Advice: Paint or not paint

That is a tough question.  I would think "purists" would want it in its original brass unpainted.  I can see someone wanting it painted and ready to go also.  I think I would be more interested painted, but I have had engines painted before.  I would be willing to pay more for a good paint job since it is a hassle to send off to be painted and wait for it to come back depending on their backlog or disassemble and mask if it needs masking etc. if painting it yourself. 

However, in cars (my other hobby) you don't ever get all the money back out of modifications you do before you sell something...because no matter what you spend on paint someone will nitpick that it is too shiny or too dull or not weathered...whatever the case may be...so although I would like it painted, I think in the long run you shouldn't paint it before selling it.  I could be persuaded otherwise though. It's a tough decision.

With the pennsy there is a lot of debate about the color, the buyer may not like your painters choice (and as Andy notes gloss / no gloss, whatever your painter does the buyer will want the opposite)

There is a risk your painter will drop the model / lose parts / not do a good job

There is a risk in you get it back and check the work and nick the paint, and don’t have a new paint job

There are not a lot of painters these days - how long are you going to have to wait ? (cash now is better than cash in months or a year from now)

As Andy notes you may not get the cost of paint in your sale price

I would sell it as is

Most folks I know in the 2 rail O scale segment paint their own stuff, …..almost as if it was a given. I’ve seen those guys ( and myself included ) get a painted model, and strip down irregardless,……I would think the paint yourself group in this segment far outweighs the already painted group,…….I’d agree with Bob3, ….I think making sure it’s mechanically sound, with no loose or missing bits, will sell itself, ……no painting required…..

Pat

Interesting question Jim. I don't think I'd pay too much more for an engine I wanted that's already painted. Though I am one of those that paint there own.

So if your K4s has a value of about $500, I might pay $600 if the paint job was accurate. I don't think you'd recoup the paint expense.

@prrjim posted:

I have a US Hobbies 2 rail PRR K4 4-6-2 that is  unpainted brass.     I am thinking of selling it and I wonder if it will sell easier if it painted or unpainted - does that affect interest and or price?

One of my buddies who is very much into having "artistic control" says I should not paint.    Some others think I should. 

Any advice?

Real question is just how badly do you want to sell it vs. just thinking about selling it?  You rarely get a 100% return on investments in model trains, so if you need to gauge your time cost and costs of painting vs. just letting it go as it sits.  Set yourself a price you can accept without invoking any separation anxiety issues or kept it.

I am a 2 railer and I prefer unpainted brass . Especially if its in new condition.  I also most times will add more detail to older USHobbies models.  As Pat said above I probably will strip your painted model in order to add that detail.  So unless it is some really custom built piece from some really fantastic builder-- Off comes the paint. Quite honestly the model is worth a little less to me if its painted.

I think a lot of we older modellers may feel the same.

Hope this was of some help!

Franky-Ogee

I paint my own, so the cost of painting is my time and materials.    That is still significant, we never have enough hobby time.    I agree, painting will increase the selling price - it never does for me when buying either.

Most advice seems to be leave it unpainted.    However, I have taken it to 3-4 shows so far and no one has even asked a question or taken a look at it.    So I was wondering if painted might attract some interest.

No brainer, sell it as is!

ECI

Don't paint

Agreed, for all the reasons above. Opinion but brass steam locomotives are difficult to paint and you'd pay a lot of money for a good professional job that would likely kill your profit and even then you'd still get some who'd object to some aspect of the end result. If you don't want to keep sell as is.   

@prrjim posted:

I paint my own, so the cost of painting is my time and materials.    That is still significant, we never have enough hobby time.    I agree, painting will increase the selling price - it never does for me when buying either.

Most advice seems to be leave it unpainted.    However, I have taken it to 3-4 shows so far and no one has even asked a question or taken a look at it.    So I was wondering if painted might attract some interest.

Jim,      Here's a thought: Calculate your charges to paint. Put a sign with the price for bare brass, and the price if you paint it.  Display another of your engines that you have painted, to show the prospective buyer the quality of your work. That should cover both options. If the buyer opts for paint, take a deposit for the cost of your materials in case they bail!

ECI

Maybe you don't want to ship the engine, but have you listed it on OGR for sale or on other platforms (not ebay)?  Doesn't hurt and you may be surprised.

When in doubt, . . . always keep something in original condition in the box.

Mannyrock

@prrjim posted:

I paint my own, so the cost of painting is my time and materials.    That is still significant, we never have enough hobby time.    I agree, painting will increase the selling price - it never does for me when buying either.

I like a decent paint and lettering job, but then I'm lazy - if it saves me my time and materials, great. But it does have to be something I actually want and will "fit in" and that's a very, very short list.

That short list phenomenon may have more to do with lack of interest.