Good Time To Buy Trains

Want some of mine? Only half kidding.

I have a ton of MPC to unload. I'm going to my first train sale in years, and I don't know how to price this stuff. I expect to take a royal bath, as in cars I paid $20 - $30 for back in the 80's going for $15 at best on Saturday. I worry that I'll carry it in, pay for the table, and carry it all back out.

The first few weeks of January seem to bring out a lot at good prices.  

Toy trains are really a commodity market driven by such factors as nostalgia, general population & personal life cycles, cultural fads, and the cyclical movements of the financial markets. There are the monster waves such as PreWWll tinplate; 51-59; 60-69; 70-85; 85-95; 95-2007; and now 2007-Present (approximately). Then there are the ripples that ride on the mega waves.

Strictly speaking there is no "best time to buy toy trains." Just life decisions that provide meaning & value to your life.

Enjoy & prosper!

The weak economy may have something to do with it! Also the time of year - toy trains fetch their best prices between November and March. I've picked up some killer deals in the past couple of months but I'm also sitting on a bunch of stuff that I'm reluctant to post with prices the way they are. The sword cuts both ways. 

From what I see on EBay, prices on Lionel trains have been heading up.

They are often lower during the spring and summer.

I have been buying & selling on ebay for over 13 years and I have found that the best time to sell trains & accessories is from Oct. 20th to around December 15th. The best time to buy trains is between June 15th & Sept 15th. Also if you have track to sell the best time is right before Christmas, Nov. 15th to December 15th. Now you know all my secrets of buying & selling.

I think the best time to buy trains was 10 or 15 or 20 years ago.  There was much more quality and supply than now and much lower prices.

But that was then.

You all are right, model trains are seasonal and interest seems to increase as winter and the Holidays approach.  Summer is for boating, golf, baseball, vacations, etc.

Charlie

quality brass is still selling well over this summer; I have been a buyer and seller and been happy with both sides.     Production costs (higher) and supply (lower) are going to make secondary prices on ebay look reasonable a couple years out...

Is it a good time to buy trains?....Well, let's see here. It depends on what you're wanting. As for my wants (STD & O-Gauge tinplate). It's almost an all year affair. I've noticed the Buy/Sell Forum does pickup a bunch before each York event. You're right about people wanting to raise money for their York "adventure". After York, people want to raise money before their "other half" finds out how much money they really spent at York.

I see the same post over and over...do people really sneak their purcahses in while the spouse is not looking. I find this dispicable...every time I do it.

Whenever you something you gotta have, buy it right away before it gets away! Stash some bucks for such occasions.

I know for Nov. and Dec. prices are at a premium...

I have to say after seeing some of the recent FS posts here and in other places, you are right on the money. 

I agree. I see lots of things I want but I'm saving for York.

Rob

Judging from latest eBay prices, it is an excellent time for selling ancient 2-rail junk.

And judging only from asking prices, 3-rail Right-of-Way brass is simply astronomical.

But based on the above advice, I shall start a two month search for a 1-700E.

I think the Holiday Season is a good time to buy/sell.

I was a net buyer here and had very little to no luck selling.

Everything is in the process of being disposed of on the Bay prior to my Pain Management program. This happens to be my last post here on OGR. If things improve I will get back into hobby. If not? Well... High Greens to you all.

Anytime is train time. Good luck!

Lee, we never met but I have enjoyed your posts and I thank you for them. I sincerely hope it all works out for you. I went through a difficult period with my wife in pain management for a awile  and things are finnaly working out for her. You will be in my families thoughts and prayers. Best regards....

That's a sad thing to hear Lee. I wish you all the best and really hope you'll get back into the hobby. Take care,

Kieffer

Lee, I wish you well. I have been struggling with severe pain for a few years now.  I hope you find something that works for you.

Rob