Help understanding what I have

[00 Noob]

I hope someone here can help, or point me in the right direction to somewhere or someone that can: I've inhereted a pretty large quantity of Hornby stuff, I'm not sure what to do with it all and how to move it on?

This is a collection going back to the 1950's some of the early stuff is the original Hornby/Meccano tin toys, some clockwork. A large '00' track layout about 20ftx 20ft with lots of line, buildings, tunnels, stations, turntables, engine sheds, and all the modelpeople, cars etc. Controllers and switches. Most of the locos and rolling stock is from, I would guess the 70's & 80's but some as late as the 90's a little 50's & 60's. Lots of the models are boxed, the track has a light rust (and dust). Probably 20-30 locos + lots of rolling stock. 

Any help with what to do with it, much appreceated, it's certainly not going to fit in my house!

[Chrissaf]

Whilst you wait for a reply, perhaps you would spend a few minutes reviewing the TIPs in the TIP page link below:

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TIP: As a newbie poster on the forum, just be aware that the 'Blue Button with the White Arrow' is not a 'Reply to this post' button. If you want to reply to any of the posts, scroll down and write your reply in the reply text box at the bottom of the page and click the Green 'Reply' button.

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See also – further TIPs on how to get the best user experience from this forum.

https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/forum/tips-on-using-the-forum/

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[Bulleidboy]

Welcome to the forum 00 Noob.

 

I would initially look at ebay - not to sell - you say some items are boxed, so we will assume they are in good condition. Search on ebay for the same items you have to get an idea of what price is either being asked for or fetching at auction. I would think the track (lines) would have very little if any value - if it's rusting it's steel.

You could make a list of what you have and contact either Hattons in Liverpool or Rails of Sheffield they buy collections - there are probably other dealers doing the same thing. From what you have said, some of your collection is or almost seventy years old! Best of luck. BB

[Yelrow]

Noob, hi. I adso, have a lot of clockwork Hornby, all boxed etd.  If i was thinking of selling, i agree with BB, to get some idea of value, but, i would put it in a specialised Toy auction. That is open to far more viewing eyes, through, advance catalogues. You can put  a Reserve to protect value.  You will find these advertised on line. There may well be one in your area. They are held, about 4 times a year..  Way to go.

[Il Grifone]

It is going to be an enormous hassle to put a lot of stock on eBay, especially if you don't know what you've got. Different versions of the same model can vary enormously in value and condition is very important. A poor example of an item will be only worth 10% or less than a mint example.

I would be inclined to put the collection of a specialist auction House such as 'Vectis' (usual disclaimer and other auctioneers are availabl) They'll take their cut, but you'll probably end up better off in the long run with a lot less work.

https://www.vectis.co.uk/

[EnGee]

Don't know where you live, but SAS auctions in West Berks (as often seen on Bargain Hunt!) have 4 specialist train auctions a year.

[VESPA]

Definitely go to auction. I doubt dealers will give you very much as they will have a high mark up and also need to charge the new buyer VAT @ 20% That means a £100 selling price is then £80 and the dealer may want as much as 70% profit or more from that leaving you with £34 The auction may only achieve that but there may be a few rarer items in there that collectors want and once bidding starts it can get out of control to your benefit.

[00 Noob]

Thanks everyone for the replys. Im going to try an auction house i think as suggested.

Are we saying the rusty steel track is worthles? If so I'll dump it?

[96RAF]

Do not dump ot - keep it as part of a job lot of miscellenous bits and pieces to go alongside the sale of any singleton more expensive items.