When I’m gone

Not yet, but it's in the back of my mind at 71. And I have about 200 cars, all 1/43.

My wife wants me to start thinning the collection now, and I am 68.  But I have no intention, but I do know it would be hard on them.   I have a spread sheet of all my models with what I paid for them and what currently they might be worth.   With over 1000 models, I hope that I will long enough to continue to enjoy them and try to part ways with some before that day comes.  Even though it could be tomorrow (Let's pray not).

At 73 i’m trying to work this out too. 

I'm 75 and still foolishly buying more models.  I need to stop but can't seem to.

I have all the boxes and paperwork neatly organized but there's about 500 models and a dozen display cases that will need to go someday.  

I plan on being cremated so can't take them with me!

I think Dave Gilbert from Toycargeek buys collections, or maybe sells them on consignment?

We could discuss this from now until the end of the year; at 61, I too think about all that I have and realize much of it will probably end up in a landfill - despite my family's best intentions and/or my wishes. 

If we were ALL smart,  we'd liquidate NOW, RIGHT NOW!   

No one on earth, understands, appreciates, and is familiar with all the little nuances associated with our collections better than us - not to mention values & pricing! 

But of course, few are willing to stare at empty walls while waiting to die, right?    I've heard many times now, "Hey, when I go it's not my problem...."

- There's alot to be said for that.     🤔 😏 🤔 😏 

Looks like I am one of the older guys here at 77. I have about 200 models, consisting of about one-third 1/43 scale cars, one-third 1/64 scale cars, and the rest a mixture of trucks, planes, and 1/64 scale locomotives and freight cars.

I have worked with Dave Gilbert at toycargeek to sell some 1/43 scale cars on consignment, keeping my total number of these relatively constant. I still buy the new Brooklin models.

If someone here in the US wants to start collecting WW2 1/72 scale planes, let me know.

I've seen this scenario many times over.  The family either has no interest in the collection or no idea what to do. Some folks leave detailed inventories; some kept the boxes (an absolute nightmare for those who are unfamiliar with cars); some threw the boxes away (an even worse nightmare). Many leave their families with an inflated idea of what their collections are worth, with no regard for changing market conditions or supply/demand dynamics. Then the family holds out for top dollar on all of Dad's Maistos and run-of-the-mill mint models. They eventually get frustrated. Some sell through estate auctions for pennies on the dollar; others give them to the neighbor kids to play with. 

Sadly, most collections get cherry-picked by buyers looking for particular models, and the rest end up either at the Salvation Army or even in the dumpster. 

When Dick Brown passed away, he had already arranged with a trusted dealer to liquidate his collection and give his family all but the dealer's commission (about 20-25%). They really appreciated not having to deal with it. 

Your best bet is to find a dealer you trust and talk with him about what happens when the time comes. Legacy Diecasts buys collections. So do a few others. Message me if you ahve any questions. 

@chris   @jkuvakas   This is where wills and trusts come into play.  Like others I have up-to-date spreadsheets on models, figures, and paints and the addendum to my will is explicit: my partner can keep what is appealing and the rest can be sent to TDZ.  There was no other reasonable option to consider.  Fortunately, I have many of the original boxes and cases.  I have no immediate family left, and my niece from my brother's first marriage has no need for what I am collecting, and I never met the two children he had with another of his wives.  My collection of paintings, photographs, and intaglios are all noted, as well, with very few leaving the collection and the rest remaining for my partner to enjoy.  I spent two years as an estate planner and the horror stories are too numerous to disregard.  

I cannot stress enough how important it is for men and women of our age to become very knowledgeable about the estate laws in their state or country.  Wills are very simple, in many cases, and trusts do not have to be complicated.  Seek professional advice, as the initial consultation fee can be worth a small fortune in the end.  In military parlance, 'proper preparation prevents an undesirable outcome.'  (Yeah, Tony, I cleaned it up a bit.)

@gdh, very well said!

Many believe that their collection is a valued part of their estate. As far as I am concerned, it is a liability for the family members who have to deal with the disposal.

I thinned my collection over 20 years, I collect for myself and I still buy models but my will is very clear and radical. When I will be gone, the models and all the boxes go to the dumpster. 

This way, I enjoy what I have and I will not cause burden and anxiety to my son who has no interest in my toys. My hobby is not part of my legacy.

At 73 this is certainly hanging over my head. My collection is 1/24th scale & I have about 350 cars…sheesh!

Heck, a collection of 148 1:18, I can't even give them away. 

@nickies Richard, I like that approach.