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A train friend died recently, and I'm trying to help his son determine values for his tinplate stuff.  I'm the only member of our club who knows anything about tinplate, so I volunteered, but I'm looking for second opinions as some of this stuff is outside of my wheelhouse.  Please note that these items are NOT currently being offered for sale; my goal is to help his son and widow get fair value for them.

I'm looking for two values - buying for resale, and selling at a meet.  I have listed my opinions, but would like yours.  Thanks.

MTH 10-1096 No. 87 crossing signal - C-8, box is P5 or P6 - $15 for resale, $20-25 at a meet

MTH 10-2223 MTHRRC 200-series reefer - C-9, box is P7 - $35 for resale, $50-60 at a meet

Lionel 817 O-gauge caboose - C-4 - $5 resale, $10-15 at a meet

Lionel 605 O-gauge Pullman - C-4 - $5 resale, $10-15 at a meet

Lionel 606 O-gauge observation - C-4 - $10 resale, $15-20 at a meet

Lionel 251E O-gauge loco - C-4, wheels are bad - $15 resale, $30-50 at a meet

The O-gauge items are intact but have many spots of surface rust.  Sorry, but I don't have good pics, although I think I've graded them conservatively.

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Don't know about the MTH stuff, but for the original prewar, your $ values are probably ok.  The trouble will be actually selling it.  There is just an abundance of junk/parts items at meets.  I struggle giving some of it away even with 2-3 cars for the price of one at $10-15 sometimes.  The customers for this stuff are typically people needing original parts, or restorers.

@Ives1122 posted:

Don't know about the MTH stuff, but for the original prewar, your $ values are probably ok.  The trouble will be actually selling it.  There is just an abundance of junk/parts items at meets.  I struggle giving some of it away even with 2-3 cars for the price of one at $10-15 sometimes.  The customers for this stuff are typically people needing original parts, or restorers.

Thanks for your input.  I'm more comfortable with my knowledge regarding the MTH items, so you filled in the blanks on the O gauge.

Ives1122 is basically correct about the original items. The 251E you might be low on however, without photos it's very difficult. You mention surface rust but that has varying levels. Namely if it'll clean up or not. Sooner or later the market for original junkers is gonna dry up and original parts will be at premium.

Thanks for your reply, and sorry that I don't have good pics - I feel bad, because that's the first thing I would ask for.

On all of the O-gauge items, for lack of a better description, it looks like a bad case of acne all over the pieces.  Not horrible, but it won't clean up either.  A bit too much to run them without a lot of cleanup.  If these were rare items, they might justify cleanup; as common items, they're probably candidates for restoration. 

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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