Millions of Americans enjoy the hobby of collecting and building model trains. So of course, there is often a common question of what to do with old model trains. If you are collector and your looking to downsize your collection, or if you inherited model trains from a relative, you might be wondering if it makes sense to sell the trains, or how to store them in a way that ensures they don’t get damaged. In this article, we will cover what you need to know about old model trains and the best ways to sell them, store them, appraise their value, or dispose of them. Here at Charles Ro Supply Company, we are one of the largest and most trusted model train supply stores in America. If you are looking for more information about different types of model trains or how to get missing pieces for a model train set, please contact our team or visit our online store for more information.
How Do I Evaluate An Old Model Train Set
If you are completely new to model train collecting and you find a relative’s collection up in the attic you might be wondering where to start. The first step in the process should be figuring out exactly what you have on your hands. For the trains you will want to figure out their make, their gauge/scale, and their overall condition. This can be valuable if you plan on selling these trains to other collectors. Model trains have an extremely storied history that can impact their value. Older models that are more unique can be more valuable to collectors. However, modern trains can also be valuable. Of course, like with reselling anything the most important factor is the condition of the train. If your model trains are in pristine condition you might be able to find some interested buyers.
How Do You Sell Model Train Sets?
There are a few options for selling model trains. The common tradeoff is how much you will get (and when you will get it) vs how much effort you are willing to put in. For example, train shows often provide better prices because you will be meeting collectors in person. That said it can take a while to find the right buyer and you are likely going to be spending considerable effort going to these shows. Alternatively, you can sell online through various online retailers. Of course, online buying and selling is still effort-heavy and requires you to know exactly what you have and what it is worth so you are not misled by a buyer. There are also resellers who might be willing to pickup and buy your model trains but usually at a lower price so that they can make a profit when they find a buyer.
How Do You Store Model Train Sets?
If you are not looking to throw away or sell model trains but maybe put them away until someone else in your family is interested in them, it is important to store them properly so they retain their value. Ideally, you will want to put trains back in their boxes or in opaque containers to ensure that they are not damaged by sunlight. You will also want to find a temperature-controlled and dry area to store them to ensure they are not impacted by weather conditions or moisture in the air. You should avoid using newspapers or bubble wrap as they can smudge the trains or leave circular marks on them.
Shop For Model Trains and Model Train Accessories Online
If you are looking to find replacement pieces for a model train set or are looking to add model trains to your collection, you should check out our online store to shop by make and model.
