Looking for an appraiser to help with a Railroad collection

[dsdiangelis]

Hello all,

I have a rather large antique collection of model trains and tracks. They are in very good condition, they just need to be cleaned and dusted off. Does anyone know of a reasonably priced appraiser who would be able to take a look at the collection? Thank you very much for your time!

 

[kjd]

Unfortunately, stacked in boxes and missing parts isn't really "good" condition. I don't recognize a lot of the models but two Athearn C44 I do recognize would maybe get $10 or $15 at most unless you can find the rest of their parts. Even then you'd be lucky to get $25 or so. Most of the others seem to be 1980s Athearn or inexpensive train set models. Model trains don't really hold any value, the new ones aren't (relatively) that much more and are lots better as far as detail and finish. It doesn't help either that most look to be lettered for someone's personal model railroad. If someone needs the parts you have there it would be worth it to them but not much to any others. Not what you wanted to hear but how it is.

You didn't say where you are but if there is a train club in your area they might be able to use some of the parts.

 

[Greg@mnrr]

A hobby shop that sells used equipment may offer you some $$ to purchase all of your model railroad items, but you aren't going to get wealthy.
They will sell your equipment at prices far below what someone originally paid for them.

I purchased at a swap meet, trays of mainly BB cars all with Kadee couplers, metal wheels and some weathering for $35 for seven or eight cars.

Greg

 

[RE#1]

Unfortunately your collection is worth a lot to you but little to someone else. At least that’s been my experience