I am not an 'O Gage Modeler but I have a friend that is in search of a 1950's vintage Lionel Set. Not sure if he cares about the style or the number of cars. I just thought I would ask and hopefully get a few replys. I would apprecciate any advice and info as to how much, and where one could be obtained. Thanks,
John, That's a loaded question! There are so many different things that factor into the price of a 50s-era Lionel train set, primarily condition. Plus, there were a lot of train sets made by Lionel in the 50s, so there are quite a few out there. I'd first suggest picking up the current issue of Classic Toy Trains (from Kalmbach) and maybe a few back issues. You'll find a lot of info about Lionel and other brands of trains. This issue highlights the Lionel releases of 1956. Next, check out the ads in CTT. Many of the dealers sell old Lionel trains. However, be ready to pay a premium price for mint-condition or new-condition postwar Lionel. The next step would be to check out eBay. Lots of Lionel trains are sold there. Also, go to local swap meets and see what you find. This is maybe the best place, since you can see what's available. There are two good price guides available, from Kalmbach and TM Book and Video. Either will give you a good idea of what trains are selling for. Good Luck! Pat
There are some common sets. And then there are those harder to find, and being thus more desirable, cost a lot more. I'd browse eBay. You can get an idea or two there. Also, there are the Greenberg Price Guides. If you can find one of these, they'll give an idea of what's out there, and ball park cost. Boxcab E50
Yes it really comes down to what kind of set you are looking for and what kind of options. If you are looking for a mint set with boxes, large engine (like a berkshire) and one of the premium transformers, be prepared to shell out a 1000 or more dollars. If you were looking for a basic set in decent running shape without any of the fancy operating vehicles, a small stock transfomer, loop of track that may be in an unmarked box all rolled up in newspaper, you can probably find stuff starting on E-bay between around $100-$150 in decent condition. (Non scout sets) Also I noticed you live in the midwest and thats a great place for train shows. You may want to check out a few local shows just to get an idea of what it is you are looking for and what kind of prices you can expect to pay. Good luck and tell you friend to have fun rediscovering the hobby!
Look for a train show and go there with about 150-200 cash in hand. There are train shows dedicated to tinplate so those are the best to go to for this. MY LHS Caboose hobbies carries Lionel and flyer items. They do mail order and are very reliable. http://www.caboosehobbies.com/ Mizells also in colorado has these items: http://www.mizelltrains.net/lionel/index.htm Tons more to be found out there. Try ebay and do some google searches as well. Here is my favorite link on lionels so far they also sell stuff: http://www.postwarlionel.com/
WOW, Just goes to show, all ya have to do is ask. I really appreciate all of the replys and will most definetly forward on the information gaind here. Thank You all so very much! Just one question, Pat I am not familiar with CTT could you please enlighten this un-informed soul? Thanks Again!! John
CTT is Classic Toy Trains, It's a magazine for tin-platers, hi-railers, O-scalers and the like. You should be able to find it at most decent big box bookstores, probably your local hobby store, possibly anyplace that has a good selection of magazines. (Even some of the cigar shops here in Tucson carry it.)
That's a nice site. I'm going to keep it bookmarked. Those are the trains I grew up with. Boxcab E50 </font>[/QUOTE]Just saw the comment. NP, I always like to share good links. That one took about a week to stumble across and it's a real keeper.
