What value on a Model Railway?

[Tallpaul70]

Hi All,

I am interested in buying an existing working 00 gauge model layout, but I am struggling to come up with a logical and justifiable valuation, and I welcome readers thoughts!

The details of the layout are as follows:-

The layout is to be sold without controller or any locos/stock. It is set in the late 50s/early 60s. This is my era and I have appropriate stock.

1) 10ft long end to end split approx. 50/50 scenic/fiddle yard by length. with 5 roads into the fiddle yard disappearing under a road bridge. I have a 12ft space so this is good
2) scenic area comprises a 3 platform station plus a parcels platform and one siding with warehouses behind, station buildings, and low level urban work in front. There is a fully built and finished urban shops and road above the full depth fiddle yard. I like this treatment.
3) Operation is DCC via a NCC controller which I have one available. The points are electrically operated.
4) the layout is set up for Kaydee couplings which is what I use.
5) Layout is portable so can be easily transported to me.

The above is the positives, from my point of view, however there are a number of oi things that need improving:-
a) The parcels siding has no connection to the rest of the layout and is just a long siding. I would want to build a shelf along the rear of the layout to provide a set of 3 kickback sidings behind the warehouses to allow shunting of alternative parcels vans to the bay. I would also connect this part of the system to the rest of the fiddle yard. This work would involve extending s or 6 sets of control wiring.
b)The rest of the fiddle yard is restricted as to what road can be connected to what platform, so I would want to relay it. As it is hidden from spectators, this needs only be functional.
c) The layout needs operating signals.

Another point giving a little difficulty is that the layout is built using code 75 rail, whereas I have previously worked in code 100 and have a number of locos/stock which will not like code 75!

It might be better if anyone replying does so as a PM please? I can then share my thoughts on valuation.

Many thanks
Paul

[Walkingthedog]

Can’t help with value but if the Code 75 will cause you problems don’t buy it.

[yelrow]

Sounds to me thatthis will cause more problems than it would solve. There are many layoutsfor sale, regularly on ebay, and gumtree. I would discount this one and find one more suitable.

[Tallpaul70]

I did say the code 75 was a LITTLE difficulty as SOME items will not run on it!

To avoid further confusion I will edit that comment out!

Cheers
Paul

[IanS]

I would go along with the rest of the comments - find a new one.

I've recently embarked on changing wheels so my stock can run on code 100 (from old super 4). I don't run prototypical so I am not concerned about the fact that wheels are 'wrong' for a particular coach or wagon. But if you're wishing to shunt, it is absolutely important the wagons can negotiate the points.

Find a different one, with code 100 (or build it yourself, it will take longer but be more fun!)

[Tallpaul70]

Sounds to me thatthis will cause more problems than it would solve. There are many layoutsfor sale, regularly on ebay, and gumtree. I would discount this one and find one more suitable.

Unfortunately , this is the first layouts in a long time that meets my requirements, particularly size! Most are too big, or too small so need a lot more work than this one!
Of course all the experts who enjoy the making of the layout rather than the operation, will tell me how easy it is to make my own!

Been there, results were not what I wanted in terms of reliability and took far too long.

I know my limitations!!

Cheers
Paul

[Walkingthedog]

I did say the code 75 was a LITTLE difficulty as SOME items will not run on it!

To avoid further confusion I will edit that comment out!

Cheers
Paul

If it meant I couldn’t run even a few bits of my stock then I wouldn’t be interested.

It is very difficult to put a value on a layout we haven’t seen. What you may consider to be good some of us might consider to be rubbish or absolutely incredible. Picture please.

[Mountain Goat]

If ones locos are ok with code 75, the rest of the stock is less of an issues as wheels can be changed.
Yes, loco wheels can be changed but it can cost more then it's worth, can be difficult to find and can be awkward to change... Not really an option if one does not have patience or skill.

Coaches, wagons and vans are usually simple enough to change. Not always cost effective, but do-able. It is more the locos that are the issue.

[Tallpaul70]

Please guys,
STOP focusing on the code 75 issue! I have more than enough locos and stock to use on this layout that WILL run ok on code 75.ENOUGH SAID!!!

NO ONE has yet addressed the question I asked, so please- some constructive suggestions on how to value a layout, or if you want to suggest figures, PLEASE send your thoughts as a PM!

Wish I had NEVER MENTIONED the code 75 issue!

Many thanks
Paulo

[Walkingthedog]

As I said above Paulo:
It is very difficult to put a value on a layout we haven’t seen. What you may consider to be good some of us might consider to be rubbish or absolutely incredible. Picture please