What happens to your trains when you die?

[Packer]

Can I come back and answer this in about 50-60 years? (only 19)

All I know is my (insert closest female friend) wouldn't get any of it, unless of course she herself is an MRR. More than likely be given to someone who would want them (I've already given away a few trainsets to younger kids).

[Great Western Rwy fan]

I'm 50 now and in perfect health. Don't drink smoke or take drugs, Not even perscription ones. I plan on living to the age of 125. Hopefully . That may not be a stretch with modern meds and technology.. So with 75 yrs left I like to believe I have time later to decide what happens with my trains. In the meanwhile I will just enjoy them!!

[1train1]

I concur with pastorbob keep a somewhat detailed record of your inventory and its estimated worth per item ie rolling stock. locomotive etc.. Put a copy with your will ( updated as neccesary ).Then let your family members know what you want done with them after your demise. If you intend to liquidate them as resources for your family - ask a close fellow model railroader to be the one to dispose of it ( they know the value ).

 

[retsignalmtr]

the only people i know who are into trains are members of my club so i have had a bequest added to my will that if the club is still active when i pass that it all go to the club to do with as they wish.

[pastorbob]

That is a good question, and being 72 at this point, even though in great health, I have already planned for my demise.  First, I keep pretty detailed records on Excel files including cost and upgrades to equipment.  My wife is computer literate and younger, so she will probably be the one to dispose of them.

Some of my local railroading buddies, one in particular, will be called on my death to get with my wife and the list.  He has one also, but the home one will probably be more up to date.  I told my wife the main concern is the sell the rolling stock and diesels.  Buildings to anyone who wants them and then scrap the rest, track, scenery, deckwork.  There are a few pieces of equipment already spoken for and my wife has that list also.

That is about all I can do to help her.

Bob

[twhite]

They're going with me.  God mentioned that he doesn't have enough good-running brass articulateds for His MR.   He wants me to bring along my Yellowstones.  Evidently St. Francis has dibs on the 2-8-0's:[P]

Actually, to be serious, the MR is going to be split up between my son and grandson and my nephew and his son.  They're all pretty fascinated by the hobby, and they all get along well.  I think they will be able to figure out the disposition without any infighting.   I have a pretty close, mellow family. 

Tom

[Chartiers]

I'm not trying to be morbid here, but just wondering how many have thought about, or planned for, what's going to happen to their trains if they die?  The question obviously become more relevant the older you get or if you are in bad health.  The answer could be as simple as not caring what they do with your trains and layout as your going to be dead.  But since we tend to put a lot of time, effort and money into our great hobby, I think most of us would like some good to come from our trains when we are gone.  

 

I think what prompted this question was that I seen a neighbor recently die unexpectedly.  Relatives picked over the "good" stuff that they wanted, but I think the vast majority of his hobby and collectable items ended up in the trash which seems a shame.

 

Jim