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I've just unpacked a set of HO trains that have been packed up since April 1968.(That's what the newspaper they were wraped in said)
What I need is direction in where to go to find the value (If any) of the set and who might be interested in them since I don't have the room or time to set them up. I not only have the trains but a bunch of accesories too.
Thank You in advance for any help you can send my way.
We need way more information before we can even hazard a guess. Who made the train set, what kind of locomotive, how many and what kind of cars. and what type of accessories? Some pictures would help also. HO trains sets from the 60's are generally low value items but there are a few that are sought after by collectors. The best place to get an idea of what the value might be is to look for the same items on e-bay.
I would say look around on eBay and talk to a couple hobby shops. If it's train set stuff like Tyco or Lifelike don't expect a whole lot. Ike Jim said 1960s and beyond trainsets really don't command much value since they're mass produced and many pieces can still be found. Plus serious hobbyists generally shun them since they're poor quality items and rather toylike.
Thanks guys. I'm not looking to retire with this set of toy trains. I'm more interested in seeing them go to someone who actually wants them. I'd like to show you some pictures but I haven't moved into the digital age yet with photography. I'll give you a quick list now of what I've unpacked and maybe it will help you some.
First the Locomotives: #1-Looks like a diesel and says Burlington. The only marking I can see is Mantua.
#2 Looks like a steam engine and has the coal car attached. Engine says General and the coal car says C.P.R.R. Looks like it has some provision to blow smoke from the smokestack. It also is Mantua and has the numbers 3240 and 0968
#3 is a small engine that says General Electric. No markings but I think it's a General Electric motor because my father worked for them fo 35 years and it's the kind of thing he'd bring home.
As far as the cars go I see 4 manfacturers but some have no maker that I can see. 5 are Tyco and are still in there boxes. Varney is another makers mark along with Mantua and Lionel. I count 19 cars total and they are all different types Tankers,Box,Flat,Coal, Passanger. The 2 Lionel cars might be of interest. One is a crane car and the other is an explosive car that appears to blow apart kind of like those old crash cars.
Well I've taken up enough of your time so as far as acessories goes I've got a bunch of little houses and people,2 transformers,track and switch's,layout and wiring books.
Thanks again for your time guys. I'll go check out ebay if I find the time. But I find that place kind of a pain in the butt to look around in. Any links to collector sights or shops I'd appreciate.
Donate them to someone in your area who might be interested in them. A Church, Salvation Army , City Mission , Someone who will enjoy them . Like Jim said not worth very much .
On the other hand, get someone with a digital camera take a few pictures, post it on eBay tell them what you just told us and you should get between $30-50. Or ship the whole lot to me and I'll package it up for eBay and split it with you.
