What Happens When Your Layout Survives You?

[vsmith]

Whatever doesn't get sold off on Ebay gets dumpstered. If I have the ability, I would pass on alot of items to friends, then sell off the rest. Having built and demo'd several layouts by now, I'm not sentimental about things like that anymore.

["JaBear"]

I’ve held back from this topic but have decided to put a different slant on things; what happens to your friends’ layout when he passes away??

When a good friend passed away, his closest model railroad friends and I were faced with a dilemma. His layout was modular so there was no problem in moving it but when was the best time to approach his widow over it?

Not only that but with the special kitbashed and scratchbuilt structures, (we had all from time to time given him without strings attached , sows ears which he turned into silk purses)and  his extensive collection of locomotives and rolling stock, what was the best and fairest price to both parties to offer for everything?

 

I had assembled some freight cars for another old friend, who at the time said that I could have them when he passed away. At the time I commented that will be some years in the future and would far prefer the pleasure of his company which I was lucky to do so.  However when he did pass away, the same dilemma arose.

 

So to all those who say it doesn’t matter or it’s someone else’s problem, if you have an inkling that you may wish to either bequest, or for the families financial reasons sell a particular item to a friend or acquaintance, I would suggest that you do put it in writing, including the price.

Cheers, the Bear.

[richhotrain]

Ja Bear, those are some great examples of a common problem and one that has occurred within my own family.

My brother-in-law passed away six years ago, and his layout still sits undisturbed in his basement. Initially, a local historical society was going to dismantle and move the entire layout, but it never happened. His widow (my wife's sister) has told my wife that I can have anything on the layout that I want but I really don't need anything. My wife has told me that her sister would like to see the layout gone, but that is a daunting task. She lives two hours away, not that far, but this could not be done in one trip. And, if the layout is dismantled and removed, what do you do with all of the electronics, locomotives, and rolling stock. It is a real problem.

Rich

[mbinsewi]

My first response to this still stands, as I am the only one in our blended family situation, (my dad and his family, mother and her family, and mothers remarriage after dad died, family) that has, or that has ever had, a model railroad.

Any of my friends, up the block, up the street, or in another town and/or county, do not have a model railroad or any interest. None of my close freinds that have already passed on, had a model railroad. The only friend here in town, that has anything to do with trains, runs a auto body/repair shop, with a tiny hobby shop that concentrates on O & G gauge/scale.  He knows about my layout from pictures, etc., and I stop by occasionaly to talk about trains. He does know a thing or two about the business side of a hobby shop.  Next time I stop, I'll ask him if he knows anybody here in town that has a layout.  Most of his customers for trains, come from other towns to place orders.

The closest club  is in Waukesha, WI., about 30 miles.  Joining a club has never been a great interest to me, as it ends up being another place to go.

My layout is small, a little less than 50' of a continuous run "L" shaped dog bone, and the whole layout covers about 50 sq. ft.

My son and daughter know all of the online selling outlets, and they will help mom disperse of any of the stuff worth any value, such as higher priced locos, and the DCC system. 

The next generation just entered the room, looking for breakfast, grandson visiting from CO., spring break, so I have to get back to life!

Mike.

[vsmith]

JaBear and RichHoTrains The best you can do is dismantle the layout as best you can, box it, store if need be and then over time sell it off on Ebay and giving the assetts to the family.For some stuff, you may get top dollar, for other stuff, you may get 10 cents /$. But whichever its going to have to be done sooner or later. But better that then having the whole lot be dropped off at a thrift store or worse tossed into a dumpster. Engines and cars are easy to sell. Most electronics can be salvaged, track and switches maybe not, switch machines can be removed but the wiring, forget it. As I said its going to have to done sooner or later, after a respectable mourning time, bring it up as a "what do you think you will do about the layout" conversation and then let them know you will help them sell it and get hopefully the best price for the stuff, but its not going to be a quick process, some stuff will take longer to sell than others, and as a long time ebayer, it takes alot of time and effort to post and monitor a large collection of things.

[richhotrain]

vsmith

JaBear and RichHoTrains The best you can do is dismantle the layout as best you can, box it, store if need be and then over time sell it off on Ebay and giving the assetts to the family.For some stuff, you may get top dollar, for other stuff, you may get 10 cents /$. But whichever its going to have to be done sooner or later. But better that then having the whole lot be dropped off at a thrift store or worse tossed into a dumpster. Engines and cars are easy to sell.

Yep, I totally agree with that approach.

Rich

[Anonymous]

vsmith

Most electronics can be salvaged, track and switches maybe not, switch machines can be removed but the wiring, forget it.

Track and switches that are not salvageable make good car loads and scenic details.  The wiring can also be used for car loads (re-spool the longer pieces), or some scrap dealers will take the copper (some wont because of the size, but you might check around for that type of thing and you may get some money for your trouble).

[jecorbett]

I missed this thread when it was begun so I'll throw my belated two cents in now.

First of all, it's not something I'm going to have to deal with so I don't spend a lot of time worrying about it. I've already told my potential heirs that my goal is to die penniless but that will require perfect timing.

The reality is the usuable equipment will only fetch a fraction of what it's worth. The executor can decide whether to put it on ebay, have an estate sale, or sell it to a LHS. I've got some bargains at estate sales and also got some good buys at a LHS that frequents estate sales. However it is sold, it won't fetch what it is worth.

As for the layout itself, mine is not portable. I built it with the idea that I am now in the house they are going to carry me out of so moving hasn't been a concern. I've read about efforts to sell houses with the layout included but rarely does this work out. Most potential buyers are not model railroaders and would consider the layout to be a nuisance to be removed rather than an asset. Furthermore to sell it to a model railroader you would have to be really lucky to find one who is looking for a home in your area and the house is in his price range. One would have to be extremely lucky to find a buyer who would be happy to take over a ready made railroad. Allan McClelland tried to sell his last V&O railroad with the house but got no takers and ended up abandoning the plan. Resign yourself to the fact that your empire which you toiled on for so many years building is probably going to end up in the dumpster. Enjoy it while you are still here.

[rrinker]

 I suppose I should set up a will at this point. Neither of my kids is at all interested in the hobby, but I think they have some slight idea of what value there is in my stuff. I do have a database listing of everything, and so long as someone can locate the file they will have a lot of information on my stuff.

 It would be good that if I got to that point where I can no longer manage the layout, I would take it down and just save the items of value, but that only works if your health is in gradual decline, and even then, there are more important things to worry about then tearing out the layout.

 I'm almost complete in cleaning out my Mom's house, she passed just before Thansgiving last year. Among the things still stored there were two of my old layouts, one a pretty complete N scale 3x6 and the other really just remnents of old HO layouts with even most of the track already removed. No one was interested in the N scale layout, so it was fed to the sawzall and stuffed in contractor bags. Not while I was watching though. It was the most scenically complete layout I have ever built, and I started it way back in 1979. It really was hard to let go, though I have no N scale today and I have no idea what happened to the structures from it, and it definitely had some issues (the crazy grade I made up to the mountainside mine being one of them) but it was something I was quite proud of. I tried giving it away so it could live on, but no one had the space for it.

 Luckily no one in my house is resentful of my model railroad activities. My ex was resentful of the time and money I put in, despite the fact that I was building that layout with her Dad, who had been building models for many years for that 'someday' when he would have space for a layout to operate them on. The current GF is not an active participant but she doesn't really care what I do with my own money, plus it keeps me out of trouble. I pretty much don't care what sort of decorations go up around the house and I stay out of that...

                           --Randy

[angelob6660]

I don't know about my trains. I haven't started my fictional railroad the GNOR. Or started building a layout for the real ones that I have. I will still pounder this question in another 30-40 years.

I know my mom worries about her fabrics, sewing machines, and crocheting stuff. I believe mostly all of it will be sold off or trashed.

[mobilman44]

This may have already been talked about but may I add.........

The OP's question (for me) applies to so much more that my HO trains.  Over my 71 1/2 years I've also amassed a collection of postwar Lionel, coins, stamps, firearms, tools, books, etc., etc.

I have four adult kids and several grandchildren, and they have no interest in any of my "assets", except of course what they would sell for.  I find that really sad.

I would like to think that I could sell off most of my stuff between the time I'm no longer interested in them and I pass on............

But as the words go...."If you want to hear God laugh, tell HIM your plans"!

ENJOY !!!!!    

[jecorbett]

mobilman44

This may have already been talked about but may I add.........

The OP's question (for me) applies to so much more that my HO trains.  Over my 71 1/2 years I've also amassed a collection of postwar Lionel, coins, stamps, firearms, tools, books, etc., etc.

I have four adult kids and several grandchildren, and they have no interest in any of my "assets", except of course what they would sell for.  I find that really sad.

I would like to think that I could sell off most of my stuff between the time I'm no longer interested in them and I pass on............

But as the words go...."If you want to hear God laugh, tell HIM your plans"!

ENJOY !!!!!    

 

I hadn't heard that saying before but I like it. I'll have to recycle it. As for your heirs not being interested in your hobbies, I wouldn't be too concerned about it. Everyone has their own interests and theirs are apparently not yours so why worry about it. If you haven't parted with those assets before you depart, they are going to be sold to someone who is interested in them and will enjoy them. It's not as if all that stuff you treasure is going to be scrapped.

[mobilman44]

Very true!  That said, I envy those whose kids/grandkids share their love for their hobbies.

The saying was - believe it or not - originated by Woody Allen many years ago.  It was recently included in a song by Van Zant called "Help Somebody".    

[nycstlrr]

I figure most of mine will end up in the trash. They will sell the Micro Trains and such along with all the other rolling stock, engines still in their boxes, etc. Don`t take life for granted fellas, that you are going to have 70-80 years to do all this. I just turned 49 and I have not even been able to get out of my bed to see or work on what I have. The only time they get out of bed, is to go to the doctor, ER or hospital. I still buy things of my favorite roads here and there. I have no idea why???? I guess it is the small .01% glimmer of hope I hold on to. Then I think, maybe I could build a tiny little switching layout, that would fold over the bed. Then, the reality sets in, you gonna build it dummy?? I guess in other words,take life as it goes and make the best of it. And Like a previous poster about the firearms. I marked which ones I want my kids to have and what muzzeloaders I want my grandkids to have. Who knows what they will do with them? I guess that is enough of my 1/2 cent, thanks to the economy!

[DAVID FORTNEY]

Really don't care, I'll be dead. Nobody in the family wants anything to do with them. So everything will be trashed, engines, brass and non brass, buildings, cars and the wood, books etc.

[Nickel Plate Road]

A few years back my beautiful bride dragged me into a "antique road trip" we were somewhere by the Irish Hills in Michigan and stopped at yet another shop. Whilst walking the musty corridors I spotted lots of item I had or was in my home at one time or another. The following week end I started dumping all the "stuff" at goodwill/salvation army stores. It really opened my eyes to the sencelessness of holding on to items for the sake of "one day" - one day they will be worth nothing....Live free and die enjoying your hobby 

[Anonymous]

Well, I don´t say I couldn´t care less. Chances are quite good that I will be gone years ahead of my wife and I´d like to see her having some of the cash tied up in my small layout. It´s not much, but it´ll help her to lay me to rest in a decent way. The layout is only 3 by 5 ft., so it´s movable and can be sold.

I have left instructions with my wife and my son how to dispose of the layout and all MRRing gear in the best manner.

[BRAKIE]

My models goes to my oldest grandson since he is a modeler  but,I suspect the BB and Atlas/Kato locomotives and all of my BB,Accurail and Roundhouse cars will end up on e-Bay since he prefers the higher detailed cars and locomotives.

[dknelson]

Look at the bright side, fellows: when all your assets are tied up in trains, it is highly unlikely that your heirs are scheming to hasten your demise so that they can get to the trains.  No need to hire food tasters!  

Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

dknelson

Look at the bright side, fellows: when all your assets are tied up in trains, it is highly unlikely that your heirs are scheming to hasten your demise so that they can get to the trains.  No need to hire food tasters!  

Dave Nelson

Dave, I stand to correct you - your heirs will see that you pass away before you have spent the last dime on trains.

[mbinsewi]

Mr. Tony Koester has been thinking about this too.  He has a nice article in the May MRR, in "Trains of thought" called "Pulling the plug".

Mike.

[SLC RR]

I do care about the people that have to clean up my stuff.  That is why I only keep the stuff that I am using, and get rid of the rest when I don't think I will be using them.  I go by the "2 year rule".  If I don't use it in two years, seriously consider getting rid of it.

 

I have cleaned up 2 estates after deaths not "planned".  It is no fun.  Tons of stuff into the dumpster, who has the time to sell every little thing?

 

My wife has instructions not to feel guilty about throwing everything in the dumpster.  I had all the fun out of it I could!!!  If she comes across someone that wants it, better yet.  The best scenario, the people that buy the house will enjoy it!

[bearman]

"Look at the bright side, fellows: when all your assets are tied up in trains, it is highly unlikely that your heirs are scheming to hasten your demise so that they can get to the trains.  No need to hire food tasters!"

 

Hopefully I wil go out the right way.  On my death bed I will cut my last check, to the undertaker, and it will bounce the next day.

[jecorbett]

mbinsewi

Mr. Tony Koester has been thinking about this too.  He has a nice article in the May MRR, in "Trains of thought" called "Pulling the plug".

Mike.

 

I thought that was an amusing coincidence that he would hit on the same topic shortly after this thread was begun.

[jecorbett]

SLC RR

I do care about the people that have to clean up my stuff.  That is why I only keep the stuff that I am using, and get rid of the rest when I don't think I will be using them.  I go by the "2 year rule".  If I don't use it in two years, seriously consider getting rid of it.

 

I have cleaned up 2 estates after deaths not "planned".  It is no fun.  Tons of stuff into the dumpster, who has the time to sell every little thing?

 

My wife has instructions not to feel guilty about throwing everything in the dumpster.  I had all the fun out of it I could!!!  If she comes across someone that wants it, better yet.  The best scenario, the people that buy the house will enjoy it!

 

I have the same rule except mine is the 30 year rule. Some of my stuff is about to reach that limit, so I'll either have to put it on the layout or take it to my LHS to be sold.

[BRAKIE]

SLC RR

Tons of stuff into the dumpster, who has the time to sell every little thing?

Why not have a estate auction? The money could benefit the widow(er) or family. Never understood why people toss good money into the dumpster with that age old "no time" excuse.

The auctioneer will see to the announcement and place direction signs see to the catering etc.. The family doesn't have to be there.

[richhotrain]

jecorbett

 

mbinsewi

Mr. Tony Koester has been thinking about this too.  He has a nice article in the May MRR, in "Trains of thought" called "Pulling the plug".

Mike.

  

I thought that was an amusing coincidence that he would hit on the same topic shortly after this thread was begun. 

That's it!   

As the OP of this thread, I am going to call Tony and give him a piece of my mind. 

Rich

[richhotrain]

BRAKIE

 

SLC RR

Tons of stuff into the dumpster, who has the time to sell every little thing? 

Why not have a estate auction? The money could benefit the widow(er) or family. Never understood why people toss good money into the dumpster with that age old "no time" excuse.

The auctioneer will see to the announcement and place direction signs see to the catering etc.. The family doesn't have to be there.

 

I agree. As an alternative to the dumpster, let somebody give you ten cents on the dollar and buy the whole lot, whatever that might consist of.

Rich

[BRAKIE]

richhotrain

let somebody give you ten cents on the dollar and buy the whole lot, whatever that might consist of. Rich

Rich,Last estate auction I went to the model trains was going for 50-60 cents on the dollar for quality models like Atlas,P2K Kato and some Athearn.The few brass engines went well over 200.00.The reason for that there was several train show dealers there bidding high. There was a 400  freight car lot that sold for over  $1200.

I walk away with two Athearn CR patched  exPC GP38-2s for $17.50 each.

[richhotrain]

BRAKIE

 

 

richhotrain

let somebody give you ten cents on the dollar and buy the whole lot, whatever that might consist of. Rich 

Rich,Last estate auction I went to the model trains was going for 50-60 cents on the dollar 

Larry, an estate auction is one way to do it, but I was talking about just having someone who buys model railroading collections purchase the entire lot from the widow or the family. That type of transaction usually results in lesser payment than what results from an estate auction, but it is faster and cleaner.

Rich