How to unload massive Lot of NON-LEGO model trains?

[c4dreams]

Sorry this isn't lego related, so I'll try to be brief, but I'm not sure where else to turn for advice.  My friend's dad just passed away and my friend inherited 30+ containers full of unopened model trains, tracks and accessories.  I'm guessing over $10,000 retail worth of train stuff.  But trains aren't as popular as lego, so does anybody have any advice how we could unload this huge lot, other than parting it out and selling it on ebay and craigslist?  I already looked on facebook and couldn't find any train groups here in houston, and there's only one local train collector hobby shop.... thanks in advance guys!

[KingKiwi]

8 hours ago, c4dreams said:

Sorry this isn't lego related, so I'll try to be brief, but I'm not sure where else to turn for advice.  My friend's dad just passed away and my friend inherited 30+ containers full of unopened model trains, tracks and accessories.  I'm guessing over $10,000 retail worth of train stuff.  But trains aren't as popular as lego, so does anybody have any advice how we could unload this huge lot, other than parting it out and selling it on ebay and craigslist?  I already looked on facebook and couldn't find any train groups here in houston, and there's only one local train collector hobby shop.... thanks in advance guys!

I think eBay could be the best way as you'll reach out across the whole country. Since some train collections could have some rare and valuable items, I'd place them on eBay and let the market find the best price. I know it means taking a lot of photos and packing a lot of boxes, but you'll get a hell of a lot more than by simply dumping it on one go locally. If you have the space and not desperate for money, I'd make a start on eBay now, making sure that I have good photos, accurate descriptions and model codes, etc. Good luck!

If it's quality stuff, trains are at least as popular as Lego, they certainly are in the UK. If I was near you, I'd be knocking on your door this afternoon! 😉

[Pseudoty]

2 hours ago, BorderTerrier said:

I think eBay could be the best way as you'll reach out across the whole country. Since some train collections could have some rare and valuable items, I'd place them on eBay and let the market find the best price. I know it means taking a lot of photos and packing a lot of boxes, but you'll get a hell of a lot more than by simply dumping it on one go locally. If you have the space and not desperate for money, I'd make a start on eBay now, making sure that I have good photos, accurate descriptions and model codes, etc. Good luck!

If it's quality stuff, trains are at least as popular as Lego, they certainly are in the UK. If I was near you, I'd be knocking on your door this afternoon! 😉

Agreed.  I had a ton of MTH trains, track and accessories that normally would go for $0.25-0.50 on the dollar but due to supply issues I was able to sell everything used at MSRP or better. I did several FB bulk buys and the rest on ebay and everything sold fast.  Not sure if the supply issues have fully resolved but I was glad to free up the space and recover my expenses.