.....in good, "runnable" condition? I saw one the other day at an antique shop; they were asking $45. Thanks Mark
Sorry, I should have been more precise. I was referring to an American Flyer #307. Sorry about that....... Mark
So if you factor in the costs you'll pay for shipping if you purchase one via the web, then $45 is certainly in the ballpark, yes?
You might be possibly within the proverbial "ball park." We don't know if the condition description is done as a train collector might, or? "Runnable condition" leaves out a lot. Are all the parts and pieces there? Paint condition? Any corrosion visible? Couple works? And... Boxcab E50
To be worth $45 it needs to be near mint according to bremners numbers. That is if the mint/new in the box is $50. I'm not familiar with the AF #307 but having collected Lionel for many years I know antique shops tend to value everything as if it's mint condition. From the few AF pieces I’ve had over the years, bremner’s values sound right. I found most AF never commanded the public’s attention like Lionel for antique value. Back to your engine in question. If it's plastic, check for chips and cracks. If it die-cast make sure there are no bent pieces, like the roof overhang. If it is bent, die cast is hard to straighten out without breaking. The paint may become cracked and chip when you straighten it out. Regardless of the type of engine, the numbers will need to clean, readable and all there with little or no wearing. Does it have a tender? It must be complete to be worth the price that they are asking for. It too must have no wear marks, chips, cracks or broken steps. I've past on many pieces in antique shops because the sellers don't know what they have and think anything with American Flyer or Lionel automatically makes it a gold mine. Having said that, if it looks complete body wise and you want to take on a project to restore or modify it might be worth that price to you. After all it’s the enjoyment you get from it that makes the value to you. A collector on the other hand may not be interested in buying it down the road if you have done much restoration or modification. Are you looking for a piece to run and enjoy? It might be a fair deal. If you are looking to turn around and move it down the road as an investment, it might not be such a good deal. I’d like to hear what you decide. If you do pick it up, post some pictures. Cheers, Greg
I ended up getting a #302; should be here in about a week, and will probably post questions about it then.......stay tuned........... Mark
Ok ,it arrived. It's actually a 302AC, with the one piece cast metal boiler; nice and heavy. The first thing I did was to separate the engine from the tender, so I could check the engine components. So far, everything seems to work; it needed a good cleaning,lube,etc. It smokes like crazy,is very quiet,and is a cool little machine. I'll be turning my attention to the tender next; the reverse unit "triggers" when power is applied, and the drum seems to turn freely, so it may be ok,too. The paint is pretty rough,and is missing a wheel set on the front truck. I'd like to convert it to a knuckle coupler as well; we'll see. Am enjoying my new foray into S scale very much; will probably be asking questions as I continue..... Mark in Oregon
