How to Value Collectible Trains
Buying collectible trains can be a bit tricky, as the prices can vary wildly depending on a number of different factors. A major difference in color or manufacturing date can cause dramatic swings in price.
Overpaying for collectible trains takes a long time to make up
Whether you’re a first-time collector or you’re a longtime train enthusiast, it’s important to know how to sell a train collection. The best way to do it is to know the specifics of your collection, so you know how much it’s worth. And, you need to know whether you’re selling individual pieces or a whole collection. Whether you sell them individually or through an auction site, it’s important to know how to value collectibles.
A train collection may not be as valuable as some of the other items in your collection. However, it can be a great way to recoup cash. You can use a website like Trainz to obtain collections in your region. The site features information pages on specific trains, as well as a search function. It also offers pre-paid FedEx shipping labels for smaller collections. You can also try individual sales if you don’t have access to an auction site.
The first thing you need to know is the value of each individual train. A $20 model may only be worth $5-10 to a dealer, but it can be worth more to a collector. In addition to the individual train’s value, the price of the whole train set will also be affected. If you overpay for a train set, it’ll take time to make up for the extra cost.
If you own a collection that’s less than 20 years old, you may be able to recoup your expenses by selling it to a dealer. If you’re selling an older collection, you may be able to get a better price by selling it to a reseller. Resellers can offer a fair price based on the value of the individual pieces.
If you’re not sure how much your collection is worth, check the collector’s guide to see what other trains have sold for. These guides are usually written by experts in the hobby. They also feature a dynamic online price guide that will allow you to check the current value of the trains.
You should also check the manufacturer’s part numbers on the undercarriage or the side of the train. These numbers can give you a good idea of the approximate years that the trains were produced. For example, a rare Lionel set from 1936 sold for $253,000 at an auction last year.
The price of vintage toys is dependent on the demand for them and their condition. If you don’t have time to inventory your collection, you can check the value of individual pieces by contacting a local hobby shop. You can also check online auction sites to see the current value of your collectibles.
In addition, you should check to see if your train is a “built to order” train. This means it was built to a manufacturer’s specifications. This type of train can increase in value over time, but the price you’ll get for it will likely be a wholesale price.
Survivor of collectible train collection
Among the many models, swag and treasures at Temple’s Spring Street yards, the STE No. 678, a switcher engine used in railroad yards, is the star of the show. The EMD SW1200 locomotive was one of five made in 1963, and is now part of the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Hamburg. A number of former Reading Railroad engines ended up in California.
It’s not hard to believe that the STE No. 678 is a workhorse on the job, but to many train buffs, its arrival was a major moment in time. The engine has not only made a name for itself as a showpiece, it has also sparked a debate on the merits of using the latest technology to preserve such a fine example of history. For example, a team of engineers is testing ways to replicate the locomotive’s magnetic brakes. A more ambitious endeavor is to recreate the original, complete with a slew of historical details.
The EMD SW1200 might be the star of the show, but its predecessor, a prototype, has been slated for the scrap heap. Nonetheless, this locomotive is one of the most famous railroad cars of all time, and its arrival in Temple is not to be missed.