Advice sought on selling model trains, mostly Lionel

[richwig]

I've got a bunch of model train cars sitting in storage, inherited from my brother. How best to sell them?

This is mostly Lionel stuff, mostly collectors' items from many years of collecting. From my ignorant observation, it appears that some of the model locomotives he bought for $1000 or more were serious collectors' items. These are very impressive scale models, heavy, metal, well made.

Some of the train cars look very chintzy to me, like Coca Cola 1998 Christmas cars made of plastic. But these are in original boxes, and I am clueless as to the value.

What's the best market for these? Ebay? A regional model train enthusiast show?

Thanks much,

/rich

[Heat Miser]

Antiques Roadshow is in Madison, WI on 7/11.

Lionel Trains Price Guide - For Antique and Old Lionel Trains Prices Sets - Model Toy Trains Catalog

Don't be in a rush to dump them. You may be sitting on:
1. Some extremely valuable stuff.
2. A very solid investment.

If you hang on to those things until retirement, you might end up with quite a nest egg.

[Ocens11]

FWIW, I am no help here, but their world headquarters is near 26 mile road and Gratiot -maybe worth contacting or taking a tour? From what I understand there has been a resurgence in the popularity of toy trains in recent years, a lot of that is due to Harry Potter & the Polar Express movie.

[LA_Spartan]

Ask me. I used to own the company.

[sfsd]

Originally Posted by Heat Miser

Antiques Roadshow is in Madison, WI on 7/11.

Lionel Trains Price Guide - For Antique and Old Lionel Trains Prices Sets - Model Toy Trains Catalog

Don't be in a rush to dump them. You may be sitting on:
1. Some extremely valuable stuff.
2. A very solid investment.

If you hang on to those things until retirement, you might end up with quite a nest egg.

Sound advice on the pricing...but just remember that the model trains fad is predominantly a Baby Boomer generation one. Don't be caught like most baseball card owners who thought they had a gold mine only to have the bottom completely fall out. Get fair money for it, but if you don't want it then don't keep it.

[Tree Rat]

Untitled Document

One of the largest stores for your stuff in the area.

If nothing else they can get you info where collector shows are and when.