Modeler's Moment - Plan your estate now

I just got word that a model railroading friend of mine passed away early this morning. She was an active model railroader, and was a regular attendee at many of the shows that I attended too. We will miss her. Wherever she is, may the dispatcher always give her a clear signal ahead.

It may sound callous this soon after hearing about her passing, but at least I know that her models will not be simply thrown away; her husband is also an active modeler, so the equipment will remain in use for a while. But the whole thing got me thinking about the work that we leave our family members when there aren't any other modelers in the immediate family. Another model railroad friend of mine passed away a few years ago in such a situation, but members of our NTrak club (myself included) were able to help my friend's family sell his model collection, with several of us putting down significant amounts to purchase items ourselves. Another modeler that I heard about in San Diego willed his house to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum so the clubs there could continue after he left them. If there aren't any other modelers in your family, make sure that they know who to contact (be it your local hobby shop, model railroading friends, local clubs or whoever) to help sell your equipment after you pass away yourself. My local NMRA division has an estate committee, and it's likely that there's someone in your local division who is also familiar with estate dispositions; if you're going to the national convention in Anaheim this year, there's also an estate planning clinic scheduled. Talk to these people and talk to your family today; make sure that your wishes are known and that your family knows what to do.