Cold wet blanket of estate sales reality:
If all the stars align, in my experience, I may net 25 to 35 cents on the dollar. That does not factor in all the leg work. If you want to reduce the net proceeds get a few tables at some train shows. Maybe even stir in some travel expenses. No one is impressed by the surviving family's needs.
Read the obits, the model train consumer market is shrinking moment by moment. Anything is only valued at what someone will pay for it. There seems to be more talking about purchases than the actual buying. Newbys will frequently overpay for product then resent the seller after acquiring knowledge.
The cleanest thing to do is to have someone come in and buy the lot in one fell swoop. A local merchant is currently paying 20 cents on the dollar for 0 scale equipment if you bring it in to his place of business. And they are taking a big chance at that rate!
Most HO stuff winds up in the trash, some HO pieces can move for lunch money.
From my experience, it can take years to move each and every individual item from an estate. I am hesitant to ever do it again.
Maybe consider selling off the popular big ticket items then blow out the balance. Selling one or two $20.00 car(s) at a time is a giant waste of time IMO.
The depreciation experienced in driving a new vehicle off the dealers lot is a bargain compared with train purchases IME.
