Marketability

I can only speak for myself, but if I had the choice, all my locomotives would be weathered. (Especially the scale ones)

The one I have seen seem to be over weathered. Besides I rather do it myself. 

Done properly....absolutely.

Hasn't Lionel offered several weathered engines over the years?

If they sold well, we'd see many more.

The problem with weathered engines is that you are not going to please everyone. Some like heavily weathered locomotives, others prefer a small dose. Best to let the owner handle how he wants them done.

Hard to answer.  As has been said, if it's done well it increases the value to me.  But what is perfect for one may not be for another and that is the problem.

 

Art

It's a niche market.  Weathering isn't something that's wanted by the vast majority of 3-rail customers. Weaver will weather its products to order, and Lionel occasionally releases a weathered engine or set. I don't think we will see a major expansion of pre-weathered locomotives and rolling stock any time soon. It's going to remain mostly a do it yourself project. 

I think that whenever you alter the appearance of an engine from the way it was manufactured, you limit the market that the product appeals to. Less of a market demand does have an influence on value.

Somebody will only buy it if it is weathered with the same technique as everything else they already own. 

 

In other words, it has to match.

 

I would say almost anything you do to a new o-gauge train, including mods and painting, will decrease its resale value.

In my opinion, no.  There are very few custom painters that accurately weather steam locomotives according to the prototype railroad. There were such huge differences in coal and water quality which seriously affect the external appearance of various locomotives. Also, not many custom painters know what really gets "dirty" and where on various steam locomotives. Many modelers don't know the exact differences, and thus don't care about "accurate weathering", and that's OK too. However, weathering is so very subjective, I really don't see a market for it with steam locomotive models. 

I have seen nicely weathered rolling stock go for beaucoup bucks on auction sites. I personally love the weathered look on any models. Not everyone does.

I think it's a tough call,  especially on a big ticket item like an engine. As others here have stated,  you would need to find buyers who think your weathering techniques are agreeable.

It's kind of like with custom autos and hot rods - very individual tastes.

If there is a market for weathered locos, Lionel will continue to offer the weathered locos it recently feathered.  We will see that fade away quietly if there is not.

The only thing Lionel sold weathered straight from the factory was the "Warhorse" series back in the 90's and some woodside reefers earlier.

 

The current offerings are contract after-market weathering of remaining stock.  This helps to avoid "blow out" pricing of overstock.

 

Rusty

My gut reactions is, no. I like all of my trains cars bright, shiny, and new. If I want them weathered I'd rather do it myself.

 

Different weathering on different cars in the same consists looks ODD.

Well, that must be why real freight trains look "ODD" then.

I think that one of the problems is that for the typical modeler, weathering is an "all or nothing" approach.  It just doesn't look right to have heavily weathered cars together with 'virgin' cars.

 

If I ever have time, I plan to give a light weathering to some of my freight cars and a couple of my engines.  I plan, however, to use chalks, so that if I not happy for the outcome, or change my mind, there is a way to go back.

 

Jim

I bought a lightly weathered boxcar from Weaver (no extra charge) and it looks good.

I bought Lionel's weathered water tank and it looks very good.

I don't know if I would want a new locomotive weathered. To me it would be like buying a new car and having winter's slush and dirt on it. No thanks, I want it new and shiny!

All most all of my engines are weathered And cars.

 I enjoy weathering my trains my self. Some get a little some get it harder.

I know that most of the guys in our club like there engines just as thy bought them.

 

HA!  Weathering? We don't need no stinkin' weathering...

 

 

 

Rusty

Rusty:

 

Great point! This picture says it all for those of us who like factory or paint shop fresh.

 

And that lasts how long in train service? Maybe one hour?

On my railroad, forever. 

 

I hate when that happens.  Did you ever notice this takes place between the 1st and 2nd car, then the 2nd and 3rd car, again between the 3rd and 4th car and so on and so on the entire length of the train.  What a BUMMER.    

 

Railroads need to keep all the trains permanently coupled together so they can weather more evenly.  No MORE ODD TRAINS.