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>