What does weathering do to the value of models?

[Newportnobby]

We pay extra for factory weathered models so if we, at some point in the future, sell them on (for whatever reason) can we expect their residual value to be a little more than pristine ones?

And what about aftermarket weathering? Rails, TMC, Grimy Times etc offer weathering which is a cost over and above the standard model but does that increase the value?

Personally I perceive a certain @Ensign Elliott weathering to be superior to all the above. Likewise, I've had some great weathering done on rolling stock by @mk1gtstu . But can it then be claimed they have been professionally weathered as per the companies in the second paragraph? Sadly, I think not.

I wouldn't even consider my own weathering efforts on an expensive loco but am happy to attempt weathering on rolling stock in the belief freight/parcels stock was rarely, if ever, cleaned. My perception is the residual value of that rolling stock is lessened by my own efforts if it came to selling that stock.

I'd be interested to hear the opinions of others.

[emjaybee]

Interesting question Mick.

Personally I prefer pristine models. However, in the past, I have bought certain factory weathered models, & had them repainted by Gideon. I have been able to buy them a little cheaper on Ebay than pristine models. Is this because they were weathered, or just 'that' moment in time?

Generally speaking, in my opinion, 'factory' weathering by Farish/Dapol etc., is okay & seems to just be designed to give the impression of light use & grime.

In contrast, the bespoke weathering by the likes of TMC, @Ensign Elliott , @mk1gtstu is a completely different standard of weathering that offers a very realistic & more organic level of finish. Indeed, some of the 'amateur' weathering, & I only use that term to differentiate between trading companies & personal home-based work, has been displayed in some photos where you actual find yourself struggling to tell if you're actually looking at the real, life-sized loco or a model.

In summary, if it's factory weathered I wouldn't expect it attract a premium, but if it's weathered by TMC, or our compadres mentioned earlier I WOULD expect it to attract a premium.

[Southerngooner]

I think it's all in the eyes of the buyer. I don't like factory fresh stock as it looks like what it is, a model, but that's my opinion. I have weathered all of my stock and will weather all of the buildings, scenery, and track on my layout as I want to copy the real thing rather than make something that is a model railway but is not lifelike. I have happily paid to have stock weathered and have done a lot of my own, and have bought nicely weathered stuff from ebay and dealers in the past. I've also seen a lot of dreadfully weathered stuff which doesn't work for me at all.

I suspect that weathering, when properly done, can enhance the value of something, while if badly done it can reduce the value. Again, it will always all depend on who's buying it.

Dave