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Topic starter
17/08/2025 6:40 pm
As you folks may recall, I recently acquired approximately 25 - 30 large-scale models (Pocher, IXO, Agora, DeAgostini, and LeGrand) from the estate of a collector. Some were already assembled, or built models from the manufacturer. However, most were unassembled models that were not in the original boxes. The collector, with limited storage space, placed the parts in plastic baggies. His process required me to sort through all of the baggies, ensuring that all the parts were present before I listed them on eBay. As you might imagine, it was quite the chore on my part.
The Big Boss (my wife) witnessed the entire ordeal. Indeed, watching me, an experienced collector, toil and sweat over trying to go through everything as I began liquidating all of the models, frightened her. My wife's concern is that after I punch out of here, she's going to be left with my 350-piece collection and will be faced with the overwhelming prospect of liquidating it. Indeed, for the last 10 years or so, she has been imploring me to liquidate my collection while I'm still here. I've resisted that notion because the models bring me enormous joy that she doesn't quite comprehend. However, we've reached a solution.
I have most of the original boxes of most of the collection. I have made arrangements for someone to help her liquidate the entire collection with a SINGLE sale. However, for that to happen, she will be required to place the models in their respective boxes. She was afraid that even though I have a detailed spreadsheet thoroughly describing each model, she wouldn't be able to identify which model goes in which box. To make it easy for her, I've numbered all of the models and boxes and noted the corresponding number on my model car spreadsheet. Car #1 will go in box #1, and is #1 on the spreadsheet. Ditto with car #2, box #2, and code #2 on the spreadsheet, and so on. This was an acceptable compromise for the Big Boss, and I've completed the numbering process. Now I can live out the rest of my days without pressure regarding selling my collection.
I will say this exercise was quite illuminating. One, I realized that I don't have boxes for ALL of my collection. Apparently, I forgot that in the early stages, I didn't understand the value of holding on to boxes. Fortunately, much of my early collecting was of worthless models like Burago, Maisto, and other models of that ilk. When I began buying more high-end models (Exoto, CMC, Kyosho, Autoart, etc.) I began saving/storing the boxes. So, the majority of the better, high-end models in my collection, I still have the original boxes.
I also learned that I forgot that I had duplicates of many of them. With some specific models that at the time of purchase I deemed to be unique and in short supply, I'd buy two or three of the same model and store them away for future financial "prosperity." Some have gained in value, and some have not. But, since I found these stored away models, I've been selling them on eBay, putting some bucks in my pocket while "culling" the herd! LOL!
I've also discovered a few "recording" errors. I've made a few mistakes with wrong descriptions, model years, model names, and that sort of thing. So, this process enabled me to make corrections to my records.
All in all, this has been a very satisfying process. As far as I'm concerned, the question of what will happen with my collection has been resolved. More importantly, the Big Boss is happy as well. As we know, Happy Spouse, Happy House, and Happy Wife, Happy Life.
17/08/2025 8:35 pm
Why do our wives always just make the assumption that we will go first? Is there a world wives order that has a master plan? Could there be such an organization.....one even bigger and more cerebral and influential than "Think Tanked"? I say nay way!!
17/08/2025 8:48 pm
I've got to say that putting cars back in their boxes is a daunting task - particularly for models that came in 'window boxes' - I had to pack all of mine up when we moved seven years ago and it was a nightmare. I wish now that I had the vision to mark all the cars and boxes when I unpacked them. I'm at collection number of 345 but have no plans to downsize. There are a few models - custom ones - that I have earmarked to go to other collectors the rest? I do know that I could likely depress the market value of Exoto Cobras and Ford GT's if I dumped all of mine at once on E-Bay or if anyone would pay 'above market' for the models that I've modified - maybe I'll just have them buried with me.
Topic starter
17/08/2025 9:14 pm
@jack-dodds - My wife and I have a deal! I GO FIRST! LOL!
Of course, we don't know, but generally, husbands precede the wives in death. Statistics prove this out, too. Some say husbands go before wives because wives don't have wives! LOL!
But on a more serious note, my wife is 10 years younger than me and in far better physical condition. She eats better, controls her weight, diet, and exercises for two hours every day. Her lifestyle combination strongly suggests that she'll outlive me. Plus, we have a deal! I go first! 😆
17/08/2025 11:14 pm
Interesting topic, which many of us can relate. Though my collection is smaller, about 200 items, it is quite diverse. I have car, plane, and train (locomotive and freight car) models. Currently, I am limiting purchases to 1/43 scale cars, which I can use in my Brooklin in Illinois series.
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
18/08/2025 4:15 am
Jack, why do husbands die before the wives? Because they want too!Why do our wives always just make the assumption that we will go first? Is there a world wives order that has a master plan? Could there be such an organization.....one even bigger and more cerebral and influential than "Think Tanked"? I say nay way!!
John Bono
North Jersey
18/08/2025 4:46 am
Marty, your pragmatic approach to this inevitable situation is an inspiration to us all. Most, of course, will neither follow your lead, nor heed your advice - putting our preverbal heads in the sand will be our only "action."
Give yourself a star, maybe two! About the ONLY left to do is to ensure YOU go first - have another sausage & egg breakfast! 😀 😀 😀
....after all, you couldn't live with yourself if you screw this up, right? 😀 😀 😀
18/08/2025 4:49 am
"Why do husbands die before the wives? Because they want too!"
Ah yes, an old Johnny Carson joke, I believe.... just like: "Why is divorce so expensive? Because it's worth it!" 😀 😆
18/08/2025 10:14 am
Wow Marty, thanks for ruining my day with your precision planning. Now let's look at the complete opposite situation, mine! To begin, my wife is an enabler who encourages my collecting which consist of 6,000 plus model cars, closets of N scale model trains and three 1/1 collector cars. I have boxes for all of the trains, and about 85% of the cars. I have attached a list to my will of the dealers who might have interest in parts of the collection that they concentrate on. When discussing selling off the collection she said why? since it gives you such happiness . While I know this is avoiding the issue I also know that I am not willing to spend the rest of my life selling off models one by one.
18/08/2025 12:18 pm
I know you started collecting 1/64 scale model cars. I have many more than I need for my train layout. If you would like to add some to your collection, let me know at edwardbd51@gmail.com
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
Christopher Moroni reacted
18/08/2025 7:13 pm
@ed-davis Ed, thanks for thinking about me. I have quit buying 1.64 scale. I was buying them to put with my larger scales of the same model but I have now run out of space for any more.
Christopher Moroni and Ed Davis reacted
18/08/2025 10:27 pm
If you ever need one to match up with a larger scale car from 1950’s or 1960’s let me know. I might have it.
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
Christopher Moroni and Marty Johnson reacted
19/08/2025 6:27 am
@ed-davis Thank you Ed. If you have a list I would like to revue it to see what you have. My email address is: robert61jackman@gmaildotcom
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