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It's been a while since I've visited, but still have that tendency to snatch up a cheap e-bay auction every once and a while. I have an honest question about the collecting aspect here that is going to help some things I need to figure out.
Backdrop is I want to stop renting and buy a house (so you know where this is leading..lol)
As I said, I'm still collecting, but slowed down to a snails pace because I'm literally buying them, placing them in boxes and only looking at a select few diesel engines I've left out as standing displays. I have at least 10 boxes filled with engines, cars, tracks, power supplies, wires, buildings, etc..., etc..., etc....
Should I sell everything except my diesels or just keep everything boxed up? It's been about 6-8 years I've been collecting and haven't any room for a simple small display.
Do you expect to actually build a layout when you get your house? If so, hang on to what you have. You'll only get pennies on the dollar selling it and you'll have to buy it all back again when you build your layout.
I'll second what UP says. It's easy to find a safe storage place for them, even if ya have to use someone elses attic or basement, as long as they are in sealed containers so dust and vermin can't get in.
I made the mistake of selling all my train stuff except my 3 engines way back in the early 60's. It wasn't until 1980 that I built another layout. I never used the steam engines that I saved, but I did trade them for 3 fairly nice diesels.
All of the equipment that you own now is probably a lot newer than when I started.
So, I Third the nomination that you keep everything that you have now, no matter, how long it takes to start a layout.
I read this after you guys replied and I thank you for the input, but I've been finding myself just packing and packing them into boxes. I have a select few I keep aside, but it's tough as nails to keep things safe from breaking when you have over 75 engines, 200 rolling stock and over 60 pre-built buildings in a mere 700sq. ft. living space.
I may end up digging everything out soon just to go through things and keep the things I'll want to do a layout of like the steam and Amtrak lines. So I'm thinking about trading whatever I have left for something like a Tri-Rail line or selling in a few bundles.
If my decision does in fact go towards selling, what would a NIB brass SD-24 high hood usually sell for? I believe it's a Hallmark
BTW, Larry...
I'll be keeping my old original Lionel's. My dad has been an avid collector for eons and is more than happy for me to take them and do what he never did, so I got the good oldies as well. I just don't consider those disposable.
Don't do it. Rent a storage unit if you have to but you won't make much money from selling your equipment and you'll miss every piece, including that nice brass SD-24 and end up buying it back for 20% more than you sold it for when you build your layout. Just having 60 prebuilt structures gives you a huge advantage when you have the space for a layout.
I plan on talking to the wife tonight when I get home from work about listing everything I have for sale. I can always start collecting again once the house is purchased.
Just a heads up in case anyone might be looking for a large lot.
Gotta agree with the advise already given to you. I'd think real hard about selling everything off. The economy is down, people aren't spending as much on ebay etc. for toys. You'll never be able to get the amount of money you already have invested in them. My 2 cents worth.
Sounds like a smart woman. As Jerome said, it's hard to imagine a worse time to sell what are discretionary consumer items like model trains. You'll be lucky to get half of what you paid for things and, by the time you want them again, they will be twice as much and many of them will not be available. Like I said before, rent a storage unit if you must but don't sell off your collection unless you're desperate for money.
Buying a home is the biggest investment you ever make in your life. No matter how carefully you plan there are always unexpected added expenses that pop up. Some day 3 or 5 or 10 years from now if you want to start the railroad almost all over again it might not be as easy. I looked at it this way; my trains didn't need to be clothed or fed or sent to college and I didn't have to pay taxes on them every year. I owned them and that was the end of it. As family and job demands took more of my time and money I let my railroad and everything about it just sit for over 20 years. Plenty of times I would look at it all and think about selling it off. Now that I am back active with it again I am happy I never sold so much as even a single spike!!
The crew here might be more than a little biased in our opinions but I know we all speak from experience one way or the other. Good to see in your follow up posts that you decided to hang onto it all. You won't regret it. Best of luck with the new home!!
As Jerome said, it's hard to imagine a worse time to sell what are discretionary consumer items like model trains. You'll be lucky to get half of what you paid for things and, by the time you want them again, they will be twice as much and many of them will not be available. Like I said before, rent a storage unit if you must but don't sell off your collection unless you're desperate for money.