Harrogate Model Railway Group does not routinely purchase model railway related items offered to it by members of the public. The club does however accept donations of locomotives, rolling stock and so forth, which it sells. The proceeds of such sales are used to support the club’s activities, with some of the monies raised being donated to charity. The club has, for example, previously supported organisations such as Pancreatic Cancer UK, Hearing Dogs For Deaf People and the Harrogate Womens’ Refuge.
If you have any model railway related items that you wish to dispose of and do not feel minded to donate them to the club or to charity, selling them is the only other real option, or landfill. Online auction site eBay is the most obvious choice, although there are auction houses that specialise in the selling of model railway paraphernalia. Many online retailers of model railways also purchase second hand items. Retailers such as Buxton Railworks, Rails Of Sheffield and The Model Centre are prime examples. A simple Google search will reveal plenty of other companies who can be approached. Bear in mind that things like postal charges and auction fees will reduce any monies raised. Car boot sales are another option, but it is important to conduct some research beforehand (using websites such as eBay, for example, as a guide) in order to establish sensible selling prices.
Condition is key. Items in good condition sell better than those not so well cared for. Generally, a model in its original box will sell for more than an unboxed item; a locomotive than runs will sell for more than one that doesn’t. However one chooses to sell, an accurate description is key, giving as much detail as possible, including catalogue numbers. Google is your friend.
Age is also a consideration. Online retailers prefer to purchase more modern, recent items rather than those of yesteryear, whilst collectors often seek out older locomotives and rolling stock. Locomotives can be checked by placing the terminals of a 9 volt PP3 battery across their wheels. This is not the same as running them on a section of track to test them, but is a helpful indicator, nevertheless. Non-working items can be sold for spare parts. Empty model boxes sell, being of interest to collectors who have models without matching boxes.
Whilst items such as signals and buildings do sell, some things will not command any real interest and are not worth the effort. Track is one example, although points/turnouts do sometimes sell if they are in good condition and in full working order. Electrical items, such as controllers, are difficult to sell because of safety considerations, unless they have an up-to-date Portable Appliance Test certificate. Other electrical items, such as switches and cables, are very unlikely to generate much interest. Complete layouts are best offered for sale on eBay, as collect-only sales. Books rarely sell for any significant amounts and are best donated to charity; magazines are effectively worthless and are best given to charity or disposed of at the nearest recycling centre.
If you have any model railway related items that you are thinking of disposing of and would like to donate them to the club, please get in touch using our contact email address contact-us@harrogate-modelrailwaygroup.org.uk