Advice Centre
Thinking of selling your model railway collection? Footplate has put together this guide to answer the most common questions and help you understand exactly what to expect. Rich and Derek have been buying collections for over 30 years, so whatever your situation, Footplate has almost certainly seen it before.
What Is My Collection Worth?
The value of model railway items can vary greatly depending on brand, gauge, condition, age, and whether original packaging is present. Hornby, Bachmann, and Märklin items in good condition with boxes tend to attract the strongest prices. Rarer or limited-edition runs can be worth considerably more.
If you're unsure, Footplate is happy to provide a no-obligation valuation - simply get in touch via our selling page. You can also read our Manufacturers page to understand which brands and items tend to hold the most value.
eBay vs Selling to a Dealer
Many sellers consider listing on eBay, but there are some important differences to weigh up:
- eBay – You may achieve higher individual prices, but you'll pay selling fees (typically 10–15%), spend time listing each item, handle packaging and postage yourself, and deal with buyer queries and potential returns.
- Selling to Footplate – You get a straightforward, hassle-free offer for your whole collection. No fees, no listings, no waiting. Rich and Derek handle everything, and payment is prompt.
For larger collections or sellers who value convenience, dealing directly with Footplate is often the better choice. See How It Works for a step-by-step overview of Footplate's process.
How Does Footplate Pay?
Footplate typically pays by bank transfer (BACS), which is secure and straightforward. Payment is made promptly once we've agreed a price and received your items. Rich or Derek will confirm all the details with you before proceeding.
Getting Your Items to Footplate
Footplate offers two convenient options:
- Collection – For larger collections, Footplate can arrange to collect from you directly anywhere in the UK. This is ideal if you have a lot of items or bulky layouts. See our Areas We Cover page for details.
- Shipping – Smaller collections can be sent to Footplate by post or courier. We provide details on this should an offer be accepted.
Have more questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for quick answers on timescales, damaged items, payment, and more.