Model train fans, experts share insights at Hayes Train Clinic

FREMONT - The annual model train clinic in Fremont was held Saturday at the Rutherford B. Hayes Library and Museums Museum.

It drew in many train hobbyists from afar wanting to get their model trains repaired and oiled. Plus the hobbyists could receive an estimated value on train sets. Three hobbyists ran their models on the Hayes Train Special track that fits standard model trains of an O-gauge and G-gauge.

The event was hosted by the Hayes museums and organized by veteran train hobbyist Ken Fullenlove, who has been collecting model trains since 1946, and is quite an expert.

“I enjoy doing this,” Fullenlove said. “I like repairing and fixing trains.”

Fullenlove and eight other train experts had tablets set up for the clinic. The gentlemen varied in ages and their knowledge of trains was different for each table.

Long-time experts help to lubricate models

“I’ve been doing model railroading for over 40 years,” said Joe Matthews. “We do some repairs like lubricating and things like that.”

His table included three generations of Matthews − grandson and two sons. This was their first year volunteering for the event.

They had a rare find when a widow bought her husband’s 1935 Lionel Blue Comet standard gauge train set in. It was given to her husband as a gift from an employee in the 1950s. The train was appraised at $2,000-$5,000.

“I just wanted to know what shape it was in and didn’t expect this," the woman said.

Model values vary from $100 to $ 5,000 at clinic

“Trains don’t have much value as they used to,” said Randy Ramsey, who operates the Greater Toledo Train and Toy Show. Seven years ago, the Blue Comet value from the 1930s would have been priced at $11,000, he said.

Dr. David George sold his set of trains from his childhood for $100.

“My grandkids had played with them for a little bit and now it’s time for them to go to a better place than just sitting in a box," George said.

But Tom Webb, who bought his father-in-law’s train set, a Lionel electric train set with multi-volt transformers, said he probably won’t sell the set, but said he doesn't know what to do with them after he dies.

Ramsey said he has donated trains that have little to no value to inner-city schools and high school kids. They learn how to rewire, build, make tunnels and run train sets.

“I’m all about getting people involved in trains,” he added.

For those seeking more model train events or who wish to start collection, the Greater Toledo Train and Toy Show will be 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 12. For more information visit www.toymasters.org. Many of the train experts who were at the event in Fremont attend the Toledo show.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Model train fans, experts share insights at Hayes Train Clinic