Which Lionel trains are worth money?

10 Most Valuable Lionel Trains in The World

How can you tell how old a Lionel train is?

The Information Is Most Likely On The Model Itself Fortunately, you won’t even have to do any disassembly of your model to determine the exact age. As long as it’s still readable and intact, you can usually find a small metal plaque attached to the side or bottom of the train.

Do old Lionel trains have value?

Lionel trains’ value varies depending on design, materials, and era. At auction, Lionel train sets, pieces, and accessories can sell for a few hundred dollars or for a few thousand dollars, depending on the rarity and condition of the piece. Lionel collectors tend to have a lifelong passion for model railroading.

How much does a Big Boy train cost?

Rides cost $350 for a one-way ticket. Passengers riding in executive class reserved an eight-seat private business car at the end of the train at a price tag of $15,000. Big Boy will pull several cars during its L.A.-area visit.

How much is a Lionel train from the 1950s worth?

Lionel No. This train set was manufactured in 1950. It is worth $1,050 to $2,500. It sold at $1,600. This train set has the most impressive engine of its era.

How much is a 1957 Lionel train worth?

At auction, this set would probably sell for, depending on how well it could clean up, between $7,000 and $9,000.

How do I value a model train?

Model railway valuations are determined by a number of important factors. Sometimes the serial number on the side of a locomotive can make a massive difference to a model train value….The main factors which influence an item’s value are:

1. Condition.
2. Age.
3. Rarity.
4. Modifications.
5. Production run variations.

Where is the model number on a Lionel train?

Lionel almost always placed their identification number underneath the cab of the locomotive.

Can you ride up 4014?

Seats aboard the Big Boy No. 4014 steam train that will travel on Union Pacific tracks are limited. Ticket holders will be invited to stay the weekend and experience Railroad Days free of charge. Tickets, ranging in price from $400-$750, will be available for sale to the general public on May 28.

How much is a 1935 Lionel train set worth?

$2,500 to $3,000
These are not rare cars, but this is a great engine. And the whole set together would easily bring $2,500 to $3,000 at auction.

How do I sell a Lionel train set?

Sell toy trains locally If you’re up for it, there are still many local model railroad swap meets where you can find willing buyers. Or, use digital venues like Craigslist, Kijiji (in Canada), and Facebook Marketplace to list items for sale. This typically works better for smaller collections.

Are model trains worth anything?

If you are trying to determine the value of a toy model train set, this is a common quandary. Simply put, the set is worth whatever a buyer would be willing to pay for it. But, if you are trying to get a ballpark figure, there are a few good ways to place value on model trains or any other collectible.

What do Lionel numbers mean?

The Lionel Corp. used a four-digit number to identify its postwar rolling stock. In some cases cars also carried a one, two, or three-digit suffix. Though many times cars with the same number exhibit slight differences, or variations, Lionel usually assigned a new number if a car received major changes.

How much does it cost to ride 4014?

4014 steam train that will travel on Union Pacific tracks are limited. Ticket holders will be invited to stay the weekend and experience Railroad Days free of charge. Tickets, ranging in price from $400-$750, will be available for sale to the general public on May 28. Passengers must be 18 years or older to board.

Why is there a diesel locomotive behind Big Boy?

Q: Why is a diesel with Big Boy 4014? A: The diesel serves many purposes. Its dynamic braking saves brake shoes. Its power provides a boost that saves on No.

Why do Lionel trains have 3 rails?

Lionel used the center rail for power and the two outer rails for ground. This made complex track setups very simple using the technology of the day. For example, with a three-rail system, the track can loop back on itself without any issues.

How much did it cost to restore the Big Boy 4014?

“Nobody ever thought that a Big Boy would be restored to operation. Ever.” Union Pacific hasn’t said how much the restoration cost, but Wrinn estimated at least $4 million based on similar restorations. The result will be one of just six to eight steam engines still operational on mainline U.S. railroad tracks.

Can passengers ride the Big Boy train?

Passengers must be 18 years or older to board. Patrons of the Union Pacific Museum will be offered advance opportunity to purchase tickets. Big Boy No. 4014 was delivered to Union Pacific in December 1941.

What fuel does the Big Boy use?

Coal
Union Pacific Big Boy

How long of a train can a Big Boy pull?

5.5 miles
Theoretically, the Big Boy could pull a train 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long on flat ground from a standing start. In practice, the engine routinely pulled over 100 cars. During World War II, the Big Boys spent most of their time moving freight between Ogden and Green River.

Are Lionel trains a good investment?

Middle-aged men drove the boom period of Lionel trains as a good investment because it’s typically from about the ages 40-60 that people are best able to pursue hobbies. By age 40, their careers tend to be pretty well established, and they have disposable income.