[Gary]

This does not answer the question however what I would not do is attempt to sell Hornby Dublo items on eBay unless you want to give them away. If the items are top knotch the collectable toy auction house Vectis normally obtain very good prices for their customers. Time and time again collectors tell me that you cannot value stuff by the high prices obtained by Vectis. Well I am sorry to tell them but you can as these are real prices obtained for their customers and are prices that genuine collectors are prepared to pay bidding against each other in a live auction. There are people who make a very good living buying Dublo stuff on eBay and selling it through Vectis!

www.vectis.co.uk

Happy modelling
Gary

PS recent example that I missed out on and whilst not Dublo it is typical of the situation. Triang Hornby Car-a-belle Set in mint sealed condition sold on eBay for £65. Same set sold through Vectis for £220!

 

[Gary]

In terms of the A4 unless it has "EDL 11" inside the cab roof and a raised front numberplate it is standard fare and you will be lucky to realise more than about £50 on eBay if the model is not boxed. With "EDL 11" and therefore made in 1953 only in small numbers you could see triple that value due to the rarity factor. Condition is everything though and the box is worth 50% again! Only Sir Nigel Gresley was produced in LNER colours by Dublo. The loco was first offered for sale in 1938 with valances and was last offered in this form in 1941. If your model has this then BINGO (£300 to £800 or more!) It was offered for sale again post war in 1948 without valances and was last sold in 1953 with the modification mentioned above. From this year all A4's produced were BR green and Sir Nigel Gresley was not seen again!

What state would British railway modelling be in today if Britains leading manufacturer offered just 4 locos with each being available for several years?

The public look through the lofts of their parents and get very excited when they find an old trainset! I know as I have met the excited public on valuations! The issue is "old" does not mean "rare" and the fact is Hornby Dublo stuff was made by the millions and there is still a lot of it about and not that many collectors. Collectors these days are seeking to improve their collections as the different Dublo models offered over the years was actually very small in number and it does not take much to collect the entire model range. It is really only the odd rarity that gets pulses racing!

I know what gets my pulse racing whan I see Dublo kit and it is anything that was introduced in 1964 or before the war or GWR or SR!

Happy modelling
Gary