O scale live steam - what are they worth?

G  & O Gauge Live Steam start at about $400 new.

I would think these are worth $100-200 each at most.

Repairs may cost many times that.

They are too ugly to just be shelve queens, sorry.

These are more folk art than true scale models.

I agree that the engine alone would be about $100 to $200.  The engine with all the cars might be $300.  How much you pay might be determined by your relationship with your neighbor.  

Restoring a live steamer to steaming status would be expensive.  I have a friend who bought a live steam O gauge engine.  He uses it as a dummy engine to simulate a double headed steam train.  Restoring it cosmetically and using it as a dummy may be your best choice.

Another option is to display it.  It looks like a good historical train.  NH Joe

your picture does not show where the valves are. Live steam should have some operating valves where they can be adjusted by the Operator. Remember the boiler is a pressure vessel, so if there is rust it may not hold the pressure as needed.

I bet an operating "Neff" steamer would be worth something.  I wouldn't even consider these without seeing a test on compressed air.  Better photos would help.

I traded a pair of Rivarossi FM plastc Diesels for a Little Engines Northern.  It was ugly, but it did run.

No way to tell from photos. Values could be anywhere between scrap metal and thousands. Your best bet is to find knowledgeable help and have them take a look. There are annual events near Sacramento, Seattle, New Orleans, PA. Or send a letter to Steam in the Garden magazine and ask live steamers in your area to contact you.

the good news is that someone put a lot of work into these. No guarantee that it still works or ever did, but they were at least ambitious projects. Somebody spent many hours making numerous very precise parts.

there is also something called The Unofficial Mamod Forum, largely British. People there have done amazing restoration jobs on some battered antiques. Very interesting group of eccentrics.

failing repair, you’ve got an interesting shelf queen.

Best regards, Mike

Fellas, thanks for your replies..

Mike - oddly enough I've been talking with some Brits, actually south African steam junkies living in the UK.. Larger than O scale but you might get a kick out of what they're working on.... https://www.facebook.com/groups/1207484139391072

Joe - they both have little levers near the cab that I'd assume controls the steam power, also little glass water gauges under the roof that slides off. I'd highly doubt these things would hold any pressure as-is, they'd probably blow!

Side bar - is anyone interested or know anyone who may be interested in steam machines or a steam car? He's also going to sell those, I have no idea what the machines were used for. If anyone is interested I can pass contact info.

Jamie