We are thinking of downsizing which means the 24 x 32 layout has to go.
Selling these items piece by piece creates several problems, not the
least of which is acquiring shipping boxes. There are approximately 180
rubber tired vehicles on the layout. If I group them (i.e. REA trucks{approx.
20}) that lot becomes restricted to a club which can use 20 REA trucks or
whose members will split the lot for their own layouts. Same thinking holds
true for 'Lionel Retail Shops', 'Lionel gingerbread homes', 'Ameri-Towne
buildings'. Any grouping has the same problems and the buildings are going to be a
bear to ship.
99% of the rolling stock has original boxes, that will be the
easiest part to pack. The empty boxes are in tote bins, just open the
bins, put the proper car in each carton and return the items to bins
in some sort of retrievable order.
With the rolling stock off the layout, only the buildings,highway vehicles
and people would remain. We could furnish shopping bags and a few boxes.
Buyers would have their automobiles at the
curb and buildings could be placed in the trunks or back seats. The list
would be updated after each purchase and printed as guests arrive. I think
80% of purchase price would be a fair level. If that's unreasonable, we'll start lower.
The goal is to clear the table in eight hours.
Notices would be sent to TCA, LCCA and LOTS members within 50 miles
of our home. Mid-America 3 Railers could be contacted through a mass mailing.
Any remaining items would be listed on OGR For Sale or donated to
the Boy Scouts.
Do you think this is viable? I'd appreciate your comments, suggestions, etc.
