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From time to time, the officers of Potomac Division receive a request for assistance in disposing of someone’s model railroad. The request typically comes from a survivor or executor who doesn’t know much about our hobby and who has many other things on his or her mind at the time. PD maintains a report "Estate Planning for Model Railroaders" that addresses all related issues in depth. This report includes narratives, under the heading Voice of Experience, that describe real-life experiences in order share a wide range of situations and experiences. It also applies to model railroaders who are uninterested or unable to continue enjoying the hobby.

Contents of Estate Planning for Model Railroaders

  • Model railroader's priorities
  • Model railroad assets
  • The layout
  • Unattached items
  • High value items
  • Get organized
  • What's its value?
  • Written instructions - a will or instructions for executor
  • Selling
  • Suggested contacts for potential disposition
  • Experiences
  • Planning for layout disposition
  • Remember the fees
  • Everything must go!
  • Cost to build & remove a model railroad
  • A professional's viewpoint
  • A volunteer's observations
  • A volunteer sells the collection
  • Taking down a very large railroad
  • Scenario sketches
  • Nearby professional services
  • National professional services
  • References
  • Appendix: using eBay
Open Layout Disposal report