To any who are interested, it is always a good idea and an investment in the future for you (and your spouse) to make out your "life documents" (Will, Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney) while you have a chance. I see so many people who procrastinate and their families end up having to deal with matters like these.
In a Will, you can choose who inherits your train collection by making a bequest of specific items to that person or persons. You can also make a charitable donation of these items. Traditionally, it is engines, rolling stock, equipment, figures, cars and trucks, and structures. Unless you have a modular layout or one that can be easily removed or where trackage can be readily picked up, it is generally not worth it to dismantle a layout. If there is nobody who will carry on the hobby after you go, you can also specify that your fiduciary sell the collection and distribute the funds as part of your overall estate.
