[tunnelboy]

So I like to go to auctions, and one day there was a huge lot of G or Large scale locos (not sure of the difference), rolling stock, and track. I had gotten into HO gauge in my 20s (now 64), but know nothing about the value of these. I tried looking up a few on eBay but couldn't find a match.

I've just come to the conclusion that with all I have going on in life, I'll not get the chance to start anything so might as well get rid of them.

What is the best way to sell this stuff? I can't put a price on anything because I have no clue what the value is. I have several SP diesels, a few huge steam locos (like 4-8-8-4s), and a bunch of smaller steam locos. Then there are lots of cars, and a nice set of SP passenger cars. There is some track, and then a lot of really weird track sizes I've never seen before including some weird 3 rail flex track with wood ties.

Thanks

 

[mickey]

For anyone to really help, they need to see pics so they can be identified and then determine condition and pricing. Some here may actually be interested. I could be wrong, but I believe the only one who made a steam 4-8-8-4 was LGB but I may be wrong.

 

[mikekidman2468]

So I like to go to auctions, and one day there was a huge lot of G or Large scale locos (not sure of the difference), rolling stock, and track. I had gotten into HO gauge in my 20s (now 64), but know nothing about the value of these. I tried looking up a few on eBay but couldn't find a match.

I've just come to the conclusion that with all I have going on in life, I'll not get the chance to start anything so might as well get rid of them.

What is the best way to sell this stuff? I can't put a price on anything because I have no clue what the value is. I have several SP diesels, a few huge steam locos (like 4-8-8-4s), and a bunch of smaller steam locos. Then there are lots of cars, and a nice set of SP passenger cars. There is some track, and then a lot of really weird track sizes I've never seen before including some weird 3 rail flex track with wood ties.

Thanks

Location?

 

[Pete Thornton]

I believe the only one who made a steam 4-8-8-4 was LGB but I may be wrong

There have been lots of electric versions of the Big Boy 4-8-8-4, including MTH, USAT and maybe Accucraft. Not LGB to my knowledge.
Lots of real live steam versions too, by Aster and Accucraft. All are quite sought after, especially on weeks when #4014, the restored version, is doing trips!

 

[Pete Thornton]

G or Large scale locos (not sure of the difference),

Usually not much difference. Bachmann calls it 'large scale', others call it 'g scale'. It's actually "G Gauge" as the track is 45mm gauge for all sorts of different scales. Don't start that discussion - just search for a few threads.

I tried looking up a few on eBay

You have to search eBay for 'completed sales'. Just click Advanced Search and check the 'sold listings' box. That will give you some ideas.

What is the best way to sell this stuff?

There's no perfect way. Some folks have rented a table at the local train show, others use the Internet. Selling the items individually will give you the most profit, but the most headaches, as you'll have to find boxes and packaging. A Pack-n-Ship type store will take the items and pack them, but they'll charge a fortune.

You can post photos here of the various items, or the whole collection and you will get some ideas. The eBay 'Sold' listings are a decent way to get an idea of the values.

Facebook has a "G scale Swap & Shop" group which you can join. With over 10,000 members, it's pretty active. Post some photos there with questions and you'll get lots of advice.

Finally, there are quite a few buyers who specialize in buying whole collections and reselling the items individually on FB or eBay. I helped a guy in a similar situation - his brother left him 3 storage units full of boxes - and he got 18 'dealers' asking to buy the lot.

 

[tunnelboy]

Thanks for the help. I HAVE looked at completed items on eBay. The problem with the keyword "g" as in G Scale is that everything shows up. Most things I have gone through I have not found.

I'll take a bunch of pics. Should I post the pics right here or another category? Don't want to post them in classifieds just yet as I need to get an idea on value first.

I already have an e-commerce business, and ship dozens of items every day, so shipping is not an issue.

I used to do train shows for my business years ago. But for items I know nothing about, I couldn't begin to know where to price things. And no offense to anyone, but train shows seem to be a haven for "bottom feeders". Our products list at $29.95 and I can't tell you how many times people would come up to us and say "I'll give you $5 for it". I don't do well in that type of environment... haggling.

Will check out FB group. And I'm in the Bay Area (Northern California).

Thanks again!

 

[Pete Thornton]

Should I post the pics right here or another category?

Put them here. Most of us use the "New Posts" button (I think) and we seldom see actual forum titles!

And you can't post in the Classifieds until you become a Premier member.

 

[Mike Toney]

You can also contact a dealer such as RLD Hobbies in Illinois as he buys and sells collections of G scale trains. If the collection is big enough, places like Trainz will but only at like 20-30 cents on the doller value wise. Just depends how much time you want and have to invest in selling the collection yourself. You get the most money that way, but it takes up way more time taking pictures, listing the items and packing/shipping them. Most folks here do not buy whole collections, but will buy individual models as you post them.

 

[steveriver44]

So I like to go to auctions, and one day there was a huge lot of G or Large scale locos (not sure of the difference), rolling stock, and track. I had gotten into HO gauge in my 20s (now 64), but know nothing about the value of these. I tried looking up a few on eBay but couldn't find a match.

I've just come to the conclusion that with all I have going on in life, I'll not get the chance to start anything so might as well get rid of them.

What is the best way to sell this stuff? I can't put a price on anything because I have no clue what the value is. I have several SP diesels, a few huge steam locos (like 4-8-8-4s), and a bunch of smaller steam locos. Then there are lots of cars, and a nice set of SP passenger cars. There is some track, and then a lot of really weird track sizes I've never seen before including some weird 3 rail flex track with wood ties.

Thanks

Where are you located?

 

[tommy98466_8944]

So I like to go to auctions, and one day there was a huge lot of G or Large scale locos (not sure of the difference), rolling stock, and track. I had gotten into HO gauge in my 20s (now 64), but know nothing about the value of these. I tried looking up a few on eBay but couldn't find a match.

I've just come to the conclusion that with all I have going on in life, I'll not get the chance to start anything so might as well get rid of them.

What is the best way to sell this stuff? I can't put a price on anything because I have no clue what the value is. I have several SP diesels, a few huge steam locos (like 4-8-8-4s), and a bunch of smaller steam locos. Then there are lots of cars, and a nice set of SP passenger cars. There is some track, and then a lot of really weird track sizes I've never seen before including some weird 3 rail flex track with wood ties.

Thanks

Its all in who manufactured them, condition and rarity.

 

[Bob F]

A non-sales comment if I may...
64 ain't nuttin'. Now is the time to actually start to enjoy your self and your hobbies. I started my garden RR 4 yeas ago at 68. Since that April, over 1200 feet of track has been laid. And I'm just starting to have fun with custom work.
Bob

 

[Doug C]

Where are you located?

TunnelBoy posted on the 12th;
. . . . . And I'm in the Bay Area (Northern California). . . . .

 

[tunnelboy]

Here is just a very small sampling. This about 5-6 units out probably 75. I'm not seeing ANY identifying marks under any of them.

Don't really want to sell as a collection (for resale). But would definitely sell individually or as a collection to a collector. Maybe at 64 I'm not too old! But my current yard isn't suited for this stuff.

Any rough guestimates based on what you can see here? My favorite is the SP coaches. It's a 5 car (I think) set. There a lot of cars, and quite a few 0-4-0's of various types. Some of those have the hoop style coupler. I'm guessing those are LGB?

 

[Doug C]

History on the prototype SP4001

Southern Pacific 'Articulated' Class MC-1 Steam Locomotive

 

[piercedan1000]

Southern Pacific diesel is Aristocraft, easy to tell by the unique smoke unit on the top. Amtrak is LGB sold as number 36600. Erie slug 435 looks like Aristo due to springs in the trucks.

 

[NorthwestGarrattGuy]

Southern Pacific diesel is Aristocraft, easy to tell by the unique smoke unit on the top. Amtrak is LGB sold as number 36600. Erie slug 435 looks like Aristo due to springs in the trucks.

the erie slug is USA trains its an NW-2 slug aristocraft never made one but theyve been out of production for a while now

 

[Pete Thornton]

History on the prototype SP4001

Good info, but I think that is a UP "Big Boy" #4001, with SP written on the vanderbilt tender. USAT or MTH made them. The pic of the switches should enable someone to identify who made it.

Any rough guestimates based on what you can see here?

All the items you pictured should sell well. The green/cream 'Lake Superior' is an Aristo, and they sell $200-250. A set of Daylight coaches should go for $200+ each. No idea on diesels!
The 4-6-2 steam engine is more problematic as there were several versions and the later ones are better. See Greg Elmassian's website for technical details.
The Big Boy sells for over $1000 assuming it works, and more when UP takes their #4014 on the (rail)road so it is more visible!

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Not a big boy, USAT used centipede tender, that is an aristo vanderbilt tender, and a mallet...

It's been re-lettered... big difference in price between MTH big boy, USAT Big boy and Aristo mallet...

The Aristo mallet is desirable in it's own way, but not a $2,700 loco... wrong tender for an MTH also.

Pete, I thought you knew steamers!

Greg