What is the value of all of this?

I would say that quite a bit of research would yield something like the answer you're looking for.  Then you could sell it on Ebay, for instance, and stand to gain the most profit.  

On the other hand, try to find a dealer whose reputable and they would do the leg work and offer you a lump sum, maybe.  

Don't forget that whomever does the research will be at it for quite some time.  

Dan Padova posted:

I would say that quite a bit of research would yield something like the answer you're looking for.  Then you could sell it on Ebay, for instance, and stand to gain the most profit.  

On the other hand, try to find a dealer whose reputable and they would do the leg work and offer you a lump sum, maybe.  

Don't forget that whomever does the research will be at it for quite some time.  

Time is not something I have a lot of unfortunately, and I know to get a precise value I will need to do some research, but I was hoping for a ballpark value. 

Generally, how valuable is postwar stuff? I have a 1977 GG-1 and an original S-2 turbine, did their value age well?

No values have not aged well, gg-1 maybe $100, if its used, was over $300 new. Spend a few hours on ebay and you will know, cut price in half if its been run.

The simplest way to get ballpark figures is do a search on ebay, but focus on SOLD listings on the lefthand side of the page.  If you want to sell them quickly, put them up for sale for auction at 99 cents.  The market, usually, will determine a fair price, especially with common items.  Takes some time, but will likely bring you the best return.

Jim

p.s. keep at least one piece to remember your Granddad by!

Per TCA guidelines, cosmetic condition is the first defining criteria.

Whereas toy trains (e.g., Lionel, et al) were made for play, there are so many of them in played-with condition out there that it's the ones that saw little-to-no play....disappointing gifts, over-supervised play, etc....that have higher values.....especially those that never were run, crisp off-the-shelf boxes, etc., etc., blah, blah.

Of course, then there's the 'rare' items.....factory errors, those of which only a mere handful survive or have ever been accounted for.   Good luck with that, if you don't have the time for in-depth research.

Unless you have a lot of sentimental value for the trains, a younger family member to pass them on to (assuming they have more than a passing interest!), a neighbor/friend to whom you're indebted for life's kindnesses, and the like,  get a couple estimates from a knowledgable person (this is one reason for appreciating your local hobby shop!), make the transaction,........and be happy!

IMHO, of course.

KD

DKDKRD: I think we are kindred spirits. I am teching my grandkids "HOW" to play with the O Gauge lionels.

As far as the "Collectables" for investment... I have been an absolute noob as to what to buy for a daily driver in a steam locomotive.. post war, that me and the grandkid can spiff up as a project "together"...

I can share your dismay at how to "ballpark" the value of your cherished pieces.

"what ever the market will bear" Better minds on this board can help... and yes, timing, and taking time, is everything. At least if you list on this site, you will get "Good Folk" to pass on the prized as well as Fair price, without having to pay 6 % for this and 3 % for that,,, lol

DK, I am creating an experience, by playing with the grandkids, hoping that they will share my joy of railroading.... 

add a photo to each one of your items and send the link to Trainz. That will give you a bottom price for a one buyer sale.

Time to research and time to list and sell all detracts from the net liquidation amount.

First, thank you all for your replies. 

I don't currently have any grandchildren (I'm looking to sell these because I'll be going to college soon and space will be limited), and I do like using them, I just don't have the space, and I was wondering just what i could get in HO or N if I sold. 

I'll have to take a closer look at Trainz auctions, and there is also a train store near me that may be able to assess some value. 

Thanks

One last piece of advice, is that if these are all common items, in good condition, the folks who buy trains will give you about 30% (maybe a little more) of their market value.  This is because they need to cover all of their expenses (especially their time) to resell the items and still make a little bit of money.  You need to value your time and decide if you just want to get rid of them as quickly as possible, or sell them yourself to get the maximum value of the items.

If you decide to go the eBay route (or even sell them on this forum), take a couple of pictures of each item, and write up a short description of the item (best to also include any flaws in the item.)  Going this route, you will then have to box them up and mail them (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.)  Selling on eBay, you will receive payment via Paypal.  One downside of eBay are the fees, 15% auction fee and 3% paypal fee.  (But, for this 15% fee, you will get access to a much larger audience of potential buyers.)

The upside is that in an auction format (probably want to limit to 1 week) you can generally expect, overall, the market to pay a fair value.  Of course, with any individual item, it may sell for more, or less, of the expected value.  This means, you don't have to worry about properly valuing an item.

Selling on the For Sale forum here is a great option, BUT, you need to know the value of the item first.  The plus is that there are no auction fees, and for 3%, you can still received payment via Paypal. 

Good luck,

Jim