my name is philip serley. I volunteer at at toy train musum in Alamogordo, NM. I found a flat car with "BLT by LIONEL" on it number 0875 SEABOARD. so far i have found out that it was a missile car. but i am not able to find it in any price guides for Lionel trains. Can someone help me. Thank-you for any help.
thank-you for the info you provided. Can you please explain why this car is not in the price guides. Was this car made by lionel? or did someone just put lionel name on it.
I will not be at the musum until Sat. So until then i am not able to tell you which price guides i have. I am happy that i now know that it was made between 1959 and 1961. also the proce of it being 34.95. there are two things that are different about the car i have 1) does not have the missile 2) someone put slates in the holes along the sides of the car. We are not planning to sell but i needed a value.
You are a great resourse to have. If i have futher questions about Lionel products i will ask. talk to you on Sat.
Phil
Price guides are just that - guides.
The prices listed in the guides are an average taken from multiple sales sources - auction sites, online sales, etc. As such they should not be taken as the ''Final Word" on the value of an item.
The prices listed in the guides are based upon CONDITION, and are graded per certain accepted standards. (TCA I believe).
The best source for pricing is auction sites where you get real prices paid.
Prices listed in these guides are for items that are all original. Any modifications, missing pieces or damage will lower the value of the car. The price quoted in the above post is for the car in ''like new'' condition (TCA grade C8).
The car in the auction site is not in original condition. It is missing pieces and has been weathered, therefore it will command a lower price.
The car you have is missing the missile and has been modified, so it will be worth less than the lowest price in any guide.
Larry
Thank-you Larry for all the info you have given me.
The two price guides that i have access to are
1) Greenberg's pocket price guide
2) Collector's guide to prewar lionel trains by david doyle
I understand that these are guides. The prices in them are for high grades of items.
I use them as a starting point and discount from there
What I am confused about is why this car is not listed in Greenberg's?
what other online places can i look for lionel items?
again thank-you for finding the the info for this car
phil