Whatever your reason for collecting the most valuable Lionel trains, whether it’s for sentiment, antiques investments, or just the joy of a model train toy, you could be sitting on a fortune. Over the years, Lionel Corporation has evolved and changed hands while releasing some of the most loved model trains and toys for children and collectors in America.
This guide will help you find out if your train or train set (important distinction there) is worth anything. As with all toy antiques, condition, history and whether the toy antique is still operational is very important for value – read our price guide below to learn more.
Let’s get started!
Round-Up List of Lionel Train Sets by Year (Most Valuable)
These are 10 of the most valuable Lionel train sets. There’s always the possibility that your train set will sell for more, especially if it has a feature or quirk that makes it unique. And of course, there’s also the possibility that your train set will be worth far less.
Editor’s Note:
All prices are accurate as of August 2022.
All prices are based on previous auction sales on Invaluable, with the exception of 3 and 5 in our round-up list
1. 400E Lionel Standard Gauge Set
- Year: 1934
- Price: $250,000
This is not the oldest Lionel train set you can have (the company began producing in 1900) but it is the train set that sold for the most money at auction. The key here was that the entire train set was together and in perfect condition within the original box.
Most trains that sell for tens or hundreds of thousands tend to be rare because of their owner or a limited release.
The Lionel Standard Gauge Set was first released in 1906 and the last was released in 1940. It comes with a 400E engine and state passenger cars.
2. 700E Hudson Brass Prototype
- Year: 1939
- Price: $77,000
This is an excellent example of the kind of train set that fetches a high price. The 700E Hudson Brass train set was a prototype owned by Joshua Cowen, cofounder of Lionel Trains. This train was not available for the wider public and is really one-of-a-kind thanks to its history of ownership.
At auction, it sold for $77,000.
If you think you’ve found a prototype Lionel train, it’s very important that you have it authenticated (e.g., your ancestor had a job with Lionel, so it can be traced back) and valued professionally.
3. “Brute” Train + 213 Lift Bridge
- Year: 1927 + 1950
- Price: $1M
According to Conductor Rob of Train Conductor HQ, a deal went down for the “Brute” train and 213 lift bridge… coming in at $1M for the pair.
The “Brute” 381E has an interesting history. First produced in 1927, it was so much heavier than other models that it was primarily retained for displays in toy shops. For that reason, it’s pretty rare and can fetch over $10,000 in good condition.
The 213 Lift Bridge was commissioned in 1950 to celebrate the Lionel golden anniversary… except it was never released. Models and booklets were made, but not sold. So, this is also an incredibly rare accessory from the Lionel catalogue.
By putting the two items together, the owner (purported to be Al Cox) got them for $1M. We hope this is true because it sounds legendary!
4. Lionel 2360 Vagell GG1 (Black)
- Year: 1962
- Price: $15,000
The rumor is that Bill Vagell requested black Lionel trains in 1927, so he hand-painted some models – eight, to be exact – and had Lionel design them. If you manage to find one of these, you are insanely lucky.
Of course, with only eight in existence you should be very wary if you come across one. Look for marks and certificates of authenticity if you’re buying one for a lot of money, and have it valued professionally.
The original black Lionel 2360 Vagell GG1 has been lost to the mists of time… so there’s always a chance someone will rediscover it.
5. Lionel Standard Gauge 378W (Pre-War)
- Year: Pre-1930s
- Price: $12,000
Before the Second World War, Lionel primarily used standard gauge – the original 3-rail track that prevented short circuits. However, by 1915 O-gauge tracks and models were invented. By 1930, Lionel was no longer producing “standard gauge” trains.
That’s why these pre-war trains can sell for so much.
Once again, it’s thanks to the awesome reporting of Conductor Rob that we know that a Standard Gauge 378W sold for over $12,000 in 2015.
Disclaimer: the photo above is of the 400E (an excellent standard gauge example) as we cannot find a photo of the 378W. It goes to show just how rare this model is!
6. 1950s Girls Train Set
- Year: 1955
- Price: $10,000
During the 1950s, Lionel attempted to attract a whole new audience – girls. While boys enjoyed the dark colors typically used for trains, Lionel’s theory was that girls were off put by this. So, they released a “girls” train set made with soft pastel-colored components.
It failed quickly, and the entire line was discontinued. Whether it was a marketing fail or just a complete misunderstanding of their audience, we’re not sure. But that’s why a full girls train set from the 1950s in excellent condition can sell for $10,000.
There are very few of these about.
7. Lionel 2169 Freight Set
- Year: 1950
- Price: $2,000
The freight set released in 1950 included a caboose (like the ones pictured above), 773 Hudson engine, lumber flatcar, cattle car, valley hopper, and auto-dump car. If you manage to get your hands on the whole set in excellent condition, you could be looking at several thousands of dollars. If it’s in the original boxing, it could be worth even more.
Running on o-gauge, it’s remote controlled and one of the best sets from the post-war era.
A recent auction saw one sell for $1,600, but we think you could get up to $2,000 with mint condition and original boxing.
8. 100th Anniversary 700E Hudson (24K Gold)
- Year: 2000
- Price: $900
Released in 2000 along with many commemorative accessories (see tree décor above), this train is made with 24K gold! It cost over $1,000 to purchase, so it was snatched up by only the most dedicated collectors. Of course, with only 22 years between now and then, it hasn’t appreciated in value much.
But if you find one, you can still sell it for close to $1,000 if it’s in mint condition with the original packaging.
However, we highly recommend holding onto this train if you have it. Pass it down to the younger generation so that in 80 years, it will be worth tens of thousands (if not more).
9. Lionel Brass No. 7 Steam Train
- Year: 1910
- Price: $900
This brass steam train with vintage motor was first produced in 1910, making it one of the oldest trains still surviving to this day.
Very few Lionel trains that are over 100 years old are available, and even fewer are in mint condition. Although brass won’t rust, it is susceptible to water and/or oxygen erosion. It may develop a pink tint if exposed to moisture, or naturally go green or blue if oxidized.
Whatever you do, don’t try to clean an antique yourself. This can actually devalue it. Instead, take it a professional who can advise you on whether it needs cleaning or any maintenance.
10. Lionel Halloween General Set
- Year: 1960
- Price: $400
Although relatively modern, as this set was produced in 1960, it’s still valuable today as so few were sold. Designed to be limited edition, there are only 7,300 Halloween General train sets available in the world.
Featuring a very unique locomotive and engine, this set is worth the most when you find it with the accompanying display box and frontier set. If you are missing those pieces, you may only get $200 if it’s in excellent condition.
This may be the last train set on our list, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t more rare trains available. Keep your eye on the auction sites for more Lionel trains that will pop up. With over 100 years in production, there’s always the possibility of prototypes that have never been discovered before.
Lionel Train Collectors Price Guide
Finding a price for your Lionel train is not always an easy task. With hundreds of different models, and some numbers used for multiple engines, it’s not often a 5-minute task.
But if you do find yourself needing to get a value for your train, the first place to look is on eBay. This is where the vast majority of common and uncommon trains are sold. So, if you find a train on eBay that’s the same model and in a similar condition, you can get an idea of price.
Alternatively, you can check auction sites if your train is rare or very rare.
Another option is to post a photo on the Lionel Trains Reddit forum, where over 4,000 “man children” can give advice… or offer to buy the train outright.
Factors that directly impact the value of your train include:
- The age of it,
- How rare it is,
- Whether the train has been used or remains unused,
- Whether it has all the original parts and accessories that came with the set,
- The condition of the train and additional parts,
- Whether the original packaging is included and intact.
Basically, the closer your Lionel train looks to how it was when sold, the higher it’s value. Trains are collectible items, so they appreciate in value over time (albeit not as much as other antiques) so if your train is in perfect condition but isn’t worth much right now… hold onto it. One day, it will be worth much more.
Where to Buy and Sell Lionel Model Trains
There are plenty of places online that buy and sell model trains, particularly Lionels. As mentioned above, many train collectors on the Reddit forum will offer to buy your train outright if it’s a desirable model in good condition. It’s also a good place to go if you want to trade with other train collectors.
Other online sites include:
- eBay – good for common and uncommon trains, but keep an eye out for scams when it comes to very rare trains,
- Invaluable – an excellent auction site for very rare trains that are authenticated before sale,
- Live Auctioneers – a competitor of Invaluable with a good selection,
- Trainz – a good place to buy verified Lionel trains, as well as accessories and spare parts,
- Model Train Market – virtually the same as Trainz, but usually with a different selection,
- Train City – operating in Florida, the owner of Train City will consider traveling to your destination if your train set(s) total $15,000 or more,
- Local train collectors – most large cities have at least one train (or general toy) antiques shop that will buy your trains off you. One example is Graham’s Trains in Central Ohio. You can either take your train there if you live locally or ship it to them from elsewhere in the US.
Don’t underestimate the value of your Lionel trains to the right buyer. Some collectors are willing to pay a lot. But at the same time, you need to keep in mind that there are fees involved.
Listing a train at auction is not free. There will also be fees and taxes applied to the auctioneer owner, and probably the buyer too. Furthermore, it’s not without risk. A site that’s willing to buy your train from you faces the possibility that the train will sit in their shop for months or years before selling – thus harming their profits.
As a result, you’re likely to get a reduced price than if you were selling it directly to another seller.
Conclusion: Most Valuable Model Trains?
Model trains are valuable, not just to enthusiasts but also antiques and toy collectors. With over 100 years of producing trains, and inventing a whole gauge system in the process, Lionel have created some of the most valuable model trains ever released.
The most valuable model trains by Lionel tend to be limited edition, prototypes, and failed production lines. Although the sheer age of some of the trains is enough to give them value, you still need to ensure that your train is in excellent or near-mint condition, and comes with the original packaging, if you want to sell it for a small fortune.
Good luck!
FAQs
Are Lionel Trains worth anything?
Yes! Lionel trains and sets are collectible, and people will pay a lot of money for them. Most valuable trains sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars, with a few very rare models fetching way more.
Which Lionel Trains are worth money?
Any train that is old (the closer to a 1900 production date the better) but is in perfect condition will be worth something. The rarest and most valuable trains will be within the original box too.
Which Lionel Trains are worth the most?
The pre-war era is where most of the valuable Lionel trains are, but you can find train sets that are more modern but are still valuable. Train sets that were limited in release tend to be rarer, and therefore worth more.
How much is a 1950 Lionel Train Set worth?
A 1950 Lionel Train set in good condition could sell for several thousand dollars. If you have a limited or rare train set from the 1950s (e.g., the Girls Train Set from 1955) then you can add a few thousand dollars more.
How much is a 1957 Lionel Train Set worth?
It depends on the particular model. If you have a rare train set, it could sell for a lot. The PBS Antiques Roadshow valued a 1957 Lionel Girls Train Set at $7,000 to $9,000 when sold at auction.
Also Read: 10 Most Valuable Matchbox Cars (The Most Expensive One Was Sold For $15,000 In 2010)
