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John K
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 Posted - September 06 2010 : 11:51:53 AM
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Hello,
I have had my HO collection in moth balls for years. I went to look it up on my excel spread sheet (as I have all my collections) and it wasnt there :-(. Lost all the info I had on my HO stuff.
I am trying to put together a cheep set from collection to give my nephew.
All my HO stuff is new in the box never played with. Example I have a new in the box (outside box is very rough ..... because it was to large to put in one of my containers but
all inside boxex are mint) Tyco Long Hauler 7317.
I wont break that down for him unless the value of this as a set isnt there. With my other collections it is better to keep as a set and just give him a single boxed item.
Could someone point me in the direction of orginal costs (what I paid way back when) and todays costs (I realize its only worth what someone is willing to pay)? I have an old Green Book from years ago for my Lionel but I know thats out of date too.
Thanks
John
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Posted - September 06 2010 : 12:03:36 PM
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Even if it's brand new and never been run, any locomotive that is nearly 30 years old will need to be completely serviced before you run it. The grease on the geartrain has likely hardened and will need to be cleaned off & fresh grease applied, and the armature shaft bearings & axles will need some oil. Also, the traction tires may be hardened and dry rotted and need to be replaced.
If you are seeking accurate values, this forum is a good place to start. Put some pictures of your items on the forum and you will get some honest estimates. Ebay is also a valuable resource here, but do not look at anything with a "Buy it Now" price as a reference-a lot of times these prices are very unrealistic, and the item will probably never sell at that price. Look instead at items that are close to the ends of their auctions and have actual bids. Not an absolutley perfect solution, but a place to start.
If you are hesitant to part with your Tyco items becasue of sentimentality or their potential increase in value, Athearn has some very nice starter sets available, most at very reasonable prices.
Edited by - a6m5zerosen on September 06 2010 12:43:26 PM
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Posted - September 06 2010 : 12:51:07 PM
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Quote from a 2006 post - " I received a Tyco Brown Box set with a Chessie System engine for Christmas in 1974. I believe it was the Long Hauler 7317, but only because that seems to be the only set available in '74 with a Chessie engine.
I saw a set just like mine at a local train show about 3 yrs (2003) ago for $99. "
So, not sure how good an estimate that would be, but assuming it's mint, has all the accessories with it, that would seem to me to be a good rough estimate of value. So your set could possibly be in the $75-125 range today. Just all depends.
Jerry in Virginia
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - September 06 2010 : 2:37:35 PM
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[quoteI saw a set just like mine at a local train show about 3 yrs (2003) ago for $99.] [/quote]
Is that using al Gore's "fuzzy math"???
Walt
Luck, usually comes dressed in work clothes...
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Posted - September 06 2010 : 3:34:18 PM
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quote:| [quoteI saw a set just like mine at a local train show about 3 yrs (2003) ago for $99.] |
Is that using al Gore's "fuzzy math"???
Originally posted by walt - September 06 2010 : 2:37:35 PM
[/quote]
No, Walt, the post was in 2006 (from the Tyco Forum, did a search), so 3 years BEFORE that is 2003. Get it? 
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - September 06 2010 : 4:20:36 PM
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OOOOHHH YEEES!!!,, I see! I'm just no used to posting quotes from several years back...
Sorry , my goof
Walt
Luck, usually comes dressed in work clothes...
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Posted - September 06 2010 : 10:53:23 PM
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I always give this advice to people: if you're giving a set to a youngster and it's intended to be run, don't go with a TYCO locomotive. They're just too high maintenance. They didn't run that great when new, and they certainly don't after 20-30 years. They're great for tinkerers and nostalgia buffs, but to get a kid started I'd get them something that won't fail. I like to recommend the Athearn starter sets like the Iron Horse or Warbonnet sets. They've got a loco that will run well, rolling stock, a circle of track, and a decent transformer. A couple years ago I got one for under $60 on ebay, but those deals are harder to find. They run closer to 100-120 now, which was the original price range anyway. I firmly believe if every boy and girl found one of those sets under their tree on Christmas morning, we could give this hobby a little boost for the coming years.
But if that isn't feasible, go with the TYCO rolling stock, accessories, and track if it's clean, just replace the loco. I think Athearns are a great starter because they're fairly sturdy, run reliably out of the box, and parts are available if needed. I just don't want to see kids get burned out on the hobby because their locomotive stopped running or needs constant repair.
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John K
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Posted - September 08 2010 : 09:27:03 AM
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Guys,
Thanks for the responses. I have decided to keep my Tyco intact. As in other collectables (not that this piece is a great $$ amount) it may be worth a little more as a set as opposed to being pieced out.
After digging out all my Ho stuff I have found more than enough lose pieces to give him a very nice set.
Will be keeping an eye on eBay (and similar) for current prices and about ½ of my stuff still have to original price tags on them.
Thanks Again
John
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