Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers

  • The vast majority of vintage train pieces are not worth enough to justify the labor to clean and service them and re-sell them. We simply can’t afford to buy trains, put in the time needed, and then re-sell them and cover our cost. These trains that were likely destined for the trash bin can now enjoy a new life on the tracks.

  • As we receive each train set, we will evaluate the value of each piece to determine how to package it into a new set in the future. If you have any pieces that are of value (significantly worth more than the cost to service it), we will contact you and discuss how you want to proceed, including sending it back or selling it on consignment.

  • We assess the condition of each piece that we receive. Depending on the condition, a piece will be cleaned and added to a set or it may only be added to our train “boneyard” which is used for parts for future train sets.

  • Our goal is to bring each train back to working order. We do not attempt any restorations, but instead ensure that they are running correctly and safely. The dents, scratches and wear are part of the story and life of each train. We do completely disassemble the engines and replace worn out parts, lubricate, and test them.

    All of our trains are tested for safety and run on our test track for over an hour before they are included in a set.

  • If you’ve ever had a Lionel train in the past, you’ll understand the appeal. Most of the trains we take in are 40 to 70 years old. They were made to be serviced and played with. Once they have been cleaned up and serviced, they should last for another 50 years.

  • Buying a vintage item is much more fun when you know the story behind it. Each new owner will not only get a safe and working train, but a collection of stories about it’s history and journey through the years.

  • As we put together vintage and tested train sets for specific uses (a set designed to run around the Christmas tree, a set designed for kids to play with, etc.) they are in high demand and sell quickly. Contact us if you want to get on a wait-list or be alerted when we get a set put together.

  • Our focus is on the larger “O-Gauge” trains from companies like Lionel, Marx, and others. We do not currently have plans to extend this to the smaller sets (HO Gauge, or “Tyco” sets), slot car sets, etc.. However, if you have a collection that is a mix of these, we will take them and keep them in inventory to perhaps give them a new life in the future.