Hello everyone. My father was Rudy Allarde, who passed in 2011. He was a proud member of this community. I hope there are still some of you out there who remember him. This was his passion, and we have kept all of his trains in perfect condition. My mother passed this month and her home has to be sold. I am reaching out to anyone who can help me find new homes for his much loved trains. I have no idea what they are worth or what they are called apart from engine and caboose LOL! II would rather sell them here on this forum, as I do believe you all to be trustworthy. Please let me know the best way to present them to you. There are over 100 boxcars, engines, etc. I appreciate any help you can offer.
Respectfully,
Lisa Allarde

 

Hi Lisa,

Sorry to hear your news. I sent you a message with some advice on how you might go but coming here is a good start.

Best of luck,
Sam

 

let me know the best way to present them to you.

Lisa, Sam has done a great job for several families in your situation. I don't know if he has offered to help, but if he did, accept the offer!

 

Pete,

I only gave Lisa some general advice. I didn’t know her Dad but it certainly sounds like she could use some friendly help.

Sam

 

Not knowing what advise Sam has offered it is difficult to expand or offer alternate solutions, if they exiist. Max

 

To find someone close to Lisa, where did Rudy live (What state?).

 

Dan,

Yes, finding a local resource is key to building a spreadsheet of what is owned. Clearly, this is usually the first step
—and perhaps, not surprisingly not done as often as you might think in my experience. And, as you know as fellow hobbyists, this isn’t easily accomplished by most widows.

So, Lisa, depending on where you live, perhaps this forum can find that person to do the inventory, take some pics, assess condition, etc……It’s a big ask since potentially a bunch of work but I’ve done it three times and I don’t regret the feeling that I really helped someone.

After that, this forum, facebook and other avenues are available to liquidate what one has. There are, of course, other quicker ways available if simple disposal is your goal. I don’t recommend those avenues in general since your returns are likely to be poor. So, depending on your patience and circumstances, however, that path may be the one to travel.

Please let us know your location so you can perhaps begin the process involved.

Sam

 

Thank you all so much for your time and help. I did find a binder where he communicated with several of the MLS members and you are all so kind and helpful. My dad's trains meant everything to him. He retired early so he would have time to "play with his trains." So we don't want to sell them to just anyone in a huge lot, but rather to find a loving home for them.

 

Lisa, thank you for sharing this and I’m very sorry for your loss. It’s wonderful that you’ve kept your father’s collection in such good condition, and I’m sure many here will remember him fondly. The best way to start is by posting clear photos of the trains, noting any brand names or markings on the cars and engines. That will help members give you fair guidance on value and connect the pieces with collectors who will truly appreciate them.

 

AI?
or real - that is the question.
Regards,
David Leech, Canada

 

we'll watch

 

It was 2 years ago.

 

Mickey,
We are referring to 'coordineight8's post #10
Regards,
David Leech, Canada

 

That’s what I meant. He’s talking to her to post pics but it has been 2 years and she has not been back. Maybe I’m missing something here?

 

the single post on a 2 year old topic by a brand new member is suspicious, of course.

refer to my comment in post #12..