Hello

In cleaning out the basement I came a box of Marklin train equipment. Some track, several cargo type cars and a couple passenger cars. They were purchased in the mid 1950's when my father was stationed overseas. There are also four engines. Two steam type locomotives one large and one (I think the term is) a switcher. There are also two electric engines with spring things on the top of them. One has two spring things and the smaller on has one. The bodies look in good condition, the problem is that the motors all have 55 year old oil that has made it so the motors turn very hard.

Do you suggest that we try and clean the motors or have someone with a background in electrics to clean them up? If we clean them what is the best thing to use that will not harm the motors? I have no intention of ever running them and am thinking of selling them, would it be cost effective to pay someone to clean them up before putting them up for sale of just put them "as is" on E-Bay?

Thanks for reading this - Dorothy

It would be interesting if you could post pictures in the forum since it's of general interest - at least I believe so.

We also have our own "Buy & Sell" section in case you want to make sure that the trains get a good home. Since most of our members know how to service Märklin items, probably some dried up oil in the motors is a minor issue. You would probably fetch a higher price on Ebay though, if the items happen to be rare. However, without pics or item numbers (usually on the box, if available) it will be hard to tell.

To everyone reading this post and those interested in selling:

As a general rule, a seller is going to get more money selling trains individually. This is true simply because of the way collectors work. When they are looking for a specific piece to complete their collection, they will pay anything for it. If they see it in a lot, they don't want to buy all the other trains in the lot (that they already have) just to buy the one they need. They will wait until it comes up just by itself -- and in the desired condition. Then again, selling individually requires much more work -- and also makes a possibility of many more buyers all with different shipping addresses all over the world. It's a decision the seller has to make and it can be difficult.

Best of luck,

Paul

Hi,
Shame to see the poor condition of most of the items. Even so the electric engine RSM 800 is relatively valuable even if not working. The little electric shunter E6302 should sell. Advertise these seperately on ebay. The rest I should advertise as one lot for spares or repairs. you might be pleasantly suprised.