Anyone into trains? ** more pics added 6-28**

Hi All,<br>Is anyone into trains? My Dad was, and each time I look through his stuff I find something I like, which is a problem because I already collect too manythings! <img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/emoticons/doh.gif" alt="image"> His collection is mostly HO scale, with only a fewexceptions. Anyway, here are a few things I've picked out so far.<br><br>This one is a kit, I don't know how old it is (or if I should put it together)<br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1139.jpg" alt="image"><p><br>This one I just liked...........And it was my Dad's!!<br><br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1140.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>A close up of the engine (Nice reflection huh!)<br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1141.jpg" alt="image"><br>This one I thought was cool, it turned out to be quite valuble!<br><br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1144.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>And lastly, I can't believe the detail on something this small (one of the exception pieces) a Z scale set!<br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1146.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>I put a Sand Crab on top to show how small it really is!!<br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1148.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>Close up of the engine (I'd to try getting a pic of this without the plastic cover, but I'd hate to drop it!)<br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1149.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>There are a few other things, but its getting late for me!!</p>

I don't collect the train stuff, but I pick it up when and where I can for resale. That Marklin is really good stuff. Very high in detail and surprisinglyheavy.

Hey Russ,<br><br>I am no authority, but the only model train items that are worth their<br>weight in gold, are the older Lionel, American Flyer, and Ives trains.<br>Marklin retains their value, and there are a few select items that go<br>up in value, but in most cases, model trains from the 1960's such as<br>those from Atlas, Athearn, Tyco, Bachmann, Model Die Casting, etc., just do not go up<br>in value like Hot Wheels; I really don't know why?<br>There is a highly collectible market for Kadee Micro Trains in N scale, though.<br>Also, brass trains made in Korea, Japan, have gone up in value.<br>Best to check eBay for past auctions, and see what ya find.<br>Mark (AKA: Playz With Carz) may be able to chime in here.<br>

The Marklin I believe is from the 1980's. It is (Z) Gauge. Smallest of all. They are great for those with limited space. Problem is is that they are sosmall, wen they hit the curves they have a tendency to de-rail. I scored a complete set in a sealed box about 2 years ago at the local swap meet for $15.00.Turned around and sold for $100.00.

Thanks for the input guys! Here is a set I picked out just cause it was cool looking!<br>The box resembles an old hardcover book (just cardboard though)<br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1151.jpg" alt="image"><p><br>The train itself has nice detail<br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1153.jpg" alt="image"><br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1154.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>(My Dad did have several brass trains in his collection)<br>I want to leave the most valuable trains for my Mom to sell, as she's been doing a lot of remodeling on the house since my Dad passed.</p>

Larry is pretty much right on with his post. European trains such as Fleishmann and Marklin (pronounced Merklin) have always been very high quality precisionpieces and as such are highly desirable by collectors.<br><br>Other American brands like those Larry listed were cranked out en-masse with very poor quality detail, improper dimensions and ran very poorly as well, and assuch, have never really become collectable. The larger scale American trains on the other hand like Lionel and Marx from the earlier years have become highlycollectable - especially the tin-plate trains. Seems, once plastics became common-place, the value tanked.<br><br>Brass engines are a whole other ball-game. In recent years, the value of brass engines and cars have skyrocketed. A common traincar can be worth hundreds andengines can easily reach the thousands !!!<br><br>I'm really liking that Royal Castle set .... who made that one ? <br><br><br>Mark.

<blockquote> I'm really liking that Royal Castle set .... who made that one ?</blockquote><br>I did a quick 'Google,' and eBay search for 'Royal Castle,' and came up<br>with nothing. I'll post something if I find any info.<br>Time to hit the hay................................<img src="http://www.ezboard.com/image/posticons/pi_happydead.gif" alt="image"><br>

This Royal Castle set is by Life-Like.

<blockquote> This Royal Castle set is by Life-Like.</blockquote><img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/roll.gif" alt="image"><br><br>Gee, ya think I shoulda asked ya that at the beginning...........<br>Like, "What's the product's name?"<br>Okay, so I was tired!<img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eyes.gif" alt="image"><img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/indifferent.gif" alt="image"><img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/grin.gif" alt="image"><img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/happy.gif" alt="image"><img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/laugh.gif" alt="image"><br>

Hey Russ,<br><br>What's the date on the box, and any other important descriptions?<br>Thanks,<br><br>Mr Braniac<img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/wink.gif" alt="image"><br>

The item number on the box is 8782.

<blockquote> The item number on the box is 8782.</blockquote>Cool, but what about a copyright date?<br><br>Thanks.<br>

I can't find any date on the inner box, there may be something on the paperwork inside, however the set is unopened.

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/LIFE-LIKE-LIMITED-EDITION-COLLECTIBLE-TRAIN-HO_W0QQitemZ140325806918QQcmdZViewItemQQptZModel_RR_Trains?hash=item20ac11e346&amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&amp;_trkparms=65%3A3%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50">http://cgi.ebay.com/LIFE-...3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50</a><br><br>Sounds like a 'theme-set' that is similar to the one above, but this is no<br>indication if yours is more or less valuable.<br>If I find the exact item, I will post the value of it here.<br>

Here's a Royal Castle set that recently sold on Live Auctioneers ....<br><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/5832231">http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/5832231</a><br><br>Granted this set was opened, but it sold for only $35 !!!<br><br>This auction site also had one listed - item #486 ....<br><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.maurerail.com/asp/auctionlist.asp?iano=302">http://www.maurerail.com/asp/auctionlist.asp?iano=302</a><br><br>Again, only selling for $40 .... but check the killer prices on the brass stuff !!! <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eek.gif" alt="image"><br><br><br>Mark.

<blockquote> but check the killer prices on the brass stuff !!! <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eek.gif" alt="image"></blockquote><br>I remember when a typical Lambert brass model could be had for,<br>on average, $30, and Soho ran about $40-$60, but this was back in<br>1975.<br>Today's stuff has all the detail goodies, but ya pay for it.<br>Keep in mind that your brass models were made in limited quantities, and<br>may never be made again for a long time. If you have pics of the brass items,<br>post them here as I would like to see them.<br>(not as a buyer, but I might be able to help you find out their value)<br>Good detective work, Mark, thanks.<br><br>

Geeze Larry - Either your memory is getting fuzzy in your old age <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/wink.gif" alt="image"> oryou had some incredible deals in your area !!!<br><br>I dug out a 1975 issue of Model Railroader magazine to peruse the ads .... the only brass I could find for $30 was from a few unheard of brass suppliers (weboth know the quality those were) for a four-wheel bobber caboose or a 20,000 gallon tank car for $30. The cheapest engine I saw was a brass saddle-tank fromSoho for $79. Any of the full-size steam like Mikados, Berkshires or Northerns from the more reputable companies like Samhongsa and PFM were minimum $179 andwent up !<br><br>A friend of mine locally just picked up a pair of brass C-628 diesels and was thrilled at snagging them for $650 each !!! <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eek.gif" alt="image"><br><br><br>Mark.

I can't help here. I have a pretty big collection of Lionel (pre-War and post-War), along with some modern stuff that runs on Lionel track (O gauge) . MTH,etc. Love the stuff! Neat. The Brass stuff is the high dollar without a doubt.

<blockquote> Geeze Larry - Either your memory is getting fuzzy in your old age <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/wink.gif" alt="image"> or you had some incredible deals in your area !!!</blockquote>Hey Mark,<br><br>I should've clarified that these were typical prices for HO passenger cars, and<br>not locomotives, so sorry about that one. I had a complete 1951 Super Chief<br>in mostly brass, and a few kitbashed pieces. <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eyes.gif" alt="image"><br>I thought everything in Canada was more expensive anyway?<img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/wink.gif" alt="image"><br>

<blockquote> <strong class="quote-title">FabFaux wrote:</strong> <hr> I thought everything in Canada was more expensive anyway?<img alt="image" src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/wink.gif"><br></blockquote>That was out of an American magazine .... probably double those prices for us poor saps north of the border ! <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/laugh.gif" alt="image"><br><br><br>Mark.<br><br>

<blockquote> A friend of mine locally just picked up a pair of brass C-628 diesels and was thrilled at snagging them for $650 each !!! <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eek.gif" alt="image"></blockquote><br>Also, there's a company called, 'American Z Line,' and their 1:220 brass Z scale locomotives<br>are going for $500-$700 each, but they are detailed to the max.<br>My point: Russ, let us know when you're ready to sell more items!<br>

I'm setting here, drooling all over my keyboard. These trains are wonderful. Some 30 or so years ago, my ex and I owned and operated a hobby shop in Okla.This was before RC and slot cars and trains were very big. We always kept a large selection of HO and N scales but would stock at least 6 Z scale sets forChristmas for the people who wanted something really nice but a little different. The brass was, as a rule, just to expensive to stock in any quantity but talkabout quality.<br><br>For those of you who collect Hotwheels (a moment of reverence please) and haven't been to a train show, GO TO ONE!!!! You think you have no interest butyou'll probably be watching for another one. My ex decided she wanted my N trains to "ease her pain" and after 27 years still won't sell themback to me so for several years I've been putting together a selection of N steam loco's and tenders for a static display. Anyway, congratulations arein order, cherish them, and best of luck to you and your mom. Grant/Mary

<blockquote> Some 30 or so years ago, my ex and I owned and operated a hobby shop in Okla. This was before RC and slot cars and trains were very big.</blockquote>Hey Streetrodder,<br>What years did you own your hobby shop, because trains were all the rage during<br>the 1950's, and slot cars were quite a big fad in the 1960's.<br>

Here are a few more pieces from my Dad's collection.<br><br>This one I thought was pretty cool, because there is a Volunteer fire department in the area with the name Meadowood.<br>(It says Meadowood logging co. on it)<br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1159.jpg" alt="image"><p>This piece just amazed me at its size in HO scale, an AHM/Rivarossi "Big Boy" 4-8-8-4<br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1160.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>And lastly a sweet brass piece that my Mom told me to take!<br><br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1163.jpg" alt="image"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1161.jpg" alt="image"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1162.jpg" alt="image"></p>

It appears as though your Dad had quite a collection ! - Some pretty nice stuff.<br><br>If you are at all interested, it appears that brass engine has a current market value in the ballpark of $325 ! ....<br><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=89&amp;products_id=68806">Caboose Hobbies Listing</a><br><br><br>Mark.

Hey Russ,<br><br>What's the date listed on the box of your AHM Union Pacific 'Big Boy'?<br>AHM was the predominant name in the earlier days, but then the name<br>was dropped, and later became Rivarossi.<br>

<blockquote> What's the date listed on the box of your AHM Union Pacific 'Big Boy'?</blockquote>I can't find a date on the box, the end flaps are missing (not sure if that's where it would be!) But looking up the prices on otherengines offered on the back of the box, it looks as though 1967-1968 would be about right. ( according to this site <a target="_blank" href="http://ho-scaletrains.net/ahmhoscaletrainscollectorsresource/id53.html">http://ho-scaletrains.net/ahmhoscaletrainscollectorsresource/id53.html</a> )

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/HO-RIVAROSSI-4-8-8-4-UNION-PACIFIC-BIG-BOY-NIB_W0QQitemZ150353426911QQcmdZViewItemQQptZModel_RR_Trains?hash=item2301c339df&amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&amp;_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50">http://cgi.ebay.com/HO-RI...3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50</a><br>.....but this is a newer version, and with a better running motor than the older AHM version.<br>I tried searching eBay for 'AHM Big Boy,' but came up empty handed. Maybe someone else will<br>chime in here. I'll keep checking some other sources.<br>

The AHM Big Boy was available from the late 60's through the early 80's at which point they were taken over by Rivarossi.<br><br>Everything you wanted to know about AHM products ....<br><br><a target="_blank" href="http://tycotrain.tripod.com/ahmhoscaletrainscollectorsresource/id114.html">AHM Big Boy</a> <br><br><br>Mark.

<br><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Santa-Fe-4-8-2-Mountain-locomotive_W0QQitemZ280360693177QQcmdZViewItemQQptZModel_RR_Trains?hash=item4146ccadb9&amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&amp;_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50">http://cgi.ebay.com/Santa...3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50</a><br><br>You might want to see what this ATSF 'mountain' ends up selling for?<br>Although, yours might be an earlier, or later version?<br>Fab edit: I just realized the pilot has become unsoldered which will deduct from the actual<br>fair market value making yours worth more, but it's worth a look to see what the seller gets for it!<br>

I've got a 4-8-8-4 Big Boy in "O" gauge Lionel. You ought to see that dude!

<blockquote> <strong class="quote-title">Iamredliner wrote:</strong> <hr> I've got a 4-8-8-4 Big Boy in "O" gauge Lionel. You ought to see that dude!</blockquote><br>.... All 32 inches of it, huh ? <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eek.gif" alt="image"> Is yours the 2006 release ?<br><br><br>Mark.<br>

<blockquote> <strong class="quote-title">Iamredliner wrote:</strong> <hr> I've got a 4-8-8-4 Big Boy in "O" gauge Lionel. You ought to see that dude!</blockquote><br><blockquote> .... All 32 inches of it, huh ? <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eek.gif" alt="image"> Is yours the 2006 release ?</blockquote><br>And $812 MSRP........Not sure if this was the 'longest' American steam locomotive or not,<br>but Union Pacific was notorious for 'large' motive power including diesel.<br>.<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c79/FabFaux/bigboy.jpg" alt="image"><br>

Hey Larry - That thing must have rapidly increased in value ! - This place is selling a new one for almost $2200.00 ! <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eek.gif" alt="image"> ....<br><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.toytrainfactoryoutlet.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&amp;ProdID=95">Lionel Big Boy</a><br><br>As an aside (I like facts and figures <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/wink.gif" alt="image">) - the Big Boy was the thirdlargest steam locomotive at 132'-10", followed by C&amp;O's M-1 at 154' and the longest being N&amp;W's Jawn Henry at a whopping161'-1" !!! <br><br><br>Mark.

Hey Mark,<br><br>This is where I saw the Lionel Big Boy, but are there two types offered?<br><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.internettrains.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&amp;Store_Code=IT&amp;Product_Code=LNL-611149">http://www.internettrains...;Product_Code=LNL-611149</a><br><br>I'm assuming true O Scale vs their toy train counterpart?<br>

Hmmm - Interesting .... both engines seem to spec out roughly the same ! (?)<br><br>Pays to shop around, huh ? <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/laugh.gif" alt="image"><br><br><br>Mark.

<blockquote> Hmmm - Interesting .... both engines seem to spec out roughly the same ! (?) <br><br> Pays to shop around, huh ? <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/laugh.gif" alt="image"></blockquote><br>Hey Mark,<br><br>You poor Canadians are just brainwashed into paying too dang much for stuff.<br>Or, you guys get burned in the shipping dept.!<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/chevyhoney/sad-smiley-034.gif" alt="image"><br>Being the cheap bastard that I am, it definitely pays to bargain hunt!<br><br>

These are a couple of N scale ones I thought looked cool.<br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1173.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="image"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1172.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>And another AHM/Rivarossi.<br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1174.jpg" alt="image"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1175.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>And I had to have this (its funny I really like the looks of the steam engines and the cabooses!)<br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1166.jpg" alt="image"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1167.jpg" alt="image"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Trains/IMG_1168.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>And lastly, I found another "stash area" of train stuff my Dad had, where I found these.<br><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Mainline%20n%20other/IMG_1177.jpg" alt="image"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Mainline%20n%20other/IMG_1178.jpg" alt="image"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/hanfam65/Mainline%20n%20other/IMG_1179.jpg" alt="image">

Hey Russ,<br><br>Can you please give a more complete description of that brass waycar, eeeerrrrrrr, I<br>mean caboose? (inside ATSF joke)<br>I'm not sure 'bout the others. Maybe good ol' Mark can shed some light?<img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/happy.gif" alt="image"><br>

I really know nothing about it other than what it says on the box.<br><br>V-H Models<br>CNR Caboose<br>handcrafted by<br>Samhongsa Co. Korea