George S posted:Good point on Bruce's books being older than the "new" grading standards. I was actually thinking about the reference guides instead of the price guides, but you bring up a valid point. In the reference guides I recall seeing only two to three price points depending on the manufacturer being covered.
In the Greenberg Guide to Lionel Trains vol IV for example, he only priced VG and EX. He has a great discussion on values, in which he says that values are determined by multiple factors, but condition is the most consistent determining factor. I think that is true for the best condition trains, but for anything less, price seems to uncouple from grade today.
I haven't bought a price guide recently nor looked for one. Today there is lots of information available on the internet of what items sold for, usually with pictures of the item. Most of the sites make you sign up to get access to the prices.
George
