Nscale forum. Why I've ventures over here is I have a box of post war (1945) Lionel and American Flyer stuff that was my fathers I'm looking to get rid of. There are a few locomotives (one still in original box with tender in box too), about 10 cars (half of them in original boxes), lots of three rail track, a couple turnouts, a couple power packs, and a few accessories. There is also a few unusual two rail straight tracks that I'm not really sure what they are. I have a Greenbers's pocket guide, and I understand the condition this stuff is in since I'm familiar with mode trains and not a dealer or just collect. Here's my question for you guys here: Of course the Trainboard family has been good to me over the years and think you should have first crack at things because I know you guys love trains and that means a lot from the emotional connection since it was my fathers and they'll be appreciated by someone that loves trains like I do. Is posting here then dealing privately with individuals the best way to go? I'm in Texas, so are there any of you in the DFW area that might be interested or can direct me to people that would be? I also don't want it to be picked over for the good stuff (there are a few things) then left with the scraps. Thanks for taking some time to read my post and offer suggestions. I'm getting the list of things together that I know the numbers for to post here on buy/sell, but things like the track and stuff I have no idea about other than quantity.
It's going to be whatever you are most comfortable trying. If in the end you end up approaching someone, that will usually be a lower sale amount than if someone comes to you. Don't forget, there are organizations such as LCCA, LOTS, TCA and TTOS. You might find a few leads through those folks.
You haven't given cab and road numbers to help identify the item. Important in Lionel and Flyer. A LOT of folks, when it's a box, don't want to go through the hassle for a small return. More often than you think it goes to the dump. The last, oh, three or four piles I have were on their way to the dump (well, two for sure, don't know for certain about the other two but I suspect). ALL were given to me...no cost...just take them. I pass along what I cannot use to others for the same dollar amount. Condition is very important, but just because it's nice, and has a box, if nobody wants that item (and cab number or road number will tell us) then what do you have? The evilbait listings are full of "RARE! COLLECTIBLE! VINTAGE!" stuff that...isn't. Share some numbers, maybe someone here can give you some pointers. Remember, being so different from N you can plug the track together on the carpet under the Christmas tree for the kiddies.
It really depends on what you have, a simple thing might double the price, like the number of the locomotive
I can't believe I'm going to say this but E-pay is one of the best places to sell an item. Why, I don't know but things that should see the bottom of the trash can... end up selling for much, much...more. So, give it a shot and see what happens. Swapmeets is where guys and gals are looking for a deal. Less then MSRP. You could take them to a local train meet and see what happens. Of course posting those fabulous O scale items here on TB and giving the O scaler's a chance to pick it over first. That can't be a bad thing. I wouldn't just give them away ...unless you found someone who will appreciate them, as in give them a good home and consume them in the joy of trains. Regarding E-pay: Now I need to duck for cover the result of my own hypocrisy.
I really appreciate the insight guys. I've only got a few American Flyer items so will try and find a book like my Lionel one to see what they're worth. I'll post my list here first because it's just the right thing to do--I share everyone's opinion on the pay site and know sometimes you can get more when a bidding war starts, but that's not the point. A fair price both ways to a guy that appreciates it is more important to me in all honesty. Thanks again.
I'm not sure what you meant by that ScaleCraft. I got the prices I posted out of the Greenberg's book since I'm not familiar with O scale. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post number four in this thread, by one of our illustrious staff members, said: "It really depends on what you have, a simple thing might double the price, like the number of the locomotive" So, I gave two loco numbers (Lionel), 2025 and 2343, and if you double the price, like the locomotive number, $4,050 for one and $4686 for the other is something that might not work out for sales. Greenberg is a joke. I recall when I was in TCA folks had them, every year or two a "new" version would come out, it was like someone took one section and applied a percentage increase...you knew full well nobody went to auctions and table sales and mad copious notes. It was all to sell books. No basis in reality whatsoever. If you want a real trip, real the E-Bay thread in this 0 scale forum..most of it's Lionel related. E-bay....don't base your idea on price on one sale...there are shills and idiots trying to outbid their buddy (or enemy) that result in prices that are so far out of line we just laugh (out loud). When you get photos up, we can give you a better idea. Remember, sales on plastic motor blocked Scout engines are super silly, as there are no parts, and the housings disintegrate. I have scrapped dozens of them.
while that is mostly true, if you have a lower value model, the number might tell you if a loco has magnatraction or not, and make a $40 loco an $80 loco...
