TCA Museum Auction

Hi Paul, is this a normal operational process for the museum, or are they in the need of cash?

 

In any case it sounds like a good opportunity to pick up some interesting items.

 

Thank's for the post,

Mario E.

From what I understand more trains and artifacts are left to the TCA museum (from the estates of deceased members) than they can ever hope to display and store. That place might be swimming in excess inventory that needs to be moved. The auction will help generate the needed funding to help the museum and the TCA organization to continue to thrive.

Mario,

We had our first auction about 3 years ago.  It was very successful.  We are have run out of room to store duplicate items, we even have to rent off site storage units.  Do we have financial issues? Sure in this economy what business doesn't??  So we kill two birds with one stone.  Let me say now that when someone donates a item to the National Toy Train Museum there is a multi step process that takes place.

1. Do we want to display this item, if we already have one, which is in better condition?

2. Do we wish to operate this item on one of our 5 layouts.

3. Do we wish to back up a loaned item with one that is donated so iif the loan is return-

    ed to the owner we have one ready to take it's place.

4. Can we sell this item if it does not fit into the above criteria? The proceeds then can

    support other museum activities.

BTW, the IRS does have a time limit that we must keep an item if a tax deduction has

been taken on a donation.  So as you can see we do treat donations with respect and do not think of them as just something to sell. We will probably have another auction for paper items later this year.  The library has over 40,000 paper items stored.  It will take several auctions to reduce that number.  As with the trains there are criteria for paper items as well before we decide to sell a donation.  I hope this answers your questions.

 

Paul Edgar

President

TCA

It's too bad they don't hold it Thursday or Friday night of York. Just my 2 cents.

 Now don't everybody jump on me.

Eddie,

Remember it's also on line.  With over 700 lots it's going to take all day.  Starts at 9:00am

 

Paul Edgar

I thought I would also mention that March 31 in addition to this auction is also the 35th Anniversry of the National Toy Train Museum.  We are holding a celebration all day with 35 cent addmissions to non members, a band from 1-4, cake cutting, etc.  The auction although on line is taking place in Quarryville, Pa which is about 15 minutes to the southwest from the museum.  Why not kill 2 birds at the same time??

 

Paul Edgar

12% buyers fee
3% online bidding fee
6% tax
plus shipping

MrNabisco,

You forgot to add   2% discount for cash or checks.  BTW, what is your point??

 

Paul Edgar

 

 

Just wondering...does the TCA have any plans in place to scan and maintain these "de-accessed" documents in digital form, so that future researchers might have the opportunity to see them?

Arthur,

Many of the de-accessed items were duplicates.  Our libriarian and Committee Chairman went through all of these materials.  We kept what we wanted and are selling the excess.

 

Paul Edgar

20%+ on top of sale price. My point, that's a LOT. And why I don't participate in online auctions...

MrNabisco,

Yes it is.  However you can't get away from shipping, & tax.  The other charges are competitive with other auction houses and even much less than some others.  So as you say, auctions can add a lot of extra expense.  However, if no one else bids against you you get get things very cheaply.

 

Paul Edgar

Hi Paul,

I scrolled through the items last night. Please check as 2 MTH items I can see are mixed. You have an Empire State Hudson in the Dreyfus Hudson Box(you can clearly see it throgh the wrapping). Just trying to save on the possible confusion.

Hi Paul, thank you so much for taking the time to educate me on the workings of our museum. I love that place and anything you guys can do to keep the doors open is a good thing and well appreciated by all who care.

 

Keep up the good work and I hope to make a couple of trips out there this summer.