I won one of the Micro-Trains Presidential Oath of Office Cars. (Thank you again Micro-Trains) I have received the car and it is very nice. I hadn't said anything about winning it but after Micro-Trains posted the info about this month's winners I received several emails from people and almost everyone wants to buy the car. Now, I haven't seen this car on eBay, or anywhere for that matter, for sale and several of the offers to buy it are very, very interesting. (More like, HOW MUCH???) Does anyone have a realistic idea of what one of these cars is worth right now? I know there are a limited number of these cars but is this a car I should lock up or just a really unique car to display? (Yes, it would be kept in its box so the "factory air" doesn't escape.)
I would assume that if you think you might be interested in selling it, now would be the time. Once all the winners have received theirs, it will be that much easier for those who are very interested in buying one to find one. And since the supply will be up (granted its still very small), the price will be lower since there are more options available. I dont think locking things like the MTL collector cars away is a good idea. Its more of a spur of the moment kind of thing and the car has no real value in the materials (its just plastic). So once the novelty wears off, so will the value. Now if I had one, I'd run it on the layout like any other car as I'd have no intention to sell it, nor preserve it (that's not saying I'd allow it to deteriorate, I'd just treat it like any other car I own) . I'd see it as a trophy/raffle I won for participating in the monthly quiz and want to show it off. If I was highly strapped for cash, then I might entertain the idea of selling. As far as it's current value, no idea. I'd say it's currently the most rare MTL car (but thats just a guess), so maybe price it a little higher than what the next highest demand collector car is going for (is it still the California State car?) and see how much interest you get then. You have the car, so you control the bidding. If you start high, you can always come down, but if you start low, you will never know how high you could have gone.
There is no way anyone could really even guess. It's worth whatever the highest bid might be right now. Tomorrow? That could be another story. :tb-wacky: Boxcab E50
I'd lower the ride height, fit it with FVM wheels, body mount Z scale couplers, weather it and invite all the MT collectors round to watch me run it to death on the layout.:tb-wink:
Put it on eBay and let the bidders determine the value. Email all those who are interested that have contacted you with the item number and let them have at it. Do it now before the supply goes up and the interest wanes (as others have mentioned here). Timing is everything for rare or hot items.
I would put it on e-bay and used the money from it to get other stuff for my RR. Who knows you might be able to fund a loco or two from the winnings.
Ok ok, if you really want to, we would be willing to accept it as a donation for a TrainBoard support auction. Just think of the tax write off! :shut-mouth:
I'm both a runner and a bit of a collector. If I had to put a price on it (and remember there will only be at the most 220 made), I would estimate at least in the same price range of the Illinois state car - $200. That is with or without "factory air." I keep trying to win one but if I don't, lets talk. I wouldn't be able to go $200 but I'd consider letting Westfalen weather it.
PacRail, If you want to ensure you receive a top value fair price for that car, I have a friend in Florida who is the most prolific MTL and N scale collector in the USA, and if he isn't he is certainly in the top 5. I do not want to spread his name on a public forum without his permission, but I would give you his name and city for contacting and sale purposes. My email address is in my profile. I am probably the most opposite person of any collector, but this is one special MT car that just oozes collection and not running, and even if I won one, I would do as you are doing, preserving it to the best possible way, even with "factory air' in the box. Personally, I also feel this model is destined for collecting as a legacy in our hobby and scale. Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
Thank you all for the responses and PMs. It really showed why I appreciate Trainboard and the great people we have in the n scale community. I am leaning towards selling the car. Not because I want to but because I too am going through what several of you are also going through in this economy. Thanks again to everyone.
I personally respect your decision and also you being forthright about it with the group. I believe you will be setting the price standard as I have not seen any others come on the market. If I might offer a suggestion, be sure to get several quotations from various sources and then let perhaps let the Trainboard folks try to beat the best deal. V/r, Andy Tetsu Uma
All the Presidents men Unless your collecting the Fantasy President set I would do the same and sell it now The reason being that when the series is complete who's not to say that this car will be the last car run? I mean they set print so did they do a 300 run and will release them after all the Presidents men? And that will complete the set or will NSC release it? Will someone pay too much and have egg on their face!! It's a gamble unless you have the inside story..sell it while only a handful are released..I hope you make a bundle!!!!!
The only one I've seen for sale went for something north of $100 on eBay, and that was a while ago, probably one of the first winners. I believe that this run is going to be limited to pretty close to the number of winners with not much overage. That would be five (five winners a month) multiplied by the number of contests that they are holding. Not sure whether MTL will end the contest when the winning answer becomes completely obvious. No, I haven't won one yet...
Just for the sake of me being nosy, is there a picture? EDIT: Nevermind, didn't know what to be looking for, found the MTL site. Purty boxcar.
Well I just posted it for sale in the Purchase It Now section of the n scale classifieds on here. It is priced below what most of the estimates I have received for it have been. (Okay, it is priced well below almost all the estimates.) I thought I would give people on here first chance at it. Thanks again for all your input.