I bought a train set at auction and it is and Emmett Kelly train set. From what I can see by looking on the web, I have the #49 locomotive with tender (can't find anywhere to put batteries so I have to guess it requires electric track and transformer), flat car with two cage cars (no animals) (one axle is missing), circus advertising car, and the boxcar with the sliding door (no animals). Everything is in good shape or at least appears to be with very little damaged parts. No track or anything else. Just the cars. From what I can tell parting it out on EBAY would be worth around $120.00 or so.
How to I tell for sure it is an electric and not battery, and how much would it cost to buy track and transformer if that is what it would need.
If the locomotive has plastic wheels it is a battery unit. If they are metal it is track powered. If it turns out you need a transformer and track, Al Kramer at Al's Discount Trains usually has what you need at good prices.
http://stores.ebay.com/ALS-DISCOUNT-TRAINS?_trksid=p4340.l2563
If the cab number is 49 it is electric.
Definitely has metal wheels and is pretty heavy..