Culling the collection

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Certain events over recent days have highlighted a topic that I have been mulling over for a while. That of what to do with the train collection when I can’t continue with the hobby, need to downsize the home, and/or to try and lessen any burden on those loved ones left behind in the event of my demise.

No doubt this topic has received an airing earlier in this forum, and any insights or suggestions would be welcomed.

My initial thinking is to start by advertising some stuff in this forum with the potential to move items to modellers within Australia/NZ.

Not adverse to sales overseas however shipping costs may deter some buyers as postage from Australia is expensive.

Any comments appreciated.
Cheers
 
Rowan Bravington said:
Certain events over recent days have highlighted a topic that I have been mulling over for a while. That of what to do with the train collection when I can’t continue with the hobby, need to downsize the home, and/or to try and lessen any burden on those loved ones left behind in the event of my demise.

No doubt this topic has received an airing earlier in this forum, and any insights or suggestions would be welcomed.

My initial thinking is to start by advertising some stuff in this forum with the potential to move items to modellers within Australia/NZ.

Not adverse to sales overseas however shipping costs may deter some buyers as postage from Australia is expensive.

Any comments appreciated.
Cheers
Click to expand...
There is also Ebay Rowan?

I see LGB items from Oz here in the UK, although they seem to be much more expensive than buying from the UK or Europe....
 
Another option could be a local Retailer that does second hand. Ok though you will take a commision hit of perhaps 20% if you want cash, but it is generally a seamless operation. I have used Glendale Junction in the past but GRS and possibly others offer this service in UK
 
I have often thought about my collection - as you are doing Rowan. I would like to retain most, if not all, to the end if possible. I have health issues which spoil my enjoyment of life like we all do when reaching a certain age.

I have told my sons to retain something as a memento if they so wish but, the main thing I need to do is to photo and catalogue everything so that it will aid in the disposal of such items.

In a way, it's like making out a will. I suppose, when it gets down to it, we have to be realistic.
 
trammayo said:
I have often thought about my collection - as you are doing Rowan. I would like to retain most, if not all, to the end if possible. I have health issues which spoil my enjoyment of life like we all do when reaching a certain age.

I have told my sons to retain something as a memento if they so wish but, the main thing I need to do is to photo and catalogue everything so that it will aid in the disposal of such items.

In a way, it's like making out a will. I suppose, when it gets down to it, we have to be realistic.
Click to expand...

Very true Mick..

Is there a 'local' (I know that can have a very different meaning on an island the size of Australia!) club of some sort? Be it model railway, or model engineers, who could help the family dispose of your collection?

Are you a member of any of the larger organisations, perhaps? - I know the 16mm Association have a team of volunteers who can assist with this.
 
Thanks to all for these comments and suggestions... all food for thought.
Looking around the local ‘market’ here in Melbourne, Australia, there are a number of avenues
- a local club with multiple scales that may be amenable to take on consignment or direct sales; they also run the main model train show here in Melbourne at which I have displayed a G scale layout over the past 10 years or so (so may be able to mount a second hand stall at the show if I am able to manage it)
- on consignment with a local model train shop - although a few miles distant across the burbs;
- evil bay, as it seems to be called on this forum- I have had a deal of success selling off my HO items in past years, although I found then that the large scale items are much more difficult to sell. Recent attempts to sell a new 3 truck Shay down to $800 failed. Price too high perhaps (although within the realms of cost and shipping from the USA)
I am not a member of any club, and I certainly am not aware of any local Large Scale clubs.
There are no 16mm associations that I can find in Australia, and the live steam outfits are just that...
I have already an extensive list cateloging the items, and including a photo is an excellent suggestion.
My plan after all your input is:
Complete photo catalogue; list a few seed items on this forum for our Australian forum members to drool over (ha ha), or for worldwide members to check out; and start listing some items on the auction site.
I know I must dig out all that extra G track that’s cluttering up the back shed.
All this dependent on medical treatments programs etc which will become known later this week.
Thanks again to all who contributed.
 
Rowan, you wrote - 'Recent attempts to sell a new 3 truck Shay down to $800 failed. Price too high perhaps (although within the realms of cost and shipping from the USA)'

Just to mention that four years ago I bought TWO Bachmann 3-truck Shays from the USA for US$600 - including shipping to UK...

tac
Ottawa Valley GRS
 
I know you live near Melbourne, but John Pearce in Sydney might be able to help you out. Try www.ritg.org.au

Or Andrew House at andrewhouse1946[at]gmail.com

I have his phone number if you want to speak - PM me for details.

tac
Ottawa Valley GRS
Port Orford Coast RR - Eastern Sub
 
tac foley said:
Rowan, you wrote - 'Recent attempts to sell a new 3 truck Shay down to $800 failed. Price too high perhaps (although within the realms of cost and shipping from the USA)'

Just to mention that four years ago I bought TWO Bachmann 3-truck Shays from the USA for US$600 - including shipping to UK...

tac
Ottawa Valley GRS
Click to expand...
So, my price was about double what you paid for two. AUD 800 being about USD 640. I have to admit that I landed mine from the States for about AUD500. Postage to and from Australia is a killer.
 
Rowan Bravington said:
So, my price was about double what you paid for two. AUD 800 being about USD 640. I have to admit that I landed mine from the States for about AUD500. Postage to and from Australia is a killer.
Click to expand...
Internal post costs in UK not too good either!
 
Do you have a specialist toy/collectibles auction house in your part of the world ? In the UK we have an auction house called Vectis, who have themed collectibles sales with both "in the room" and on-line bidders participating. I know there is a risk that dealers may "ring" bidding in these types of sales but it might be a good way of achieving an equitable price. You also have to be aware the effect of buyers and sellers premiums that may have effects on the"take home" value you can achieve.

The previously made suggestion of agreeing a "commission" per item sold, rather than an outright sale, with a dealer also seems a good idea where there are no time constraints on your part. Few dealers have the ability to offer "best" prices with the capital they would have to tie up on a large collection, especially with items in a "niche" sector of the hobby. Max
 
maxi-model said:
Do you have a specialist toy/collectibles auction house in your part of the world ? In the UK we have an auction house called Vectis, who have themed collectibles sales with both "in the room" and on-line bidders participating. I know there is a risk that dealers may "ring" bidding in these types of sales but it might be a good way of achieving an equitable price. You also have to be aware the effect of buyers and sellers premiums that may have effects on the"take home" value you can achieve.

The previously made suggestion of agreeing a "commission" per item sold, rather than an outright sale, with a dealer also seems a good idea where there are no time constraints on your part. Few dealers have the ability to offer "best" prices with the capital they would have to tie up on a large collection, especially with items in a "niche" sector of the hobby. Max
Click to expand...
Thanks Max....No we do not have specialist toy/collectibles auction houses here to my knowledge. As you say we are in a niche market with our trains and in Australia the market is very small indeed, compared with either UK or USA.
I am aware of 'dealers' here who - as is the nature of the beast - will charge a hefty commission, or pay a much smaller than you would expect for items, then on sell them for a much greater price - but they do have overheads etc so that's ok.
Just soldier on I think. Cheers
Rowan
 
Rowan Bravington said:
Thanks to all for these comments and suggestions... all food for thought.
Looking around the local ‘market’ here in Melbourne, Australia, there are a number of avenues
- a local club with multiple scales that may be amenable to take on consignment or direct sales; they also run the main model train show here in Melbourne at which I have displayed a G scale layout over the past 10 years or so (so may be able to mount a second hand stall at the show if I am able to manage it)
- on consignment with a local model train shop - although a few miles distant across the burbs;
- evil bay, as it seems to be called on this forum- I have had a deal of success selling off my HO items in past years, although I found then that the large scale items are much more difficult to sell. Recent attempts to sell a new 3 truck Shay down to $800 failed. Price too high perhaps (although within the realms of cost and shipping from the USA)
I am not a member of any club, and I certainly am not aware of any local Large Scale clubs.
There are no 16mm associations that I can find in Australia, and the live steam outfits are just that...
I have already an extensive list cateloging the items, and including a photo is an excellent suggestion.
My plan after all your input is:
Complete photo catalogue; list a few seed items on this forum for our Australian forum members to drool over (ha ha), or for worldwide members to check out; and start listing some items on the auction site.
I know I must dig out all that extra G track that’s cluttering up the back shed.
All this dependent on medical treatments programs etc which will become known later this week.
Thanks again to all who contributed.
Click to expand...
Hi Rowan, are you currently compiling a list of items for sale as am not to far away by Australian standards ( Mount Compass in S.A.) and could be interested. As you said, Australia appears to be a limited market compared to Europe and the States and postage costs can sway bidding amount on items.
 
Hi goneloco,
Yes list is being prepared, should be finished in the next few days - probably early next week - depending on my fitness and enthusiasm which do not always align........
Cheers
Rowan
 
Rowan Bravington said:
Hi goneloco,
Yes list is being prepared, should be finished in the next few days - probably early next week - depending on my fitness and enthusiasm which do not always align........
Cheers
Rowan
Click to expand...
Thanks for the update Rowan, will keep a lookout for the list. I started back into model railways about 8 years ago when I bought a collection from someone moving house and have since purchased a couple more, am busy sorting through everything now I have retired and have more time. All the best with your health issues.
 
Fingers crossed looks like you have a solution Rowan. All the best with your health, as my Dad once said to me "don't get old son" now that would be a great trick to achieve especially with good health.
 
OK,

I have been able to cobble a list together… it is by no means perfect however should give enough to whet some appetites. It also gives some thinking on my price points.

The spreadsheet lists all the items I have identified at this stage that I want to sell – the cream on top if you like – there are many other items still to come eg: Thomas the Tank rolling stock, Ore cars, Hartland rolling stock, some passenger cars, some HO Thomas items, Hon3 items and a few Z scale items, G scale structures and much G Scale track – some brand new.

I have been unable due to health to make great inroads to the collection lists as I get puffed out (that’s a joke !!) and a meeting with my oncologist tomorrow signals (there’s another one!) the start of some chemo.

Almost all of my items could be considered ‘as new’ as they have never been run very much. Having said that some of the Thomas items have run for many hours at the Caulfield Train show over 7 years or so. Most items have been purchased new. I was unable to include the pictures in the spreadsheet so have put them on a Word doc. I have unable to photograph everything as I tired out.

There is also another brand new 3 truck Shay for say $400. The one pictured has a history – it started out as a new one and I disassembled it to repaint and weather heavily and install a timber roof in place of the cab. This was done to a handful of Shay’s in the States when they were expected to ‘shed’ out in rough weather. I still have the original cabin for it.

Please ask any questions.

Cheers, Rowan
upload_2018-2-5_11-10-2.png

If I can work out how to post pictures they will appear asap.
 
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