263E

Looking at the Craigslist listing, the SET is legitimate Prewar issued, NOT a remake.  The components would have been Set 197W, from 1938-1939.  The only missing car was a 3859 Dump car, which is easily replaced.  Some extras listed were the 1045 Gateman, 1 floodlight, 2 lampposts.  I think the prices you are comparing, are for just the Loco & Tender.  This set is listed at $1100(VG-boxes); $1500(EXC-boxes); $1000(VG-No boxes.  Looking at the condition of the cars, I would put them at VG-EXC condition.  The pilot & trailing trucks have suffered Zinc Rot, but those parts are available from most suppliers.  Your one option would be to make an offer, if the $1000 scares you.

That’s pretty amazing. I could not for my

life find anything to price the original production’s value. Thank you so much and I’ll see if we can come to an agreement!

I have the Guide to Lionel Prewar Sets, by Dave McEntarfer, which lists the components, years made, values as I posted with/without boxes, etc.  I’m not looking at the book at the moment, but there were 4 sets in Gun Metal Grey.

I’m pretty new to the hobby. I’ve always had sets but never year round ones so I’m still trying to learn. I really oughtta get some of these books. I keep seeing them but never purchase them. I feel like they could pay themselves off rather quickly.

I would not recommend buying old trains with the idea you will make money when you sell it unless you are competent at the following:

1. Truly understand the value and desirability of what you are buying. If it will take you a year to sellit, is it worth it to you?

2. Can perform any needed repairs and replace anything missing.

3. Know the best way to sell it. Do you keep it together or piece it out? Where do you sell it? Ebay, here, craigslist? 

Unless you can get it for 20/30% or its retail value I would not buy it with the intent to flip it. If you like it and want to add it to your collection, figure out what you want to pay for it and male him an offer.

Good luck!

Personally, I don't think the set is worth $1000. I usually prefer not to go by the prices in price guides since I doubt most people will pay the suggested price.

The Marx accessories aren't worth much.

I think $600-$800 would be more reasonable. I personally wouldn't go for it, since I'm a cheapskate... but that's just my 2 cents.

Leaning towards what Brian states, what bothers me is what looks like an eunit plunger along with the rotted pilot truck wheels. Yes, parts are available but....be cautious 

You're likely to find something similar on Ebay for much less, or keep browsing around your area. I don't think it would be too difficult.

It was a really good deal, but I ended up buying this set at the local hobby shop for $270. It didn't have the original boxes like your set does, but I buy to run and I'd much rather have the trains than boxes.

Here are a few nice prewar sets I found just on the first page for Buy it now on Ebay...

f:0&LH_BIN=1" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIONE...59f:0&LH_BIN=1

f:0" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lione...we7ZcKnZb:rk:18f:0 (I really like this one)

iUAAOSwRF1cCvBN:rk:35f:0" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pre-W...wRF1cCvBN:rk:35f:0

f:0" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIONE...w91JcAbNK:rk:45f:0

DgAAOSwi1lcEU%7E4:rk:41f:0&LH_BIN=1" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIONE...41f:0&LH_BIN=1

f:0&LH_BIN=1" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lione...54f:0&LH_BIN=1

f:0&LH_BIN=1" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIONE...71f:0&LH_BIN=1

Brian Liesberg posted:

You're likely to find something similar on Ebay for much less, or keep browsing around your area. I don't think it would be too difficult.

It was a really good deal, but I ended up buying this set at the local hobby shop for $270. It didn't have the original boxes like your set does, but I buy to run and I'd much rather have the trains than boxes.

Here are a few nice prewar sets I found just on the first page for Buy it now on Ebay...

f:0&LH_BIN=1" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIONE...59f:0&LH_BIN=1

f:0" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lione...we7ZcKnZb:rk:18f:0 (I really like this one)

iUAAOSwRF1cCvBN:rk:35f:0" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pre-W...wRF1cCvBN:rk:35f:0

f:0" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIONE...w91JcAbNK:rk:45f:0

DgAAOSwi1lcEU%7E4:rk:41f:0&LH_BIN=1" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIONE...41f:0&LH_BIN=1

f:0&LH_BIN=1" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lione...54f:0&LH_BIN=1

f:0&LH_BIN=1" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIONE...71f:0&LH_BIN=1

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Liesberg posted:

Personally, I don't think the set is worth $1000. I usually prefer not to go by the prices in price guides since I doubt most people will pay the suggested price.

The Marx accessories aren't worth much.

I think $600-$800 would be more reasonable. I personally wouldn't go for it, since I'm a cheapskate... but that's just my 2 cents.

I’m a cheap too man no worries😂😂 and as for the other sets I’ll take a look. I also buy to run. I do my own repairs and usually stick to conventional models but I saw this and was intrigued at the condition and decided to do a little research. My only planned move right now is to get my hands on a 0-6-0 or 0-4-0 steam switcher. I’m in love with that style and I cannot find one in great condition in my price range. Soon enough I guess. Their readily available but I’m broke from Christmas and I’ll just have to wait it out I guess. Thanks for all the help everyone Happy New Year!

At todays values its not a $1000 set. The loco and tender with box maybe $350 the cars $250 or so. The gateman $25, the marx accessories are a buck or so each. Track is just extra weight unless its T rail. Transformers are just dead weight. Boxes are mostly tattered. Loco and tender boxes look decent. No set box. Id say $600 plus shipping tops.

TIN

I sold a really nice version of that set  (without the boxes) last summer for $600. It was a little less than I thought I would get, but it was at the trading tables on the last day of the TCA convention, and I was trying not to bring too much home. Mine didn't have the tools in the gondola, but it was full "excellent" and in perfect operating condition. I'd say with the extra accessories, and the missing items, I'd second Lioneltin's assessment of $600.

BIC

If you purchase this set, let me know I think I have some wheel sets that will work for that 263e locomotive. They came from a parts lot I got from my father-in-law when he died about 5 years ago.

thanks

Malcolm(Popi).

Timothy Sprague posted:

I sold a really nice version of that set  (without the boxes) last summer for $600. It was a little less than I thought I would get, but it was at the trading tables on the last day of the TCA convention, and I was trying not to bring too much home. Mine didn't have the tools in the gondola, but it was full "excellent" and in perfect operating condition. I'd say with the extra accessories, and the missing items, I'd second Lioneltin's assessment of $600.

Popi posted:

BIC

If you purchase this set, let me know I think I have some wheel sets that will work for that 263e locomotive. They came from a parts lot I got from my father-in-law when he died about 5 years ago.

thanks

Malcolm(Popi).

Thanks guys. I went on vacation and I believe he sold it or took it down. I’m not usually a tinplate set guy I stick to the die cast models but it was a beautiful set and  if I was really trying to get into tinplate I would’ve jumped on the deal.