When to dismantle a train layout - for good? VIDEO Added 03 June 2018

Re: Life and its uncertainties.

This is some heavy stuff, here.

I would tend to think that when you think the time is right, then it is the right time.

I can understand your desire for the family to not have to deal with it.

Bear in mind that once your body DOES start slowing down... would running the trains be a relaxation that would be good therapy?

So much to consider as we age.

Andre

I have a thought that someone else may have to deal with it and I will enjoy it as long as I can.    Not sure it is the best idea.   but it is also an idea pushed by 2-3 of my buddies on their layouts.

I think leaving some contact information for dealers who might come in and buy the whole thing would be appropriate.   the trains are not an "investment" to wring out the most $$ when we sell, but a hobby to enjoy and then get what we can from when done.

Alexander,

I imagine that the first question you need to ask yourself is "Do I still enjoy operating the layout"? I have pondered the subject ever since an close friend of mine dismantled his whole basement sized two rail   O Scale layout few years ago. He too had mixed feelings about it.  

I know that layout maintenance gets old after awhile and time for life's many demands make running trains a lower priority, but I hope that I will always  have the need to watch trains on the layout go around and around again or make up consists to create memories of trains gone by.   Perhaps I might consider thinning the herd of engines and cars over time, but the layout would be a source of joy and at least entertainment for me when my body won't let me enjoy all of my more physical hobbies. My estate can worry about removing the layout.

As for my old friend, now deceased, a retired conductor and lifelong O-Scaler, he was glad not to have to maintain the layout, but missed the trains, especially the engines, and the memories that they held for him (He even tried to buy a couple of engines back after the auction).  

I thank you for offering your story and for asking for input.  I hope this discussion will be helpful for many others. It's folks like you that make this forum a source of enjoyment for me.

Sincerely,

Earl Trygar

So right now I’m trying to figure out how to get 33’ x 38’ layout in a 11’ x 17’ box.  Any ideas are welcome.    Seriously though, your thoughts Alex, are what I think about on whether to start a new layout at the same age. 🤔 

Alex, good post.  I am 73 and have had prostate cancer and currently dealing with bladder cancer.  My layout was started July 02, 1982.  My Grandson who is 25 is into the trains as well as Dotty.  The house will stay in the family.  When I am gone, it is up to them on the trains disposition.  They have been well instructed who to deal with and who not to deal with.   Who knows I might be here for a while longer.  

I would advise anyone who wants a big layout to start it when they are younger.    Building a big layout at an older age could kill you.  It is very hard work.

Alexander, dependent upon your time, space, physical expectations and desire to operate a layout, have you considered "downsizing" the layout in stages?  If you still desire to have some form of a layout, you can pare down in steps (big or small) and sell, store, distribute/gift items as needed.

You mentioned that your sons' families are very young and some distance away and have not shown a particular interest in your current layout, but it might be nice to be able to save a relatively small section (something that is easy to transport/store/set-up) of your current layout for each family - Something NO bigger than 4'x8'.  With a few train items/accessories each family can have a small piece of Grandfather's train layout that they can set-up & play with as a connection to you and your memory.  The grandchildren are very small now, but in time they might appreciate this gift for years to come and can identify that section as whole or part of their future layouts.  Again, small section is important (even 4'x4') as well as the OK from your sons & their spouses.

My advice is this: we all only live once.  As long as you continue to enjoy your trains KEEP them!   I understand we all do not want to be a burden on our children and would do ANYTHING for them, however, we have a right 1% () of the time to do things for ourselves.  This is one of those times.  I would plan ahead with your family on how to dispose of your trains when the time comes.   You could arrange ahead of time with carpenters, hobby shops, and reputable auction houses on what to do with your layout when the time comes and give that information to your family.   At least that's what I would do.

-Greg

I also have other interest's and for the most part the basement railroad is finished. I also had my wake up call last year. physically the trains is what I can probably do at the oldest age, My other more physical interesest's have a more limited time. So I agree with Greg Houser.  

Clem 

Alex, I agree with what's being said, when I was going threw Chemo and Radiation treatment Trains are what brought me joy and the time to forget for a little while! My wife loves the idea of me having something to keep me busy. Some think I shouldn't waste my time cause you never know what Cancers is going to do, while others encourage me to move forward. As for me trains are what keeps me happy and active, and it sure beats the heck out of my lame golf game! 

I wish you the best in what ever route you take, Just be happy and enjoy life!

My two cents comes from my dad, who is your age, and my father in law who is 81, both often speak about how neither ever expected to live so long, how they believed they would be dead and gone years ago. They both have had their near death experiences with heart attacks, cancer, and an accident or two that required long recovery periods. 

The lesson learned was we truly have no idea if we’ll live to 50 or 104, if our health will fail now or in 20 years, or if we’ll get hit by a bus tomorrow. 

If you enjoy your layout and have a well outlined plan for its disposal should something happen, and ideally have discussed with a family member who can manage its disposition, enjoy it while you can. The premature dismantling and belief that is in everyone’s best interest my rob you of years of enjoyment, while ultimately not serving to have improved anyone else’s position. 

I hate those who says it will not be my problem I will be dead, those folks are self centered and perhaps even worse, at the same time, being the son / son in law who gets to deal with such things post passing, I encourage them both to enjoy every bit of the time left, we talk through things and I know their wishes and their are plans in place to help me when the time comes. 

Something tells me most of us younger folks want our parents and grandparents to live right up until they don’t, to play with trains, shoot guns, ride the Harley, whatever brings them joy. Rather than be worried about giving it all up, sitting in a chair and waiting for God to call. 

Hope that helps. 

If you enjoy the trains, and from following your layout for some time it appears that you do, I would not consider getting rid of them. Leave some ideas on what to do with 5hem... sure.

We are in a similar situation to you. Kids could care less, don’t live here, are doing well, have a recent health problem, actively fish offshore on a friend’s boat and we travel BUT, after owning a 41 foot Viking sport fish for 20 plus years, we sold our boat last year and are building a 40 X 22 foot layout.

Not dead yet and still plan to enjoy the life that the Lord blesses us with. When it stops or changes is his decision.

Hope to see your interest rekindled and that you figure things out.

Bill

Whether or not I have an operating layout in the future, I hope that at least I'll be able to occasionally put some "therapy loops" down on the floor, kick back on a couch or chair and just watch them run.

Rusty

CincinnatiWestern posted:

My two cents comes from my dad, who is your age, and my father in law who is 81, both often speak about how neither ever expected to live so long, how they believed they would be dead and gone years ago. They both have had their near death experiences with heart attacks, cancer, and an accident or two that required long recovery periods. 

The lesson learned was we truly have no idea if we’ll live to 50 or 104, if our health will fail now or in 20 years, or if we’ll get hit by a bus tomorrow. 

If you enjoy your layout and have a well outlined plan for its disposal should something happen, and ideally have discussed with a family member who can manage its disposition, enjoy it while you can. The premature dismantling and belief that is in everyone’s best interest my rob you of years of enjoyment, while ultimately not serving to have improved anyone else’s position. 

I hate those who says it will not be my problem I will be dead, those folks are self centered and perhaps even worse, at the same time, being the son / son in law who gets to deal with such things post passing, I encourage them both to enjoy every bit of the time left, we talk through things and I know their wishes and their are plans in place to help me when the time comes. 

Something tells me most of us younger folks want our parents and grandparents to live right up until they don’t, to play with trains, shoot guns, ride the Harley, whatever brings them joy. Rather than be worried about giving it all up, sitting in a chair and waiting for God to call. 

Hope that helps. 

Cw, you are spot on!

Alex,

If you are enjoying the layout, keep it. If you are worried about the burden of tearing it out and selling the stuff talk it through with your family and come up with a plan for when the time to abandon the railroad arrives. I`ll bet your family will tell you to keep it too.

Mike

I run my layout every day and even though I had a heart problem this past year I enjoy my trains more and more. Beings I'm now 71 I intend to keep building and running my trains. 

My immediate family has all passed away, had no children and most of my extended family has past so I have nobody that is remotely interested in my trains. All my possessions will go to my brothers kid who lives in another state. I have advised him on the disposal of the trains and other things.  It's all in a packet I wrote and is sealed and in my closet for him to read after my death. 

In the mean time I'm going to enjoy my trains no matter if I live one month or 25 or more years. 

So Alex, enjoy your trains no matter how long you may have, you will be glad you did. Life is too short to worry about things you can't control.

Dave

Alex:  First I am sorry to hear you have had so many health issues and am glad to hear you are doing better.

Second, a couple of true life experiences:

My former father in law who was in his mid 70's had a stroke when I was 36 that left him unable to speak clearly and walk kind of dragging one foot.  He would go into his small shop area and just sit with his Ham radio and woodworking tools.   His wife was concerned that that he might try to operate the tools and hurt himself so she asked me to remove the tools and clean the area.  Being the "good" son in law, I went,  rented trailer and picked the tools up and cleaned out the area as she had asked.  As I was in the truck saying goodbye to my mother and father in law, he spoke clearly with the only words I ever understood from him during those two years saying  "There goes a lifetime!"  It was at that moment I realized what a mistake I had made.  I should have just found a way to keep the tools from running and left it there to remind him of better times.  I have shared this with many dealing with older parents who had hobbies or interest that were meaningful to them.

My mother was an avid doll collector and once she started the long decline with Alzheimers (nine years), she would often go into her doll room and sit for hours just staring at the collection.  When she finally passed, I had to deal with the collection.  Not knowing anything about the doll market, it took some time and effort.  Once I finally sold the collection valued at close to $25,000 for $5,000, it occurred to me that although  I only got 20 cents on the dollar, that was 20 cents I would not have had and was so happy that Mom had the opportunity to derive some pleasure for as long as she could from her collection.

As to how I feel about my layout and collections?  Well, I have a lot of stuff!  My parents were antiques dealers and I inherited some very nice furniture and collections which my wife and I enjoy immensely!   My daughter was home visiting from England where she lived and commented that we needed to start selling stuff.  This was my response:

"We are not planning for dying, we are planning for living.  We understand that death will come but feel it will take care of itself.  When we are dead and gone, there are companies that will come in, pack everything up, hall it away, auction it off and send you a check for your part.  And if you only get 10 cents on the dollar, by God, that is 10 cents you did not have!"  The subject has not come up again.

I was discussing this with a friend who has been executor for over ten estates during his life and his response was that in every case where the process was easy for him, the people seem to have just given up whereas the very difficult estates were of those who were still actively planing and enjoying  life.

I will be 72 years old next month and have come to realize that growing older is just a process of "what do you give up next?"  Life will dictate those things that must be given up!  Why give up on anything that still brings you enjoyment until you must?

One more note.  Look at the average age of Real Estate sellers.  Many are quite young with very little actual experience and just rely on what they read.  I was told when selling my last home that the third floor attic layout should be taken down so potential buyers could imagine there own belongings in the room and that all the beautiful stained crown, base and wainscot molding should painted because buyers would want painted woodwork.  I gave up on real estate folks, listed the house myself and sold it to a couple that purchased the layout (I found out later that he had put a temporary layout down on their living room floor and 12 years earlier and it was still there) and they loved the stained woodwork.

Good luck on you decision.  You have  a wonderful layout and I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy it for as long as possible.

Happy railroading,

Don

Rusty Traque posted:

Whether or not I have an operating layout in the future, I hope that at least I'll be able to occasionally put some "therapy loops" down on the floor, kick back on a couch or chair and just watch them run.

Rusty

IF you can get your crotchety body down to the floor... or worse yet... get back up!!

As Mom always said: "Aging isn't for sissies."

Andre

Building a big layout at an older age could kill you.  It is very hard work.  

Sage advice, no doubt.   My trains run on the basement floor(carpet) now with lighting, sidings and buildings.  Crawling around is undesireable at best.  But running trains is great fun.  Could be much better at 42” I think.  Agonizing reappraisal...

One thing I'd like to add is that the decision you make today may change tomorrow, so don't over-think it. If your family, especially your spouse, is comfortable with the disposal after you're gone, then keep it. However, if it's going to be up to your sons, they need to realize and accept that taking care of things long-distance won't be easy or fun. If it would make you feel better to dispose of it now, on your terms, then by all means begin the process. If you keep it, revisit the issue every year because things change. One thing I would definitely do in your situation given that you're asking the question is begin the process of thinning out your inventory, including both rolling stock, buildings and accessories. You'll get some satisfaction out of selling some things now knowing that they will live on and give someone else some pleasure.

You never dismantle a layout “for good” this is only done for evil

Never, never, never.  Hey man, glad to see you shoot.  I shoot competitive trap across the Southern states.

If you are able to enjoy a train layout, why put an age limit as to when to take it down? When something ceases to be fun and you really are not able to enjoy it at all, then maybe it is time to think about what to do with it. Until then make the best of what you have and don’t worry about “what if” so much.

laming posted:

Rusty Traque posted:

Whether or not I have an operating layout in the future, I hope that at least I'll be able to occasionally put some "therapy loops" down on the floor, kick back on a couch or chair and just watch them run.

Rusty

IF you can get your crotchety body down to the floor... or worse yet... get back up!!

As Mom always said: "Aging isn't for sissies."

Andre

Gravity comes in real handy for going down, not so much for getting back up.   At least I'll be able to watch my trains go by close up!  

Unless, I'm found face down in a pool of model trains...

Rusty

Alex we seem to have numerous  similarities . 2 Sons late 40's early 50's. One Alabama one Florida me TN.

 Even competitive matches with the M1A, including Camp Perry Nationals. We won't discuss my scores. lol

I have done the health issues with cancer and the radiation treatments.

But, I'm good to go now and in fairly decent shape with good mobility at 70.

The trains are still my relaxation.

Your topic has come up many many times with my lovely bride of 50 years and being a fortunate man it's  just a joke now and  she knows if I go first she will improvise and overcome.   I have a considerably amount of money in trains both O and G.

If Nancy wants to get rid of them for 10 cents on a dollar that's fine. She won't be needing the train money irregardless.

The boys, grandson ect can have anything if they would like and a some things I'm donating to the local Clinchfied Museum.

I have no relatives including immediate family members that are into trains and that is fine.

I have and will continue to play and doubt very seriously my O or G layouts are going to leave  before I do.

Best of luck to you on your decision.

Larry

Alex,

As a 74 y.o. member who watched in awe when you, Alex, built your layout, I can put myself in your shoes.  I dismantled a layout 4 years ago before we moved to an over 55 community.  I immediately started a 6'X26' layout.  If I were to do it again, I would build a modular layout 48" high.  There are many standards out there to follow.  That way I could still enjoy trains on a smaller scale.  I also have dodged a few health issues recently.  Physically I feel great and walk 2 miles a day and start each day with a stretching routine.

My youngest son, mid forties, is into trains at Christmas for the grandkids.  My oldest son, again mid forties, is unmarried and while liking trains, is too busy with other interests.  I have some vague instructions regarding the trains if I should fall over tomorrow, but should be more concrete regarding what I'm leaving my wife to deal with.  Lucky for me, she supports my love of trains.  I have boxes for 99% of the stuff that I have, so organizing buildings, cars & engines should be ok.  I'll need to leave instructions for a handyman to dismantle the baseboard and tracks to go to the dump.

God has blessed me with what I have.  My plan was to stay with trains until my eighties, but as everyone knows, its not our plan but His plan that counts.

Good luck with whatever you do.  All the best!

Alex this is an excellent and very thought provoking subject.  There are so many facets to it though.  Questions that come to mind are;

How much do you enjoy just running trains?  Is it fun to run them alone?  Or do you have more fum with friends over to help run them?  Was most of the fun in building and creating your layout?  Do you enjoy showing your layout to non-train friends?

Answers to some of these questions could help you decide what is right for you.  I am 76 and in as far as I know reasonably good health for my age.  I try to eat right, I walk a half hour every day, and I am very active in senior groups playing bridge and visiting.  I am still very much enjoy the construction phase of my layout.  I love operating sessions where we try to run layouts as accurately as we can.  Of course I have most of the aches and pains associated with being my age.  I don't get a lot of pleasure running trains alone and never have.  My idea of a good time is having 15 to 25 people over and having operating sessions.  I do like showing my layout to non-train people.  They are fascinated by my love of creating scenes that have special meanings to me like where I met my wife and et cetera.  

I have no plans to remove my layout any time soon, but I realize conditions can and do change overnight.  If I die suddenly, I have a son who loves trains and has helped me build my layout.  I know my wife can rely on him to solve the "what to do with dad's train layout" problem.

I totally agree with the comments about letting someone enjoy their trains as long as possible and who cares what the widow gets out of them?  If I sold all my trains tomorrow I would be lucky to get 20% on the dollar for them.  So if my widow gets 10% what difference does it really make?  My parents cleaned out their parents houses after they were gone and so did I.  My kids will some day be faced with the same physical and emotional task of doing the same thing.  And why not?  Isn't that just a part of the natural cycle of our lives?

I have several friends that disposed of their layouts early to help the family and have been miserable ever since.  

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck with it.  Getting old isn't easy, but it is worth the journey.

Art

Unless the money earned by selling up is vital to your family, by all means let your heirs worry about getting the stuff sold and or dismantled.  Amongst the trials of surviving your parents, disposing of their possessions is a very minor one, in my experience. And a good opportunity to join forces with your sibling(s). It brought my sister and I together physically and emotionally, as well as two of our sons and my wife.  We soldiered through the difficult process together, and that was bittersweet but quite a good thing.

Alex, great question.

First of all, I wish you continued good health.

I read most of this thread and would advise you as follows:

1. Conductor Earl's question is the most important:  Do you still enjoy operating your layout?   If so, keep it.
2. Then follow Marty Fitzhenry's advice:  Determine who should be your (for lack of a better word) "train executor".  Write down your instructions (who to deal with, any dispositions to family members, etc.).  If necessary, put it in your will.  Make sure your survivors understand what you wrote - ask them to review the instructions.
3. Keep Tom Tee's advice in mind.  It will only take 3 days (maybe 5) to disassemble (deconstruct) the layout.  That's not really a burden and if necessary, you can ask some train friends to actually do the work.  Or instruct family members.

If you are still having fun with the layout, I'd keep running it.  There may be some therapy in it for you.  You don't want to get rid of it and have regrets.

Best of luck,

George

Dear Alexander:

MANY good thoughts here.  You will know in your heart and mind the "best" time to start this task, if ever.  Personally, I'm NOT worried about that question, because I've decided that when I'm gone it will be someone else's problem.  I'm going to enjoy my hobby until I drop.  I'm NOT trying to be disrespectful, cute or smart.  I pray that you have many great years left to enjoy this greatest hobby.  

What is the big deal on dismantling a layout or disposing of a train collection?
In my area there are plenty of handyman types who could clean out a layout very quickly. It would not cost much.
And if the trains have any real value, there will be someone to handle the sales, be it through an auctioneer, or somebody buying for resale.

One thing is for sure - I am so glad I asked! You have raised several issues that I need to consider with more attention, and I have to admit that I had not thought about several of them. 

I run the trains mostly when I have guests; not because I do not like to run them, of course, but I get so involved in so many other things that the trains frequently take a back seat when I allocate my time. I do enjoy working on it, which I do regularly, and also making videos.

I will be discussing this with my family, and see what they have to say. Fortunately, money is not an issue in any case; whether it be what we (Judy and I) or they (the ‘kids’) may get from selling all or parts of the layout and trains, it will not be a critical consideration; at least as things stand now.

I do value your inputs, and thank you for your interest and time. I will post and let you know what I (we) decide.

Thanks!

Alex

Having seen the layout in person I am of two minds; glad I got to see it and sad to hear it will cease to exist; and I am reminded of the dichotomy of our little hobby. We spend our time alone immersed in our trains, finding the enjoyment and creating the memories, that others can never understand and we cannot explain. 

Why do you need more Engines?

Why do you need more cars?

What do you mean it’s never done?

And those in the hobby try to understand- Wait, what? You’re tearing it down?

I know, Alex, you’re one of the lucky ones- you don’t have to worry your wife will sell your trains for the price you TOLD her you paid for them.  

I’d suggest before you tear apart that beautiful piece of work, that you put it on markets like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and maybe ZILLOW, that you have this home with this wonderful accent... and you’re seeking a discerning buyer who is willing to negotiate a price for a future sale. 

If it wasn’t for the houses location and size, I’d be interested.  

But I’m looking for a smaller home. 

And my layout, such as it is; was built to be taken apart.  

Fortunately, your home is not set for demolition, or immediate vacancy,  so there’s no rush to begin destructive actions.

I’d look for a buyer...you have a year to find that Unicorn.

Having gone through a couple of health issues, I understand the positive therapeutic advantages to operating and working on the railroad. It facilitates cognition and feelings of enjoyment and accomplishment. I doubt any of your family would look at something that gave you so much pleasure as a burden. So I say ,hiball to the end of the line, no down breaks. But as has been previously posted, make contingency plans with a contractor or close friends to remove the pike when and if the time comes. 

Greg Houser posted:

My advice is this: we all only live once.  As long as you continue to enjoy your trains KEEP them!   I understand we all do not want to be a burden on our children and would do ANYTHING for them, however, we have a right 1% () of the time to do things for ourselves.  This is one of those times.  I would plan ahead with your family on how to dispose of your trains when the time comes.   You could arrange ahead of time with carpenters, hobby shops, and reputable auction houses on what to do with your layout when the time comes and give that information to your family.   At least that's what I would do.

-Greg

Well Greg, it looks like you're the "winner" so far with 11 LIKES, including my own. I like your attitude and your  thoughtfulness for your family. It's the way I will plan things …. assuming I ever get a real layout  I still plan on it at age 70!!!

GeoPeg posted:

Greg Houser posted:

My advice is this: we all only live once.  As long as you continue to enjoy your trains KEEP them!   I understand we all do not want to be a burden on our children and would do ANYTHING for them, however, we have a right 1% () of the time to do things for ourselves.  This is one of those times.  I would plan ahead with your family on how to dispose of your trains when the time comes.   You could arrange ahead of time with carpenters, hobby shops, and reputable auction houses on what to do with your layout when the time comes and give that information to your family.   At least that's what I would do.

-Greg

Well Greg, it looks like you're the "winner" so far with 11 LIKES, including my own. I like your attitude and your  thoughtfulness for your family. It's the way I will plan things …. assuming I ever get a real layout  I still plan on it at age 70!!!

Never say never and a layout doesn't have to be large or scale to be considered a "real" layout!  I think many folks feel that if they don't have a large layout they don't have a "real" layout and that just isn't true.   I have just as much fun hanging out at my friend's house running trains on his 4×16 foot layout as I do on the NJHR's monster layout - and there are many in the hobby who feel the same way.

Getting back Alex's original post; it's one thing to leave a dis-organized mess and quite another to have an organized plan ahead of time. I consider it another part of estate planning.  Gotta keep living while you can.

-Greg

Greg Houser posted: (in part - - -)

Getting back Alex's original post; it's one thing to leave a dis-organized mess and quite another to have an organized plan ahead of time. I consider it another part of estate planning.  Gotta keep living while you can.

-Greg

That is a good idea. I have an inventory list (Excel) of the engines and many of the cars by brand, model number, type, road name, MSRP, year I bought the item, and location of the box. All the boxes are under the layout, and are separated into 'zones'. 

However, I have not updated the list in a while, so it is time for an update. While at it, besides adding any new engines (not many) and new cars (a lot more), I can add the buildings and accessories for which I have the boxes.

Thanks!

Alex

That is a good idea. I have an inventory list (Excel) of the engines and many of the cars by brand, model number, type, road name, MSRP, year I bought the item, and location of the box. All the boxes are under the layout, and are separated into 'zones'. 

Will a non-train person understand the information?
I put an inventory number on each item, either a sticker (hidden place) or a string tag, based on whether I am running it. In your case, I guess you would need to mark the boxes too.

I'm 76, and some day we will decide to sell our 1889 too-big house and move into our Lewes, Delaware beach cottage full time. Then there will only be room for a small Christmas layout. Since I don't really need the money that my small 5x8 layout, and modest train collection would generate, I will probably announce, on this forum, to come and get it for free.

Live till you die, my biggest fear is to die in a rocking chair

Alex 

 I wouldn’t dismantle the layout at this time, you’re only 72 which is still quite young.  You said you would want to sell your current house when you turn 80 , I would continue to enjoy the layout for 8 years then dismantle it at that time. 

Alex