glo41f Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Hi Everyone I was at a model meeting at the weekend and speaking with a couple of senior modellers who where both in their 80s. They were seeking advice on disposing of their respective model collections. When I asked why they both said that they did not want to lumber their spouses with the problems of disposing of their models (they are both 7mm types) and that they felt it was better to dispose of the items whilst they were capable of doing so. Reflecting on this (and I am nowhere near their age), I felt there was considerable merit in their decisions. Looking at my collection, I have loads of items acquired over the many years in the hobby most of which are never or rarely used. What is the point of them sitting in their respective boxes? (We are all guilty of this!) I looked for excuses to build all sorts of might have been seen on my modelled area (rulke 1) but it is the typical and not the exotic that "makes" the scene convincing. On the GE post war the prevalence of B1s and Brush 2s was marked so why have an Ivatt 2-6-2t of which only one was run in the area and that as a test on the Aldeburgh branch which was soon terminated. It is possible that someone else could /would enjoy running them and using them on various projects and I could come down to a hard core of the dozen or so models that I actually use on a regular basis, My family are not interested in my models and so I have nobody who would want them after I have gone. I am sure that there are a great number in my situation and i really wonder if it is better to dispose of the items now rather than leave the problem to someone else. I would be interested in your views. Martin Long Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BG John Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 I think simplifying and organising your life is a great thing to do at any age. I've been trying to do it for years, and may be starting to get there. I've got models, bits of models, and materials I've had for decades, that have either never been used, or not used much. They've cluttered up my home and my life, and I couldn't have found a lot of them if I'd wanted to anyway. I'm currently getting towards the end of a big sort out of everything (not just model railways), and for the first time ever, everything is easy to find. I've joked for years about how I inherited from my Dad the ability to spend 5 hours trying to find the tools and materials to do a 5 minute job, but very soon I should be able to find things in 5 seconds! It feels pretty amazing really. I've never been a collector of models, so don't have the hundreds of locos, rolling stock, and piles of stuff that some people have, fortunately, as I've got decisions to make about what to get rid of for a fairly small number of items. But I just know that once it's done, my life will be much better, more productive, and happier. Don't wait until you're about to push up the daisies, to avoid work for your family. Do it now for your benefit! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodenhead Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 There is also the inherent value in a lot of models, families might not know their true value and as such dispose of them cheaply doing themselves unwittingly out of inheritance. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefrk Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 I had a clearout a few years ago and got over 3 grand which bought more stuff... Okay it was stuff I needed like a new chassis and springs for the old Landie, the poor auld thing is still not on the road though. Dave Franks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Colin_McLeod Posted November 9, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 9, 2015 What about an RMweb disposal service? Someone on here who know us (even if only on a virtual friend basis) and also knows the true value of our MR stuff could arrange sale for the benefit of the estate. Reasonable expenses and a reasonable fee to whoever did all the work would come from the sale income and possibly RMweb could retain a percentage fee for charity. Such a scheme would make it easier for both the current owner and his/her heirs who would get more than some dealers might offer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew F Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 It would be better to hear about folk in their 80's considering their next layout rather than getting shot whilst their still drawing breath. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Martin, you don't say if the 2 gentlemen are members of the Gauge O Guild, if they are, have they considered to the GoG's Trustee & Executry Service ? Might be worth a read of the appropriate webpage. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
glo41f Posted November 10, 2015 Author Share Posted November 10, 2015 Duncan They are both members but the Guild Trustee Service will only usually handle disposals of live members stock if there is some medical situation whereby the member is unable to handle the sale. Right at this moment, the service has a huge amount in stock and it is closed to live members regardless of the situation. I have suggested to them that they use the Guild Website Sales and Wants section. It works for me! (Just put a Heljan 47 on it) Regards Martin Long Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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