They're all gone

Which auction house did you use?  Did you just send them a list of your items?  Must have been a bit bittersweet to say goodbye to a lifetime's collection. Godspeed.

@wbg pete posted:

After 75+ years of playing with/collecting Lionel Trains and building two 1,000 ft2 layouts, it was time to let them all go.  It took over six hours for them to be packed and loaded this past Sunday.  Our basement foyer went from this (photos show only what was on display):

To This:

So . . . where did it all go? And what, if any, are your plans going forward?

Pete, I’m sure that wasn’t easy to see your wonderful post-war collection all boxed up.   We know we can’t take them with us but I‘m sure you got years of happiness from them.   Trainz will find new homes for them so that other collectors can care for those items even longer.  

Wow, this is one of the saddest posts I’ve seen in quite a while.  Almost makes me want to cry.  LOL   I can’t imagine how difficult a decision this must’ve been.   I know this happens all the time.  I’m sure you have very valid reasons for the decision.  I think for me it’s just  seeing the whole process.  Your  pictures.  The beautiful, full display shelves going to empty.  People actually walking out the door with your trains.   And the thought that that’ll be me someday….assuming of course that I ever do build a new layout.  

Tough to see those empty shelves. I'm sure they will all find good homes and give the next owner many more years of enjoyment.

Bob

Very nice collection.  I'm sure it was a difficult decision to let it go.  I hope you saved a few items to display and/or run on a small table.

Don

Wow, what a beautiful collection and so nicely presented! I'm not sad, though---it seems like you made a great and timely decision. The move appeared to go very smoothly and was apparently well organized. We are all acquainted with horror stories as to how huge collections have burdened next of kin. And like others have mentioned, I'm sure your pieces will bring great enjoyment to many other new owners down the line.

All the best.

Wow, I think it was the layout that I drooled over!

Pete,

I remember when my wife and I visited and saw your collection and layout. That move was definitely gut wretching! I hope you have something in mind to fill the empty spaces in your house and in your life.

Chris

P&O

I'm 80, have a similarly sized collection. Been thinking about this issue. Could you share what triggered your decision, your thoughts process?

Pete, if it’s not too much trouble, I’d be very interested to see an overall picture of your old layout.  Seems like it definitely made an impression on people.