NicksTrains.com
Home    Appraisals    Contact    ebay

Buy Sell Appraise

If you have toy trains you're considering selling or are researching, then please email or call me.  I will ultimately need to know the 3 or 4 digit number of each item (usually found on the sides or bottom) and its condition (see grading standards below).  I will also need to know whether the item has its original box and the condition of the box if present.  Some boxes exceed the value of the train (but that is least often the case).  If a box is missing its flaps, has writing on it, etc, then the value is minimal. 

Ideally, I would be sent an Excel (or similar) list with each item number, the condition of each item, whether the box is included, and the condition of the box.  I would then be sent digital photos. I will let you know their ballpark value and give you an offer usually within 24-48 hours.  For example:
 

Item #	Item Condition	Box (Y/N)	Box Condition	Notes
736 locomotive	Very Good	Y	Poor	Box missing flaps, has tape, etc.

Some dealers ask that you send them your trains for inspection and then will let you know what they are worth.  I would never send anyone a train to ask what they think it's worth nor would I ask that you do it.  Too often, people do this and get nothing in return or are sent a different piece than what was sent (the old switcheroo).  Pictures can most often show the items' condition well enough. 

I consign many trains on ebay.  I have an excellent reputation with 100% positive feedback.  I take pride in taking multiple clear, close up photos of the items I list.  If I was to decline buying your items, I would offer to consign them on ebay for you.  I typically only purchase those postwar trains with nice original boxes.  I do not purchase trains made after 1969 (modern era trains). I only consign those items. 
 

Grading Standards

MINT - Brand New all original, unused and unblemished.
FACTORY NEW - Brand New all original, unused, may evidence factory rubs and the slightest evidence of handling, shipping and having been test run at the factory.
LIKE NEW - Complete all original, no rust, no missing parts, may show effects of being on display and/or age, may have been run.
EXCELLENT - all original minute scratches and paint nicks, no rust and no missing parts. No distortion of component parts.
VERY GOOD - Minor scratches and paint nicks, minor spots of surface rust, free of dents. May have minor parts replaced.
GOOD - Sign of play wear with scratches and minor paint loss. Small dents, minor surface rust. Evidence of heavy use.
FAIR - Scratched, moderate paint loss, dented missing parts, surface rust. Evidence of heavy use.
POOR - Requires major body repair. Heavily scratched, major rust and missing parts. Restoration candidate.
JUNK - Restoration required - parts value only.

If you have questions about your trains, email or call me at (949) 305-TRAIN (8724).

Greg Nicholas
Greg@NicksTrains.com
(949) 305-TRAIN (8724)
TCA, LCCA, TTOS, NASG, PCA