A reader writes:
I am sorry to bother you as you are related more to Christmas items; however when I typed in Hawthorne Village, it took me to your site. I have the NHL Original Six Train Set by Hawthorne Village and I can't seem to find an individual site for them other than you and the Bradford exchange who have failed to get to me. I am trying to find out if the trains are made by Tyco or Lionel for Hawthorne Village or if they make their own as my late husband collected various items and I have a possible buyer for the set but he wants to know who makes the train before committing Again, I am sorry to bother you with my problem but if you can I would be most appreciative. Thank you
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Thank you for getting in touch. I am sorry for your loss. You were right to contact me - I also run several train sites.
Almost all of the Hawthorne Village trains were made by Bachmann, one of the world's largest model train manufacturers. I can't tell you what the set is worth to a collector, but it is well made. Similar sets today sell in the $320 range new for a 4-unit train, $400 range new for a 5-unit train, $480 new for a six-unit train, $540 new for a seven-unit train, and $840 new for an 8-unit train. On the second-hand market, the more common trains tend to hold their value. The rarer trains, like yours, tend to increase, especially if they're in new condition with all the packaging and paperwork. One was bid up to over $800 on eBay before the seller took it back off the market.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NHL-Original-Si ... 0590893507That doesn't mean you'll get $800 for your or even $500, but hopefully it give you some idea of the price range you could be looking for if everything is in new condition and you find the right buyer.
Best of luck, and have a great summer.
- Paul