Valuing Toy Trains

The value for trains, according to Trains.com depends on the availability, scarcity, and/or desirability of an item in a particular geographic region. That is why the best way to determine the value of a train in your city is to talk to a local hobby shop dealer who features toy trains. If that doesn't help, the dealer might be able to put you in contact with a local collector. You can also get an idea by attending train shows and swap meets. When you go, take your trains with you and ask collectors what they estimate the value to be. Finally, there are pocket price guides, by Greenberg Books, though remember. they are guides, not hard-fast rules. Supply and demand will cause fluctuations that can make the latest guide outdated.

The Train Collector's Association has developed a set of guidelines that rates the condition of all toy trains and accessories. The items may or may not be in their original boxes. Here's a breakdown.

C-10 Mint: brand new all original, unused and unblemished.
C-9 Factory New-Brand New: all original, unused, may evidence factory rubs and the slightest evidence of handling, shipping and having been test run at the factory.
C-8 Like New: Complete all original, no rust, no missing parts, may show effects of being on display and/or age, may have been run.
C-7 Excellent: all original minute scratches and paint nicks, no rust and no missing parts. No distortion of component parts.
C-6 Very Good: Minor scratches and paint nicks, minor spots of surface rust, free of dents. May have minor parts replaced.
C-5 Good: sign of play wear with scratches and minor paint loss. Small dents, minor surface rust. Evidence of heavy use.
C-4 Fair: Scratched, moderate paint loss, dented missing parts, surface rust. Evidence of heavy use.
C-3 Poor: Requires major body repair. Heavily scratched, major rust and missing parts. Restoration candidate.
C-2 Restoration required.
C-1 Junk: parts value only.

To see (and order) special edition trains or just to learn more, visit:

Train Collectors Association

If you are interested in connecting with other train collectors, visit the following Web site for a list of shows and other activities scheduled around the United States. If the list appears out-dated, go to the bottom and click on "Next 3 months."

Upcoming Train Events in the United States

You can also visit Trains.com to sign up for a free newsletter: Trains.com - Free newsletter

Or go to Trains.com and click on Collectibles to see a variety of ideas for train lovers.

By: Marc Dean

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Marc Dean is a freelance writer who writes for Preferred Consumer. He has done significant research online on articles, vacations, and resorts.