TLOC
Well-Known Member
I Ran it through Ai as I know nothing about O scale. I copied your picture and take it this info anyway you want:
Finding a T.G. Bedell "B-Lectric" kit that is complete and unbuilt is incredibly rare. These were the high-end "Rolls Royce" kits of the Depression era.
Estimated Market Value: $400 – $850+
The value depends heavily on a few factors:
• Completeness: If you have the original motor (likely a heavy AC/DC motor with a massive brass flywheel) and the specific "Spring Stabilized" frame parts mentioned in the print, the value sits at the high end.
• Condition of the Brass: If the brass is clean (not corroded or "zinc rot" on any die-cast parts), it’s a premium item.
• The "Unbuilt" Premium: In the vintage O-scale world, "New Old Stock" (NOS) kits are worth significantly more than one that was started and abandoned.
Why it’s valuable
1. Historical Pedigree: T.G. Bedell was one of the first to move away from "toy" trains toward "1/4 inch scale" realism.
2. Rarity: Most of these were built or lost to metal scrap drives during WWII. Finding one "in the box" in 2026 is a fluke.
3. Cross-Over Appeal: It appeals to New York Central (NYC) and New Haven (NYNH+H) collectors because the "B-Lectric" was a hybrid design of their famous electric motors.
I then asked where could it be sold
For a rare brass item like this, I recommend avoiding general marketplaces like Facebook or Craigslist. Instead, use these specialist options where collectors actively look for historical brass:
• Top Specialist Auction Houses:
• Stout Auctions: They are arguably the top name for high-end toy and scale trains. They hold regular "Brass and O Scale" specialty auctions and have a massive following of serious collectors.
• Harris Toy Train Auctions: A reputable house that specifically seeks out high-quality brass consignments.
• Burgess Auctions: Known for handling museum-quality brass collections and providing live online bidding.
• Dedicated Brass Resellers:
• BrassTrains.com: This is the "gold standard" for brass sales. They buy collections outright for cash or sell them on consignment. Their site is where most serious collectors check prices.
• ReSourced Rails: They specialize in buying and selling vintage and rare scale models, including unbuilt kits.
• Collector Groups & Forums:
• [email protected]: This is a highly active community of brass enthusiasts. You can post items for sale directly to members who specifically hunt for rare kits like yours.
Have fun!
