I recently had to move and left behind a large trainroom with a half-finished multi-level layout. I still have a fairly substantial collection of N scale locomotives (most with decoders installed) and cars, unbuilt structure kits, unused turnouts and flextrack, and a Dixitrax system. At this point I don’t foresee building another N scale layout.
Are there any organizations that serve as clearinghouses for the donation of model railroad items? I would be particularly interested in finding a returning veteran who is an N scale modeler and would be interested in my collection. I don’t want any money for it; I just want the stuff to go to someone who would use it and appreciate it and might not be in a position to shell out much money for a hobby. A tax deduction would be great, but not essential. I live in Houston, Texas.
There is the Youth In Model Railroading organization with several divisions but the main original one is in Denver. They take all sorts of donations to help children get started in model railroading either directly or indirectly. I believe their N-gauge exhibition layout could use a DCC system. They are a 501c3 charity so the donation can be written off.
Perhaps you could contact a local VFW post to find a returning veteran. I’ll also ask my father. He is Korean war Vet, is into N-scale and might know someone else who wants to get into the hobby.
Another organization you could consider donating to is the Teen Association Of Model Railroaders (TAMR). They’re a multi-scale group of younger model railroaders, so not all the members are N scalers, however the members that are could still make good use of the items you described. You can check them out at http://www.tamr.org/. A few of us on this forum are members of the TAMR including myself, IVRW, Packers#1, and a few others. We’re also national organization so there is probably a member in your area. Not sure about the tax deduction though.
Just a suggestion, there’re have already been other great ones mentioned,
I’d be Packers#1, one of the aforementioned TAMR members (actually the president). we recently received a donation of HO scale items from a gentleman and they were dispersed among the group, though the n scalers like myself didn’t have much use. the real guy to contact though would be our Jeffrey Andreski (the promo director that you’ll find in the contact us section of the tamr’s website) as he handled the HO donations and knows how to do it well.
as to the tax deduction, you could ask, but I’m not sure if it’s available (I’m the elcted member; there’s several adult members who handle the legal aspect etc)
I’m getting out of the hobby, to spend more time riding my bike, running and swimming, when I’m not working my day job… I’ll get my “hobby fix” with model planes (the kind that really fly) and model ships. It takes less space and is easier to do in small increments of time.