I'm seeking suggestions on how to dispose of an HO layout.

[upguy]

Before everyone starts getting excited and starts shouting, "Give it to me!" let me explain a few things....

This is a modular layout that consists of 18 modules. Fourteen of them are 2' x 4' with the remaining ones being corner modules. Check out the HO link on this website:

http://www.homestead.com/CanyonMtNgineers/

or for a more direct approach...use the Oregon Western Lines link in my signature.

http://www.homestead.com/CanyonMtNgineers/OregonWesternLines.html

The HO layout has been mostly ignored for the last 5 years since I became interested in N-scale and decided to build a new layout in N-scale that has DCC. The HO layout is not DCC and I do not intend to convert the HO operations to DCC.

This last weekend I moved 10 of the modules from the room where they had been set up, to display them at a local railroad event. It is now time to move them back into that room, into storage, or.... As I have been considering the options, I have decided that there may be someone or some organization that would be interested in having this layout.

My first thought was to sell it to someone, but it would probably be more benificial to me to donate it to a tax deductible organization or civic group than to sell it outright.

I have considered selling it on eBay, but I don't think that I could get anything close to what it is worth from that source. I am thinking that the best choice might be to find a local charity or museum that would be interested in utilizing it, but I wanted to hear what other kinds of options there might be.

Nothing is decided yet, and I don't have to make an immediated decision; so I am very open to any and all suggestions at this point.
You may either respond in this thread or send me a private message. What do you think I should do with this layout?

The discussion is open....

[ September 04, 2005, 12:48 PM: Message edited by: upguy ]

[ncng]

I would suggest the EBay route. You might be surprised at how much you can get for it. Finding an existing IRS recognized charitable organization to donate it to might be difficult. Especially one that would be able to operate the layout. Also, the new IRS regulations on establishing the value of donated items over $500 are very strict. It would be much easier to sell the layout and then donate the money. See:

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf

David

[Shortround]

I would also suggest selling and then donate the money to The Red Cross, Salvation Army or who ever you wish. After taking care of the hurricane victims they will need it.

If not you can always donate it to me. ;)

[doofus]

There is currently an HO model railroad club in the process of breaking up in my area. I hate to say it, but most of the modules that comprise the club layout will end up in the trash. The active members that are still in the club, will take home their modules but there is quite a bit of club property along with unclaimed property that will go in the dumpster. It's too bad that this has to happen, but because of the population base and income levels of this area, there aren't too many other people that can afford to purchase this equipment. There are no long-term storage options available to this club.

If you offer it to an organization, will they have the knowledge to operate and maintain it? I doubt it. It may become a monkey on your back that you may not be able to shed.

If you can afford long-term storage, you may be able to sell it off piece by peice. If you can't, eBay may be the way to go.

[YoHo]

In both cases, I would think all you need is short term storage and Ebay. I don't know how much a module like we're discussing SHOULD go for, but if I had the cash I'd buy some.

There are storefronts popping up that will sell your stuff on Ebay for you at some comission. Perhaps such a place would have the storage capabilities.

Nothing like that should go in the trash.

And if these people insist on doing that, let us around here know where and when, becuase I'm sure someone would do some dumpster diving for parts.

[friscobob]

At the very least, remove all the salvageable items from the modules and store or sell them, save what wood you can for future layout building, and scrap the rest.

eBay and local swap meets work well for selling stuff, or (hint) you could advertise some of it for sale here on Trainboard's Yellow Pages.

[xpedx]

how about donating it to youth in model railroading or a boyscout troop im sure they would enjoy it

[Bruce-in-MA]

It's a very nice layout, but I think (realistically) few would have the space and/or resources to keep it. You could make an attempt to sell/donate it intact, but I fear you would have much more success (and be far more profitable) to break it up and sell off the salvageable items individually.

It’s certainly a hard thing to do to something that you have obviously put in a lot of time and effort on. :(

[upguy]

Thank you to those that have responded so far. I appreciate your efforts.

I think that I will give some thought to the idea of converting at least some the modules to N-scale. The frame work could certainly be used again for modules in another scale. It is sad to think that they are worth more as scrap than they are as intact modules, but you are probably right. Small pieces are easier to ship and can easily be sold on eBay.

Don't be afraid to keep the suggestions coming. Nothing is decided, yet.

[YoHo]

Again, I'd buy one if I could and I think it wouldn't really be worth more once you factor in the incremental shipping costs.


Recycling it into N-scale isn't a bad idea either though. In some cases, all you'd need to redo is the track and the building. the mountains and the trees might work as is.