Any Vintage Train collectors out there.?
 

Looking for some direction here if possible. I was contacted by a recent Widow who's husband collected vintage toy trains for many, many years, primarily, brand new in the box stuff. This a very large collection, quite a lot here.
I don't know anything about vintage trains, maybe a member here can offer some guidance.? Much appreciated.

Not a expert. I know that all older train sets are highly collectible. I have a beat up Lionel set I had a a kid that I think priceless. We have two train dealers alone in Utah. I'm sure where your at there are a lot more. lionelcollectors.org won't give you appraisals but has other info. Good luck with your search.

Your best source of info may be a local club, swap meets, and open houses.
Here is a link to 1 such club and at the bottom of the page is a link to their open houses and swap meets.


https://coltrains.com/special-events

Your Best value for returns are on High end NOS like H.O. Scale Brass Steam locomotives and Diesels in factory paint and in pristine condition. Likewise TINPLATE i.e. O or O27 scale Vintage American Flyer and Lionel can be very desirable also.

I liken it to a family that might gain access to a Bunch of Vintage "OLD" car parts in pretty GM boxes but no access to the knowledge or desire just to throw the baby out with the bath water.

Look to a local Model Railroad CLub in the appropriate "scale" and reach out to the membership or officers of the club for a preview and independent input.
BE mindful with "Hobby Shops" and "Swap meet sellers". (Said in the most respectful way possible)

Jim

Nicholas Trains may help with values. This is also the home of K & G Speed Associates.






http://www.nicholassmithtrains.com/store/

Willis Hobbies in Mineola should be able to help

There's alot of interest in pre/post war metal trains.Plastic,not so much.
Facebook has many loyal train pages that can help you bypass any brokers,and trust me,there are 1000's of them.