Hey Mike!
These items may not meet the exact standards and specific needs of dedicated model railroading enthusiasts. Nevertheless, there are collectors who place value on a myriad of items from brands like Tyco, Life-Like, Bachmann, among others They purchase items that evoke memories of their childhood. For them, sentimental value and nostalgia outweigh other considerations. Rather than just constructing model railroads, they focus on collecting specific items to use and or display.
Some collectors are even interested in purchasing empty boxes. It's not advisable to sell your items without the boxes. The fact that they buy empty boxes serves to emphasize my point
Collectors particularly value items in their original packaging, and some of your boxes are in excellent condition. The state of these items is important, and many of your items appear to be in good condition or better.
Determining the total value of your items can be challenging. A collector's willingness to pay is unpredictable.
In addition to their appeal to collectors, items like transformers have practical uses. For example, they can operate lighting systems and various accessories. Anything can have value if you find the person who wants and or needs it.
Research your items on eBay to check their going prices. While selling on eBay might be a slow and meticulous process, it can be profitable if approached wisely. Begin by selling items that don't have their original packaging. This will allow you to understand the selling expenses without risking your most valuable items.
Auctions can surprise you. Try setting your starting prices at the low end of what is for sale and don't overcharge for shipping, nobody likes that. Be sure to cover your selling costs, shipping, and packaging. Protect your items from the weather by putting them in cheap plastic bags inside the box during shipping. Be honest, don't list anything as new unless it is sealed in its original packaging. Use the words "mint condition" sparingly. "Like new" is good for things that look to be new.
Testing everything is wise; declaring, "I don't know if it works," is not comforting to buyers. Affirming that something has been tested adds credibility. It appears you have everything needed for testing.
Don't open any sealed packages. Collectors love them!
The two sets with boxes are intriguing. If you can determine the complete list of items included in them and sell them as complete sets, their value could increase significantly.
More than likely you can use eBay listings to identify everything you have. If you get stuck trying to identify an item, come back to our forum with photos and chances are somebody will know what it is.
It really depends on the amount of free time you have. If you're looking for something to do, this could be an enjoyable way to stay occupied and earn some extra money!
If you're short of time, group related items together and sell those in lots. I would sell each of the two sets with boxes separately.
I wish you well!
Welcome to our forums, we are glad to have you with us!
