Would anybody be willing to help estimate the worth of the following products.
I can supply some photos if needed, but I would like to describe the product:
I have a 1950's Lionel Union Pacific train set with engine number 2033. It is not a complete set, but I do have the most important pieces, the trains.
The engine set is an ALCO AA Union Pacific engine set with a powered unit and a dummy unit. My particular set I think was from 52' because there is no dark grey stripping or a circular bump on the top of the engine as found in a similar model under the same number. The Dummy unit is in really good shape with all the original wiring and frame. The shell only has minor scratches. There are no Pieces missing that I can see. On the C scale I would grade it as a C-7
The powered unit Is in a bit worse shape. My Grandfather, before he packed it away whenever, left the battery in the housing, allowing it to explode and leak acid on the frame. Thankfully, the shell was not damaged. The only thing I have done was brush off the extra battery acid and remove the battery. No polishing, not heavy cleaning, just a bit of WD-40. Obviously it is in no condition to run, so I would rate it myself as a C-4. There is still no pieces missing on this engine.
Then comes the cars. All three have the normal wear, no large scratches, just small ones from being in a box with track. I can see the bare plastic (yellowish tint) in only a couple places. One thing I noticed is that one car has just a pit of white paint on it that could just wash off, and the same car has had it's roof replaced. So for all three cars, no major scratches, one car has some paint on it and a roof replaced. I'd give all three a C-5 or a C-6 rating.
There is also a fourth observation car that looked like an add-on. It does not appear in any of the sets I have looked up online, but has the same paint scheme. THe only thing about this car is one coupler is broke. C-5?
I have no box, no papers, no transformer that's safe, and no original track.
So what does anybody think? I think personally the set is worth $200-$250.
Other questions would be: Should I buy a new powered unit for this set? Would that raise or lower the value? How about just a new chassis and motor for the powered unit? With the car with paint on it, should I wash it? If so, can I do it with out hurting the plastic?
I don't necessarily need a specific, all out appraisal, just some opinions from some more knowledgeable people than me. I also don't plan to sell, and won't be disappointing with any answers. I don't really plan to sell the set, just want to know generally how much it's worth.
Any help is appreciated, Thanks in advance.
