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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ).
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!!
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).
Well, I’m younger than Vincent, so ask me in 55-65 years (I’m 14)
Probably give them to my kids if they want them, or tell my family “take what you want to remeber me by and sell the rest to someone that’ll treat them right”
I would like to think somebody, (ANYBODY!) would give them a good home. Odds are they will end up in a landfill.[V] It will probably be just me and my brother left at the end and he could care less.
Packer and Packers#1-Tomorrow is NOT a given. You never know when the flying fickle finger of fate may point in your direction.
I live in the retirement capital of Canada so I would offer it to a seniors home or activity centre. They should be able to handle a 15 x 24 Ft. layout. If none can be found then anyone who wants to come and take apart the sections and move it can have it. It has been designed as movable but not portable. They would need a five ton truck as the largest section is 6’ x 18’. Of course all dibs are off for the “geezers” if any of my kids want it.[:D]
I have an extra room in the pyramid for the trains.
Seriously, I need to make a list with prices paid. But the kids have first dibs, my middle son has expressed some interest so he may get them. Otherwise sell them.
Some interesting comments so far. Personally, my son and daughter have no interest in model trains at all, but I do have a cousin on my wife’s side that will take the layout and I know she will enjoy it.
What I have done over the last few years is to sell off excess engines, structures and items that were collecting dust in the closet and that I had no plans on using at all. Jim
WERE ARE YOUR BRAINS??? IT DOESN’T MATTER IF YOUR 15 OR 50 , IN GREAT HEALTH, A NON SMOKER, NON DRINKER, JOG 100 MILES A DAY, AND DON’T TAKE PERSCRIPTION DRUGS. YOU CAN FALL OVER DEAD AT ANY MOMENT. IT’S THE SMOKERS, HEAVY DRINKERS, ECT THAT SEEM TO OUTLIVE EVERYONE. SO DON’T WAIT TILL IT’S TO LATE.
Ever hear of something called a burn pile? That’s where mine would end up. My father thinks trains are just so many useless toys even though his father and grandfather were both in the hobby with Marx and Lionel trains.
OHHH, how well I know that. Look at my signature; and then also a few weeks ago a kid in another middle school in my county collapsed during PE from a too-big heart (I forget his condition) and died later that day. And then a while back another girl was out horseback riding and got bucked.
Yah just never know when you’re going, so you can’t stay hid in your little shelter.
I think that this is a very topical subject to discuss as many of us here are in the time of our lives when the disposal of our models, and other treasures, are still of some concern to us.
I’ve seen many older guys dispose of or thin out their collections by gifting to younger folks or by direct sale. On eBay there is evidence of people selling estate lots of model RR collections either by beneficial relatives or second hand dealers.
Most of my stuff, my treasures and the things that make me happy, will just stay on in the house. It will be up to the beneficiaries of my estate to dispose of my stuff as and when they see fit. There is no need for them to rush this as these things don’t take up any room that would be otherwise used by my family once I am gone. After a while, I guess the Mrs and our kids will probably arrange for most of my stuff to be sent to a local auction house and be part of one of their regular toy auctions and book auctions as applicable.
My boat and guitars are another thing altogether and probably best left out of this discussion about MRR items.
Since the unforseen did happen to me with the loss of my wife, you never know when your number is up…
I have talked about this w/ the children, they know that they can count on many great friends of mine/ and thiers from my club. They will see that my extensive collection can be sold off for fair price. Some of those special pieces may be kept by my kids for sentimental reasons. None are into the hobby anymore. They can be Ebayed off, sold to certain member interested and the rest just donated to the club.
Hope this doesn’t ever happen or at least too soon. But I have no fear that all my prized pieces will go to good use.