Beginners Ask Trains What are my old trains worth?

What are my old trains worth?

By Angela Cotey | December 12, 2022

The answer depends on a number of factors including condition and scarcity

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Q: While cleaning out my late uncle’s attic, I found his stash of O gauge trains that I plan to run beneath my Christmas tree this year. Many of them say “Lionel” on the sides. Please tell me what they are worth. J.D., CA

A: During the holiday season, many electric trains are dug out of storage. Some are pressed into use around the tree, while others become the focus of the eternal question, “How much is my old train worth?”

what are my old trains worth box of Lionel
People love to take their trains out during the holidays. Sometimes the value is the delight they bring.

First, the largest market for used toy trains exists for those in O, S, and Standard gauge. If you have old HO, N, or Large scale trains(with the exception of LGB and Marklin trains), there is at best a smaller collector’s market for them. Unless you are lucky enough to find the “right buyer,” or have a very specific train that collectors are just drooling over, the resale value is minimal.

Second, do some research to develop a basic understanding of what you own. Keep in mind that price is tied directly to demand, modified greatly by condition and scarcity. Most toy trains were produced in huge quantities; so not all old trains are necessarily scarce or sough after by collectors. Still, almost everything has some value, even if only for its parts.

What are my old trains worth?

Locate the manufacturer’s part number on each of your pieces; it’s usually stamped on the side or undercarriage. From this you’ll be able to find out the approximate years of production and estimated value by checking reference books.

Kalmbach Media Co. has pocket price guides that give values for most items in O gauge. It produces one for S gauge, too.

Keep in mind that the values listed in the guides are not binding, but rather rules-of-thumb often based on reported sales during the previous year. Another current source of price information is eBay. Search for your item and see if someone else has one for sale. Remember that the item is being sold at auction so the price may reflect the whims of the bidders more than the actual value.

Condition is everything. Cosmetic appearance is often more important to collectors than whether an item works. Every chip, nick, dirt smudge, and fingerprint will be duly noted. If you have the original boxes, packing materials, and instruction sheets, these will add to the value.

Third, if your collection is large, you’ll need a dealer or experienced collector to help assess its quality. Check the ads in Classic Toy Trains for dealers. Check your phone book under “Hobbies.”

If you sell to a dealer you’ll be getting the wholesale price. I would suggest you consider keeping the trains in the family or giving them to a child you know. Collecting and operating toy trains makes a great hobby. Even if your items are only average, pass them along.

5 thoughts on “What are my old trains worth?

  1. I have found that if I own it and want to sell it, it’s worth pennies. If someone else owns it and I want to buy it, even a loan from Warren Buffet wouldn’t cover it.

  2. Companion has train set from Electric Railway made in Czech Republic in unopened wood fitted box given to her 30 years ago by 80+ year old German friend. Never opened. Can I send a photo? Label is perfect. We know nothing of trains value.

  3. I have 2 Bachman Old Timer train sets number 6360 and 6336 how much are they worth still in wrapper

  4. I recently acquired “The New Englander” train set. I actually won it at a silent auction. At the time I just wanted it because I’m trying to keep my Dads hobby that he instilled me alive. Getting my grandkids interested. Anyway, turns out this set has never been opened! I read in a post on this site that these are hard to find. I believe it because I’m having a lot of trouble finding any information on it. I’m not planning on opening it now. Any info any one has would be much appreciated. Thanks

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