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

[bluedepot]

if the weathering is really good (and nothing too over the top) i'd pay about the same as pristine. 

generally though i prefer pristine because i can choose what level of weathering i want to apply.

i have tried removing weathering twice before and it went wrong (i used ipa and cotton buds and paintwork went streaky) so i won't do that again!

i think generally weathering decreases value though, unless it is really good!

but that shouldn't put people off trying to weather items themselves. you have to learn somehow.


tim

[EtchedPixels]

IMHO it depends on the model and weathering

Factory weathered makes no difference to anyone I think. It's the product as sold. DIY weathering depends on the quality.

All of it though depends on context. A nicely weathered Dapol 9F is a different kettle (sorry) of fish to a weathered Minitrix one, where it's mostly collectors buying and the box is worth as much as the model 

[kesdrive]

I have factory weathered locos and used TMC for weathering locos and freight wagons. I have  on the way 2 class 44's weathered by @Ensign Elliott. I prefer weathered stock and don't purchase with an eye to sell on in the future.


Chris

[Bob G]

Some thoughts in no particular order.

I love weathered wagons and locos, but for me, coaches should be clean, certainly above platform level.

My own creations are always pristine though.

I've used TMC, Rails, and @Ensign Elliott as well as some of my own efforts.

You get what you pay for. "Value" weathering really isn't good value if you don't like it, and I've sold on value weathered stock before now.
I've also not accepted some professional weathering because it wasn't like the photo used to sell the service.

Anyone who charges for weathering should be classed as professional IMHO.

And as far as resale value, it's in the eye of the buyer. I've paid less for second hand TMC weathered stock than I paid for pristine originally.

Money is not the only metric. What's more important is that you like the model.

Bob

[Newportnobby]

I prefer weathered stock and don't purchase with an eye to sell on in the future.

Me too, but at some point I will shuffle off this mortal coil and, hopefully, my models will be sold to raise money for my favoured charity.

[Chris Morris]

I weather everything because unweathered stock just looks too plastic. I really don't care about residual value. I just want to run trains that are as close to the real thing as possible.

I understand why some folk don't like to weather stock and that's fine, it's a hobby and everyone should do what they enjoy.

[ntpntpntp]

Weathering de-values models in my opinion, but it's of no consequence as the models are to be used on a layout - not an investment for the future.

[Newportnobby]

not an investment for the future.

That's never crossed my mind and I reckon it would be even foolish to think of model trains as an investment.

[Bealman]

N gauge toy trains an investment? I don't think so!