Here are some tips when buying Lionel postwar trains:

There are books with estimates on prices for a certain item such as a NYC 6462 gondola black is worth about 10$ just look for Lionel postwar train price guide

when buying a postwar train make sure the price is fits the condition

if you go to a train show you might be able to find trains at cheaper prices but watch out because if you buy it and its broken it can be hard to find the dealer so always make sure you look b4 you buy

Tips when selling :

• check eBay for current prices but don’t trust buy it now’s they are usually very overpriced
• if your selling on-line make sure you take lots of photos and describe it very good
• one tip when restoring
• ONLY USE DOVE SOAP AND WATER NEVER USE A WIRE BRUSH OR SCRUB TO HARD you can ruin the lettering and that means ruining the price