Have you downsized?

Not so long ago, I had N gauge, HO gauge, O gauge and G gauge trains.  Over the past 18 months, I have sold all of my N gauge items.  I didn't have a lot of HO gauge and sold all but 2 sets.  I sold about 35% of my O gauge items and sold about 15% of my G gauge items.  I have neglected my layout for quite some time.  If I don't get back to working on my layout soon, I may decide to do some more collection downsizing.

Have not downsized because this is the first time I've ever had room for a permanent layout. I am able to have an around-the-walls switching Pike in our 12'8" X 11'8" guest bedroom, leaving room for.... the bed (a futon). Two industrial areas provide lots of switching in this modest space. The East End is in the Southeast corner of the room and the West End is in the Southwestern corner.

The East End:

Spots for four cars and off-spot storage for a couple more.

The West End:

Four car spots at the Paint Factory and storage off-spot for two more. One spot at the Sunoco fuel depot.

The South wall:

The North wall. Literally a shelf railroad (a 1 X 6):

Sort of downscaled to start with, or I should say, by design. 

Until June 2018 I was in O-gauge (three-rail scale), HO, and HO Marklin.  Now I'm just in HO.

Stuart

That’s a great Question, and as we get older, You know “those golden years”, there comes a time to plan on downsizing our accumulation of trains and related merchandise. I, like many, have boxes and boxes of new train cars, accessories, engines, parts, simply on shelves, under the layout, etc. (O gauge, G gauge). The  answer is yes, I’ve sold off many of my trains, and was planning on selling more of my trains at the upcoming train shows in my area. They’ve been cancelled do to this pandemic. Over the next few months I’ll start listing many items here on the OGR Forum for sale. I will keep many trains that I like, but I plan to eliminate all of the trains on the shelves on the walls of my train room,  sell all the excess, and buy used items that appeal to me. I plan to keep my layout until 2024 ish, then call it a day, Lord willing. At age 80. It’s been a lot of fun, but my wife doesn’t need the burden of selling things she’s unfamiliar with, and it’s my responsibility to liquidate this collection. Everyone will have to deal with this issue sooner, or Later. Happy Railroading Everyone. 

I'm in the process of downsizing right now, and folks will read a whole lot more about it in the magazine in coming months. This past weekend, Wendy and I moved out of our ranch-style home and into a new condo with a full basement. As OGR readers know, I had the start of a nice and fairly large O gauge layout underway (benchwork competed) in that home. Well, we sold that home to our oldest daughter, her husband, and my two young (3 and 1) grandsons, and decided to make thing as bit easier on the old man (that would be me). A bit over half the new basement is in the process of being finished for OGR office space and the layout as this post is being written. I must admit that the constant construction noise is pretty much driving me and the pooch a bit crazy (not to mention that I am thoroughly exhausted from the move itself).

All of my trains (various scales) are still at our former home, and they will remain there until the basement work is finished, probably in another week or two. At that time, or even a bit before, I have some very hard decisions to make. My initial thought is to transfer only the trains that I actually plan to use to the new home, and to place the rest in temporary storage so they can be sold off over the next six months to a year, and preferably after this pandemic subsides. I have trains--a good number of trains--in Z scale, HO (Marklin), On30, O, O tinplate, and G. My current thinking is that I will keep all of the O tinplate (I LOVE tinplate), all of the On30, and enough of the O to satisfy my operating interests and proposed themes. The Z, Marklin HO, and G scale trains will likely be sold because I can't imagine making proper use of them in the future. Most all are brand new, and they deserve good homes.

The existing layout in the former home will be moved by my contractor, and will pretty much remain in the U-shape that it is now, but with the long side of the U shortened to match the other leg of the U, thereby making it possible to bridge the open end of the U.

I am not new to condo living, so know the differences between living in a single-family home and a condo, but I am REALLY looking forward to this particular change in my life and I really like the new place.

I am starting the process as I've mentioned in several recent posts and I'm only 51.  To have my trains in a storage unit since a required move 3 years ago has really detracted from my enjoyment of the hobby.  It isn't at all spontaneous like it is when I have the trains at home.  It feels more like a burden.  I've also mentioned in past threads that my transition from a "collect all" standpoint to focusing on quality over quantity combined with a home transition from 3 rail to 2 rail O has really forced me to think hard about where I place value in my trains from an enjoyment standpoint to determine what stays and what goes. 

The only thing holding me back immediately has been the extreme summer heat that the Phoenix, AZ area has seen this summer; more so than any time I can remember in the 28 years I've been here.  Not much ambition to even go to my storage unit let alone start to move items out, assess them, and finally move them onto someone who will get move enjoyment out of them than I will moving forward.

The interesting thing is that I am feeling the same burden with most of my other hobbies.  Finally saying to myself "less is more".

@B23Dash7 posted:

Curious to know who else has thought about, or committed to, downsizing their layout and collection. 

To give you my personal experience, I started out with a multitude of scales. I was gifted G scale LGB sets as a kid, and enjoyed setting up big circles of track on the floor and going around and around. Once I got some straight track to make an oval I was set. I'd get a train going around at a decent clip, lay down inside the oval with a snack and a drink, and read a book about trains while watching my little 0-4-0 go whizzing past. 

Got into HO scale when I got back into trains as a teen. Able to pack more realistic track configurations into the same space, more prototypical train lengths, and let's face it, bigger steam engines. College had me into N scale thanks to space and cash restrictions, making little switching layouts to do something other than stare at a textbook or computer screen. 

Due to family history and a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the National Railway Museum in York, England, I decided I really wanted to go with an English theme. About a year ago I focused on UK OO scale and started putting together a small (18" x 48") switching layout. After that I realized that I wanted to really concentrate and refine what I had. 

Sold the G scale, the HO, the N. Picked a time period and a location to base my little switching layout off of, and did my research on motive power for that time and place. Now I'm down to a single 0-6-0 diesel mechanical shunting engine and eight weathered freight cars. It's easy to keep the track clean and clean the wheels of my rolling stock. I do find I miss the loop to just let an engine run free from time to time, but overall it's a nice, compact, easily quantified collection where every piece gets used every time.

Sounds like my story.  The NRM in York is a life-changing experience.  My visits there and to heritage railways in England have led me down the rabbit hole of British modeling. 

@Allan Miller posted:

I'm in the process of downsizing right now, and folks will read a whole lot more about it in the magazine in coming months. This past weekend, Wendy and I moved out of our ranch-style home and into a new condo with a full basement. As OGR readers know, I had the start of a nice and fairly large O gauge layout underway (benchwork competed) in that home. Well, we sold that home to our oldest daughter, her husband, and my two young (3 and 1) grandsons, and decided to make thing as bit easier on the old man (that would be me). A bit over half the new basement is in the process of being finished for OGR office space and the layout as this post is being written. I must admit that the constant construction noise is pretty much driving me and the pooch a bit crazy (not to mention that I am thoroughly exhausted from the move itself).

All of my trains (various scales) are still at our former home, and they will remain there until the basement work is finished, probably in another week or two. At that time, or even a bit before, I have some very hard decisions to make. My initial thought is to transfer only the trains that I actually plan to use to the new home, and to place the rest in temporary storage so they can be sold off over the next six months to a year, and preferably after this pandemic subsides. I have trains--a good number of trains--in Z scale, HO (Marklin), On30, O, O tinplate, and G. My current thinking is that I will keep all of the O tinplate (I LOVE tinplate), all of the On30, and enough of the O to satisfy my operating interests and proposed themes. The Z, Marklin HO, and G scale trains will likely be sold because I can't imagine making proper use of them in the future. Most all are brand new, and they deserve good homes.

The existing layout in the former home will be moved by my contractor, and will pretty much remain in the U-shape that it is now, but with the long side of the U shortened to match the other leg of the U, thereby making it possible to bridge the open end of the U.

I am not new to condo living, so know the differences between living in a single-family home and a condo, but I am REALLY looking forward to this particular change in my life and I really like the new place.

Looking forward to reading about this.

Lots of interesting thoughts already - can't wait to see more.  I'm a few years away from downsizing, but I'm starting to think about the future viability of descending stairs on a regular basis. 

Trying to focus a little better - recently sent my small collection of LGB to auction.  Not much, but it's a start.  For those thinking of thinning the herd, auction prices seem particularly strong this year (no train shows).  

I think about it, but my empire seems to be growing as of late, just can't help myself.

The only thing I have down sized is my train budget and that is only temporary. As far as the layout and collection I finally have almost enough room to build that dream layout which is under construction now. Have posted a few photos. The collection disposal is the problem for my two daughters to deal with as I will most likely out last my bride. Someday I may retire  and work on it full time 68 now and plan on working 5 more years. Will need the funds for my layout and collection picking up the Post War stuff my dad or I always wanted and could not afford when he was alive. 

I am currently in the process I basically cut off half my width. My new table is a little under 6 feet wide and 2o feet long so I can reach the middle. Smaller curves I've gone from 84-72 to 54-42 but at 57 I thought it was time.

Count me in, save me a compartment on the last Pullman leaving the station.

A lot of you most likely read my feature article this month in OGR and have to wonder why am I talking downsizing after finishing such a large and detailed layout....I already started the process but I will add a caveat. 

I love all trains and O Gauge in particular. I plan to enjoy my layout for at least a couple more years. My timeframe for walking away is 7 to 10 years from now. What I am doing right now is selling off EVERYTHING that was not used on the layout and / or displayed on the shelves. The area under my layout was stuffed full of boxes. Sets, engines, cars, buildings, kits and detail parts filled the space. Some of them over 20 years old and never even taken out of the boxes.

A lot of the trains went to an auction house I used in the past, train shows (before Covid), the OGR board and on line auctions. Over the past 8 months most everything is gone and I am down to a few dozen freight cars and some diecast trucks to eventually sell this Fall.

My wife and I have plans to move to the coast and enjoy a more simplier life walking on the beach and watching the sun rise every morning. At that point, I will contact the auction house and have them pack everything up and haul it away. We will agree on a price, I will get a check and that will be it. Then the demolition crew takes over and cleans out the basement railroad. Our new home will not have space for an O Gauge railroad empire.

I have given this a lot of thought and discussed the subject at length with my wife. All of this sounds a little radical unless you are close to retirement (or retired) and have come to terms with your finite longevity here on earth. My wife and I both experience excellent health but that could change in literally a heart beat. 

Who knows, as a kid I had my Lionel 2018 (still have it) but started in N scale in the late 60's. Maybe I will just go back to my youth.

Donald

Years ago I had accumulated over 250 pieces of rolling stock and over 70 engines in O gauge.  The majority of this stuff never left their boxes.  I started getting into Standard Gauge and sold off every piece of O gauge stuff I had.  I enjoyed the Standard Gauge stuff for a few years then I decided to buy a house with my girlfriend.  I sold off every piece of Standard Gauge.

I am getting back into O gauge but on a very limited basis.  I have 5 engines and I'm stopping at that.  I have about 20 pieces of rolling stock and will not go much higher than that.  This way I will enjoy every piece that I have.

My girlfriend/wife passed away last year and I've been disposing of most of her items and a bunch of mine.  A few months after she passed I realized what a nightmare it would be for my daughter/sister/sister-in-laws to dispose of this house and its contents if I died.  I've got a 1971 Plymouth RoadRunner up for sale and at least half a garage full of items already priced for a garage sale.  And this is after I gave away what I could to any takers.  I've also dumped a lot of stuff in the dumpster at work.

You never know what is in store for you around the corner.

Things you own end up owning you!  You're mileage may vary.

@3rail posted:

 

...

My wife and I have plans to move to the coast and enjoy a more simplier life walking on the beach and watching the sun rise every morning. At that point, I will contact the auction house and have them pack everything up and haul it away. We will agree on a price, I will get a check and that will be it. Then the demolition crew takes over and cleans out the basement railroad. Our new home will not have space for an O Gauge railroad empire.

 

@Mallard4468 posted:

Sounds like my story.  The NRM in York is a life-changing experience.  My visits there and to heritage railways in England have led me down the rabbit hole of British modeling.

Some interesting responses so far. I think because I've always been more of an operator than a collector, I've been predisposed toward only having what I could use. The temptation is there to build cartridges of loco and rolling stock to switch out with what's on the layout, but it's cheaper not to. And, well, the economy has me embracing the cheaper option.

@3rail Funnily enough, my wife and I are using our enforced time at home to discuss what the future will look like for us, and having a beach nearby to walk on is on the list, along with a much smaller house or even condo with minimal maintenance requirements. Just need a place to grow some native wildflowers and hang a bird feeder or two.  

@Mallard4468 wasn't NRM a treat? I have a photo somewhere of me standing next to 4468 in all her glory. When no one was looking I reached out and touched her - the world's fastest steam locomotive and I touched it. I'd love to go back and spend some time around Swindon. I'm a huge GWR fan, especially the pannier tank engines and the Castle class. 

Just to be clear I'm not knocking folks that have a vast empire or immense collection. Just reaching out to see who else is like me right now.

@B23Dash7 posted:

@Mallard4468wasn't NRM a treat? I have a photo somewhere of me standing next to 4468 in all her glory. When no one was looking I reached out and touched her - the world's fastest steam locomotive and I touched it. I'd love to go back and spend some time around Swindon. I'm a huge GWR fan, especially the pannier tank engines and the Castle class. ...

I've been to NRM several times.  One trip was in 2013, right after the "Great Gathering" when they had all of the surviving A4s together.  We were there just after the official end (which was a zoo - glad I missed it!) - 5 of the A4s were still there which was just as good IMO, and the crowds were gone.  And, got to see the other A4 while on the North Yorkshire Railway during that trip.  The "warehouse" area where they store all the small items was fascinating.  Swindon is on my list for next time.  In addition, the heritage railway scene in England is vibrant - lots of interesting trips to take, provided that you can handle driving on the left side of the road to get to them.

https://www.yorkmix.com/everyt...es-reunited-at-york/

I am not downsizing.  At my age it is hard to run and work with HO or N gauge trains.

Charlie

I'll be buried with my Vision Line Big Boy by my side.   I'm not downsizing from O-gauge, the other stuff is too small for me to work on.  I also love the whistles & bells that O-gauge has. 

Yes I have! Once was a few years ago when I went through a divorce. Now I'm going through a period of downsizing (or maybe "rightsizing") as I make realizations about myself. I've realized that I don't really want a model railroad layout. Not a permanent one anyway. I'm happiest just setting up my small LGB train collection on the floor every now and then.

So, out goes what's left of the HO and N scale. The hassles of dealing with eBay and shipping is the only thing that keeps me procrastinating.

I should down size because i dont have room for anything new,its in train room on table, under table in computer room, in storage building and in garage and yes in front yard for the g

@Choo Choo Charlie posted:

I am not downsizing.  At my age it is hard to run and work with HO or N gauge trains.

Charlie

You make an excellent point! I started out with G, went down to HO, then down to N, then back up to OO. At a certain point the size of the locomotive and rolling stock can become a hindrance to enjoying it. I've sometimes thought about On30, making an industrial area built around Bachmann's Whitcomb 50-ton center cab. Smaller track footprint than straight O, but still big enough with plenty of weight to make switching easy. 

My downsizing/right-sizing has been focused more on concentrating on what I really enjoy and would play with the most. For me it happened to be UK OO.