I would like to know how to find out the value of an electric train set.?

Question

I have a Lionel "The James Gang", 027 guage unit electric train set from 1980. The train is still in the original shrink-wrap condition. I think the model # is 6-1053.

Answer 1

You can probably pick up a "Greenberg Guide" at a model train store which is a pricing guide to train sets. That would be your best bet. Although I have found on ebay certain desirable sets will go for way more than the book value and sometimes way less. Such guides are subjective at best. The real answer is your train is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

Answer 2

Railroad Model Craftsman magazine used to have, and maybe still does, a column called "Collector's Consist", where the writer described various pieces of vintage trains. Sometimes he would give an estimate of what the train's market value might be, IIRC.

As one of the responders said, the value, if you're trying to sell it, is what somebody wants to give you for it. I also would not recommend trying to sell it back to a hobby shop. There was a time when I needed some cash-fast!-and tried to sell an N-scale train at a (then) local hobby shop. I walked in with several pieces--working engine, several cars, some track, etc.,--and left with $30 USD, only a fraction of what it was worth! This was probably a lot less than I would have paid for the stuff but they were in the driver's seat on that one. Live and learn.

Answer 3

first you have to weigh it. if it is over 50 pounds, the price should be above 100 dollars. If it is a quality steam train raise the price to 200. if not, lower it to 70-60. thats all the help i can give you

Answer 4

try tabets toy store