Farewell to an AMAZING Proto 48 Model Railroad - Jim Harper's Sacramento Northern - Southern Pacific

Well, all things must end. Jim Harper is dismantling his layout and has sold it and it will be moving to Oregon to join an On3 model railroad in December of 2023.
Jim wants to ensure the survival of his labor of love for the past 37 years, and so before his death is turning the railroad over to a fellow O scaler who will continue to operate and love and maintain and expand his masterpiece.
Jim started building the layout 37 years ago in Reno Nevada. About 14 years ago he dismantled the model railroad and moved it to Saint George Utah where he expanded and operated it with several close friends who are also fabulous model railroaders and have an O-scale railroad just a few miles from here. (next week's show).
Proto 48 differs from the "normal" O scale in that the gauge and flanges are proper to 1:48 scale. "O" scale uses a cheated five-foot gauge and oversized flanges to keep the operation more stable and the gauge easier to figure out. Proto 48 uses 100% accurate track and wheels meaning that the modeling and track laying must be very accurate or the trains will derail. Call out the NTSB!
A large group of fellow model railroaders showed up for the November operating session, traveling from all over, as this will be the last operating session for the railroad. At least here in Utah. We all are looking forward to seeing it combined with an On3 model railroad in Oregon. SOON!
#modelrailroad #oscaletrains #nmra #on3

[@mountainmanpedro]

I'm so glad that the layout will live on. We should all plan so well and learn from Jims example of not burdening family with sorting these things out. I feel lucky to have seen this railroad in person, and it's every bit as wonderful as you describe. Best wishes to all at Color Country.

[@ToyManTelevision]

So true! 🙂🚀🚂😀

[@daviddryden8088]

Sad to see Jim having to give up his passion of near 40 years. I have certainly enjoy the many videos of his railroad and getting to know a little about the man behind it on this channel. It is truly, one of the finest layouts in the country.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Well said

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi again! Yes, we’re quite happy to see that this railroad is going to survive. This has been something that Jim has been talking about for years. And I’m so glad that he’s been able to find someone willing to take on this project. Blessings right back to you.

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

It’s definitely a blessing. Thank you.

[@TheHouseOfMasks]

This is the most incredible O gauge layout I’ve ever seen! I hope Jim is happy with his decision and wish him nothing but the best! Seems like a lovely guy.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Jim has mixed feelings. Of course. But it’s a great way to save the railroad. 🚞🚂🚀

[@airailimages]

Learned something about proto 48... interesting video! Thumbs up!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@NormanSilv]

I first met Jim Harper in Riverside, Ca in 1968. He had opened a new Hobby Shop on Arington Drive. What a big refreshing shop had. He interacted with his customers. I used his shop as my model rail supply source. Then he sold out and moved to Reno. Again, we connected. His devotion to the model rail hobby, honesty and willingness to work on new projects are testimony to this fine man. Thanks Jim.

[@robertrohwer6965]

Yes, I remember Jim’s shop as well. My Dad used to take me there almost every Saturday morning in the early 70’s. Memorable experience!

[@NormanSilv]

I worked for CDF and was stationed at the La Sierra station.@@robertrohwer6965

[@ToyManTelevision]

That’s getting things right back there!! Long history. 😊

[@NormanSilv]

Goosd luck Jim@@ToyManTelevision

[@nhlinda]

We were so fortunate to be able to meet Jim and see his layout this November. We hope to see Jim again in the future!

[@ToyManTelevision]

We are not sure what their plans are, once the railroad is removed from the house. They had been talking about selling the house if they could find someone who wanted to keep the railroad in it. Not sure what their plans are at this point.

[@MarkWick]

This layout is a true work of art. I am glad a process is in place to preserve it. Of course, the sheer size of many model railroads makes their life span limited. Fortunately, the last 20 years or so have seen great advances in the way today's layouts can be preserved in video form so future generations will be able to experience some of the experience of seeing them. In my current, third go around as a model railroader, I have had to dismantle the largest, most realistic, and most functional layout I have ever built, and to squeeze as much of it as possible into a much smaller space. I had planned for needing to disassemble and move it as much as I could. I do hope to have some method in place to at least preserve all of the post-war American Flyer items I have so they can be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Where can we see video?

[@MarkWick]

@@ToyManTelevision kzbin.info/door/nPuGBbL9j6BfN0MvXPqvPA

[@JamesPacetti]

I'm impressed. First time I've seen it. Good luck to Jim and long live his railroad.

[@bobross3080]

What a fantastic layout! I'm glad it's going to a new home. I've seen/heard of so many sad stories of layouts just being destroyed and thrown away after the owners pass or move to assisted living facilities. Thanks to Jim and you for showing it one last time and for the story.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thank you so much! This has been a subject that we have touched him in several different videos. Several railroads that were quite familiar with have been dismantled, a couple have been preserved. But for the most part after someone dies the railroad dies right along with them.

[@Sardschka]

I've got tears in my eyes. Jim, we owe you so much! THANKS!

[@ToyManTelevision]

This railroad has been an inspiration. I thought I was reasonably good at track work until I saw this. When I started on my current railroad I had this railroad in the back of my mind, attempting to duplicate the quality of the track work.

[@user-fu8rl8ry8m]

In the late 60's and early 70's there was a hobby shop in Riverside Ca called Harper's Hobbies. It was mostly trains and the owner was named Jim Harper. When I got back from the Military in 1980 he had closed down and moved up north. Seeing this video, I cant help wonder if it is the same person I knew 50 years ago. Thank you for sharing

[@ourcleanerplanet7540]

Spent many hours in his riverside shop, one of the best hobby shops I have ever been in. had a few of my projects there in the cases.

[@user-fu8rl8ry8m]

It is good to hear that he stayed in model railroading all these years and built a fantastic O scale railroad as well. On the hobby shop, I remember taking an old tyco locomotive to him because it was not running well. He put it on the little HO layout they had and it sputtered and ran pretty badly. He then showed me how to clean the wheels and when i brought it back later, it ran great....for a tyco. Those were good memories.

[@michaelsullivan3581]

@@user-fu8rl8ry8m Howdy, That is in fact the same Jim Harper! Small world!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Yup. Some great history. 😊

[@1Nanerz]

Jim’s layout was the first layout I ever saw on the net in Proto 48. His artistry along with others inspired me to do Proto 48 myself.

[@brianog5267]

Probably the most wonderful thing I will see today… such a beautiful man and a beautiful labor of love….would love to see this in person.. and meet Jim and shake his hand… seems like a real gentleman God bless

[@robertemmons2260]

I was sad to hear that this set-up was getting dismantled, but it sounds like it's going to be a good home for it. I don't think that I could plan ahead like this. It's too hard for me to let things go. Thanks again for another great video

[@ToyManTelevision]

You and me both! Thank goodness the railroad will live on. Really curious to see how it’s going to be reconstructed in combination with the ON three railroad.

[@alexpiper9475]

i believe all model railways try to send forward bits of history , the amazing ways things were accomplished by those before us. thank you Jim,for showing us one way to preserve a lives work and learning.best of luck.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Well said😊🚀

[@jamesharper4797]

Hi Alex, I think of you and your Dad, Ed every now and then. Sorry Ed is gone. Are you operating on Train Mountain?

[@alexpiper9475]

@@jamesharper4797 i have found a business card with your phone number, is it ok to call?

[@rayronvr]

This hobby will always find a way to survive.

[@ToyManTelevision]

I’m willing to bet that at some point in time people recover the amazing art form the blossomed so in the 1900s. Possibly in the late 21st-century suddenly all of this stuff will be sought after.

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

This is one fascinating railroad. I am glad that someone has taken it over so that it will live on. Great video as always.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi again as always!!’ It’s wonderful to see that it’s going to be preserved. Very few railroads are in fact, very few railroads can be.

[@goblincamper2004]

My wife and I went to see his railroad this year and it was the only open house that we went to. It was wonderful to go there and take lots of pictures and videos. I am glad that I did go see the railroad this year and last year.

[@ToyManTelevision]

It would be the Highpoint of any open house or Train show. It literally is one in 100,000 model railroads.

[@goblincamper2004]

Here is a short video that I did of the trains going by, kzbin.infoJBHI8YQYeQg?si=dx9kpusjNqOuJQZg check it out.

[@Andrelue_86]

Wow wunderschönes Layout sehr Detailiert ein Traum 🤗🤩

[@ToyManTelevision]

Vielen Dank 😊 Wunderschönes Traim indeed 😊

[@Penn-ReadingIndustrialDivision]

One of the best layouts you ever documented! Can't wait to see it moved in its permanent location!

[@davidkoehler136]

Glad it found a new home, nothing worse than tearing down a friends layout when they pass

[@ToyManTelevision]

This is something that comes up so often. Our good friend Steve decided to completely tear his railroad apart and turn each section into a diorama and give those dioramas to friends and family. We have a lovely section of it here in our shop. But then he changed his mind and started building the railroad over again! No sooner did he have that railroad finished then he started tearing it apart again this time selling off all of the structures and bridges. And now he’s focusing on building the ultimate modeling room. But this way, he knows his creations will live on, and no one will be taking a sledgehammer to his railroad.

[@jacko9759]

This is just beautiful 😊

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thank you! 😊

[@ToyManTelevision]

❤. Thanks!!

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

One of my favorite railroads that you share on your channel definitely going to be messed. Hopefully the new home will share it when they are finished so we can all see.

[@ToyManTelevision]

I hope so too! If we can get an invitation, we will definitely get up there!

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

That would be fantastic 👍😀

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

Wives. Always so supportive.

[@ToyManTelevision]

I think you’ve missed the point. He wants his railroad to live on. Let me say that again. He wants his railroad to live on after him. And this is the only way he can ensure that.

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

Unless you have had to settle the estate of a loved one, do not be too quick to judge. Keep in mind that there are also their children who could end up making these decisions. If you have a better idea of how to solve a situation such as this, I would absolutely love to hear your ideas! Until then, the old saying, "You can't take it with you when you go" still applies.

[@fleetfoot27]

Gratifying "true" > meaning > (loyal) ......American historic "artisans" > meaning > (skilled craftsman). They will be missed but not forgotten.

[@loispadgett6306]

So glad you showed this layout and told the story. I live in Springfield Oregon just across the river hope someday he will open it up for train nuts to come and see it. Thank you GOD BLESS 🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖

[@ToyManTelevision]

I hope so too! Perhaps he will open the railroad on some sort of open house and you can get over there! It sounds like it will be quite the basement empire! As always blessings back.

[@ourcleanerplanet7540]

Thanks for sharing, loved going to his Hobby Shop in Riverside in the late 60s and early 70s. I wish him well on his next adventure.

[@ToyManTelevision]

I hope so too!

[@Cbtrainnut]

So sad to see this happen. But so glad he found someone interested in keeping it. Good luck and good health sir. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for watching! 😊❤

[@Sardschka]

OMG ALL my heros together in one place!!

[@ToyManTelevision]

What a gathering!

[@bobeldredge282]

It's the only one we looked at this year, thanks for the video Bob the welder and wife

[@ToyManTelevision]

Well please come by more often!! 😊

[@bobeldredge282]

@ToyManTelevision I meant the only house we visited in st. George this year. But thank you for doing a great video of Jim's outstanding layout!

[@UnknownIdaho]

So glad Jim found a home for it! I was leading a group trying to get it to Boise, but our possible location fell through.

[@ToyManTelevision]

That would have been great too. But at least the railroad is being saved.

[@peterkingsley8736]

Wow! These guys are SERIOUS addicts. I ran a beautiful Marklin layout for years in Brooklyn but these guys probably wouldn’t let me the room!😊😊

[@ToyManTelevision]

Oh they’d love it!!! Fun is fun.

[@tsufordman]

Hope the deal works out. Great to see a layout survive another move and become generational.

[@ToyManTelevision]

It is so rare to see someone’s railroad live on after them. I can only think of perhaps four. I know of several that were taken apart and pieces sold off to other people, for example, Steve’s railroad. We have a lovely section of it in our own shop!but seeing an entire railroad survive is very rare

[@tomas5376]

Nice railroad. Happy that it will soon have a new life in Oregon!🚂🚂🚂

[@ToyManTelevision]

I hope so too!

[@yardhog]

Wow, a second move for that railroad. I operated on it when he lived in Reno NV. A true work of art, museum quality for sure. Glad to hear it will live on.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Great memories.

[@georgepidick9967]

Thank you for sharing, work of a lifetime. Huge commitment, Huge talent, larger than life human. Well played sir !!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thank you kindly!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Aww, that's really sad. But great it's getting a second life. I've seen layouts of a couple of the other people on there before. Nice you got to see it and document it! Amazing.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hello again! Not sure what happens there in UK, but so often here, when a person passes, their railroad is simply destroyed. We know of one fellow, who wanted his railroad to survive, and went to great lengths to have it moved into a museum about 200 miles from his house. Then, every weekend he drove up there to operate the railroad with friends. The railroad is there still in spite of the fact that it’s builder has passed on. This is just one of those few examples of a railroad outliving. It’s builder. In fact, only these two railroads come to mind. Every other railroad has been dismantled, parted out and destroyed

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

@@ToyManTelevision There have been occasions where layouts have been moved to museums, and I have seen of some layouts be taken on by another private owner. Sadly though, I've also known of layouts be destroyed, with a shrug and a "Good things must come to an end". It's always nice when something of so much work, love and care can be preserved. But, not always possible.

[@alexgoducks1]

I live in the Eugene area so hopefully I can see this model railroad someday because it looks amazing

[@RobertBOUSKILL]

Nifty - love it.

[@stevepringle2295]

Thanks for sharing this amazing layout.

[@ToyManTelevision]

You are so welcome!

[@historybuff7491]

Thank you for showing us this layout. It was wonderful to see it.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

Wow very cool I'm glad to see the layout will stay intact hello from Detroit Michigan brother thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise and for taking us on your adventure in Miniature and GOD-BLESS

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks for watching as always Detroit! Bless you too

[@MrOmega52]

I love me some O scale railroading. Absolutely beautiful.

[@ToyManTelevision]

A truly amazing railroad

[@kenshores9900]

Great adventure. Thanks for showing it to us.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Hi Ken. What an inspirational story this is. This has been a question for years whether Jim would be able to find someway to relocate this railroad so that it could outlive him. It’s just a great story that it’s going to be moved and it’s going to survive.

[@adriengadson3544]

Good he found a buyer for his creation. Also maybe him and friends can make a small one for him to continue on.

[@ToyManTelevision]

He’s keeping his locomotives and rolling stock. His children want that stuff even though they can’t possibly deal with the railroad. Who knows possibly he’ll put together a small shelf that he can run things back-and-forth on. If so, rest assured, it will have amazing track.

[@mamarussellthepie3995]

Yooooo Eugene!? That's pretty cool! 😎 The gentleman getting the railroad will take good care of it, too!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Right?! And that’s the point. He’s keeping his fathers railroad alive, and he’s going to be keeping Jim’s railroad alive. That is amazing! And I’m willing to bet that he brings a lot of himself to it too.

[@mamarussellthepie3995]

@@ToyManTelevision For sure! And etting to see the two railroads combined will be wonderful!

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Beautiful .....💪🦫🦫💰👍👏👏👏👏👏😎⛄

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thank you very much

[@ToyManTelevision]

❤. Thanks

[@deweyhall712]

Hopefully, whoever takes over this layout, will be worthy of it..❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊

[@ToyManTelevision]

I hope so too!

[@robertweldon7909]

My first exposure to Proto 48 and Jim's railroad was a video that you did about the traction portion of Jim's railroad. The detail, minute detail, was what struck me first. This is a museum quality model. Thankfully it will continue to live on. One day, maybe it will find its way to that model railroad museum in Florida (I can't recall its name). ;-)

[@ToyManTelevision]

So few railroads ever get preserved. This is in fact only one of four that I know of. For the most part, the end up dismantled, some pieces saved most of the scenery thrown in a dumpster. Sad Reality.

[@MygrandpasTrain]

That railroad is so well done, you can't really tell it's a scale model on camera, it appears like it could be any scale. Glad to hear it will have a second life with a new owner.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Indeed. Is it true work of art! So glad that it will live on.

[@trainmaster9323]

Congratulations for your channel. Trains + humanity ❤❤ My best wishes for Mr Harper and for you both

[@ToyManTelevision]

😊thanks!!!!!🚀🚂

[@adambrook7468]

Well done. I found this one really interesting.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Cool, thanks!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks!!

[@TouchoftheBrushModelWeathering]

So happy to see the layout being preserved! A bittersweet farewell but we look forward to the next chapter!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Us too!

[@michaelsullivan3581]

I used to go to Harper's Hobby Shop in Riverside, CA back in the late 60's and 70's. I went there several times a week to browse and learn from all the amazing people who worked there and also frequented Jim's Shop! Jim helped me to understand so many things about the Hobby, I am forever proud and grateful to know him! I haven't seen ner heard of him since he closed shop so long ago! Amazing to luck upon this video! Warm fuzzies all around Thanks Jim and thanks Toy Man Television for facilitating this virtual reunion! Jim's railroad is easily the most fabulous MRR I have had the pleasure to view! 🙂

[@ToyManTelevision]

Wow great story!!!! Thanks for sharing it. 😊❤

[@andrewh.8403]

Happy and sad. "Before I die". Oh boy..... What a lovely bloke. What skills and the craftsmanship. All those quiet hours fiddling and diddling away creating. Dealing with your own mortality. Your artwork living beyond you. There are some concepts. As always, a well produced story. Thankyou.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Thanks 😊. We appreciate it!!

[@mikediehl1468]

An excellent video you put together! It's nice to see you covering this topic. I was listening to Dave from thunder Mesa discussing this same idea. What to do if he ever had to move is railroad. I'm sure it means a lot to Jim that all he put together won't be lost😊

[@ToyManTelevision]

Exactly. He’s concerned not just with dumping the “problem” on his wife, but concerned about this masterpiece he’s built.

[@garyacker7388]

Thanks again guys for your amazing work

[@ToyManTelevision]

Our pleasure Gary! Thanks again and as always.

[@raymondcolombo1281]

A great model railroad by any standard. The track work in particular is magnificent. Thanks for posting this before it moves. Good to know that it will survive at another venue.

[@ToyManTelevision]

The track work is the best I’ve ever seen. We have seen a lot of railroads and I can truly say this track work is the best we’ve ever seen.

[@caseyvillemodelrailroad3877]

Great vidio, another great layout, glade to see this work saved .Thanks for the morning coffee...

[@ToyManTelevision]

Morning! How are you? Have three cups. I always do.

[@scottthurman3625]

I so hope Jim does not quit cold turkey and operates a loop or two of proto 48 in the future. Thanks for this farewell visit.

[@ToyManTelevision]

I hope so too. I know he’s hanging onto the locomotives. Probably the rollingstock. All of his kids want that stuff, so for the time being, he can keep that, and maybe even some small section of hand laid track that he can put together to set things on.

[@paulditzen2708]

It would be great video if you could record the disassembly of the railroad in its current location and then the reassembly of it in Oregon. I suppose it would prove to be too difficult to actually do that but it would make a great video

[@ToyManTelevision]

I really wish we could do that. Just so difficult to fit everything in. But hopefully we can get to see some of the reassembly in Oregon.

[@greatnorthern706]

Really enjoyed this video though it was obviously bittersweet. Will anybody be videoing the disassembly? It would be neat to watch the whole project of taking it apart and rebuilding it if anyone is planning to document it.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Love to. But I doubt we can. Schedules and finances being what they are.

[@John-N-541-ym7dx]

Hope to see this in Eugene

[@ToyManTelevision]

Us too.

[@hamiltonsullivan6563]

Just gives you a reason to come up to oregon and also check out the Columbia groge model railroad club!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Yup. And perhaps 4014 will finally make it too!

[@hamiltonsullivan6563]

@@ToyManTelevision I hope soo!!

[@rickschonfelder2977]

I visited his layout when it was in Reno around 2005. At that time he was speaking of moving to Utah. Did that move happen? I’m surprised to hear he ended up in Santa Clara.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Yep, Santa Clara, Utah! Part of St. George

[@robertronconi8804]

What a legacy! The important question to me is what will he do now? Will he drop modeling cold turkey or will he still be involved in some way. Can’t imagine he will walk away completely.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Nope. He’s keeping the locomotives and rolling stock. And perhaps some of the figures? Anyway he’s not walking away. Just finding a home for his railroad.

[@robertronconi8804]

That makes me happy!

[@Mike-tg7dj]

Wow, sad but after 2 knee replacements I understand.

[@ToyManTelevision]

When I started my latest railroad, which is to say my last railroad, I set a few rules for myself. It will be small. It will be detailed. It will be easy to work on. There will be no places requiring crawling around or reaching over. By attempting to stick to these rules, and I do mean attempting, because it’s just difficult to always make this happen, I’ve been able to enjoy the railroad, and the building of it in spite of not being able, physically, to do the kinds of things I want to.

[@rennethjarrett4580]

I apologize if I have you mistaken, but I was sure I saw you two at the Arby's at Columbia, avenue, in Lancaster PA, say Aug. or Sept. 2023. Was I right?

[@ToyManTelevision]

Gee not us. Like to get out that way. Love to see Strasbourg. But nope.

[@TheSonofruss]

I hope he has a small layout so he can have some fun after this one is gone the hobby is technically an older person’s hobby as the time investment usually involves retirement

[@ToyManTelevision]

He’s keeping the locomotives and rolling stock, and will be handing those off to his children. And it won’t surprise me at all if he doesn’t put together a small bit of track on the shelf so that he can run things from time to time.

[@stevemellin5806]

Always a sad thing ... nothing last forever...iam just beginning to give my collectable s to my kids .

[@ToyManTelevision]

You’re a better man than I! But I have tried to make my wishes known. I do like to be surrounded by all my crap. And I do hope that it ends up making other people happy as well. But I will leave that to whoever’s left when I am gone.

[@wolftrainservicesltd6418]

It looks like a model an authentic fault lines but really they take the model train layout apart

[@ToyManTelevision]

I’m afraid my railroad couldn’t possibly be taken apart! Oh, I’m sure there’s certain sections that could sort of be removed if someone really worked at it, but other than removing the structures and burning whatever is left, I think that’s about all someone could do

[@The_Duggler25]

Idk if i could do it, i think id have to wait till i passed away to sell it

[@ToyManTelevision]

The only way that he can ensure that his railroad lives on just to see to it that it moves

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

If you ever have to help settle an estate... It is a real eye-opener. The old saying: "You can't take it with you when you go" really holds true. I had the joy of that "job" when my parents passed. There is nothing like looking at a whole house full of 56 years of marriage and saying, "What are we going to do with all of this stuff???? My house was already crammed with 35 years of my own stuff! Plan! Or someone will do it for you!

[@mikezip9423]

Hopefully he will outlive his wife and live his golden years in peace.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Well who ever goes first I’m sure the survivor will live on happily knowing they respected each other enough to prepare for the end of life.

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

What an interesting perspective. What makes you think that his golden years haven't been absolutely amazing? Not only has this gentleman lived to an impressive age, but his marriage spans decades! As couples grow older, it is essential that they have these discussions, not only with each other but with their children. It would be wise to settle those discussions while still living because once someone passes on, they won't have much to say ever again. Golden Years never solved the issue of "You can't take it with you when you go"... But everything that you own will have to go.... somewhere..

[@germanwarrior6463]

I am just sad not a lot of the younger generation has any interest in this wonderful hobby.

[@ToyManTelevision]

A few do. Some are really hard core! But sadly few. Very few.

[@Tom-xe9iq]

Though we don't want to accept it, there is an end of the line for us mortal men. When I go-- unless I have someone in place for my modest layout-- it will be "dumpster food" according to my wife. I've told her that she could get $$$for it so that may slow her down a bit...

[@ToyManTelevision]

As it almost always goes. Sad…

[@modelrailroadexcursions987]

Sounds like an awesome wife, hey that thing you have built over 40 years? Yeah I just don't want to deal with it when you die, so get rid of it. I hope he doesn't out live her because I can't tell you how many times I've heard this story. Rip down your fortress of solitude for someone else's convenience just to be left alone by them any way.

[@ToyManTelevision]

I think you’re missing the point. He wants to make sure that his railroad lives on after him. He has taken steps to ensure that in fact, his railroad does live on. This is a question that comes up many times with many people. He’s just simply being proactive. Which is something he has always done.

[@modelrailroadexcursions987]

@@ToyManTelevision apologies, I'm rather cynical about these things. Although yes the layout will live on with someone else and that is an awesome thing for the layout. I've seen fine layouts be pulled up years before they should just so "we can go on trips" "my family gets the best value" "Ill take it down so it wont be a burden to those I leave behind" and on the reason go. Then be left with an empty room alone, and its to late to start over. A life time of planning, collecting and building just gone for nothing. May my friends part the collection out and take what they want to remember me by, and if they beat me to the end hopefully someone will get some killer deals and they get to keep it for the next 60 years. If my family disrespect my memory and tossed it into a bin? Shame on them, I'm free beyond the point of caring anyway.

[@karynfelix-the-Cat]

Have you ever had the fine opportunity to settle a loved ones estate? Your parents? Your wife? a child? Grandparents? If the answer is "NO", then you are in for a real treat. (sarcasm) Especially if there were no plans for their belongings such as hobbies and collectibles. What are they worth? Money is easily divided. Debt can be discharged. But just what will you do with Grandma's extensive doll and trivet collection? How about your mother's crocheted doily collections and antique dishes? Wouldn't it be nice if a plan was made for the distribution of their belongings before they pass? I would love to hear your solutions! Signed: Been there. Done that. @@modelrailroadexcursions987

[@_MadMax.]

@@modelrailroadexcursions987 My thoughts exactly. Plans and arrangements to move the layout are already in place. A list of individuals and/or groups who want to buy it has been compiled and more could be added. No need to implement said arrangements so suddenly. Let the man enjoy the fruit of his labor and passion. He's still quite physically and mentally able to do so for the time being and every day into the future is precious. The wife won't have to lift a finger whether the move happens now or x amount of years into the future. Imagine how he's going to feel walking into that empty basement after everything is gone. Pure torture IMHO. I would never force my spouse to do something like this prematurely and he obviously doesn't want it to happen right now based on how he quoted her demands. Jim's exact quote in the video "No, I didn't want to see it go bye-bye after 37 years of work". Notice the stern look on his face when he says it.

[@ohpoleez]

This layout is the exception, not the rule. Many of the great layouts in this nation get torn out after the builder passes. Which is too bad, if possible, why not sell the house with the layout intact as part of the price when/where possible? I would be VERY interested in finding a home with a complete scenics ready to go. After 37 years as a railroader I have a huge collection but no layout. I'm retiring in July of next year and then getting ready to move to a smaller home with a shop out back. So before you scrap the layout, if it's a high end masterpiece of a layout like this, consider including it with the sale of the home...

[@ToyManTelevision]

He tried! “The layout is $500,000 and I’ll throw in the house”. No takers. That’s a hard deal to put together. This is so much better. The new owner gets to combine it with his father’s railroad in a custom built house. Wow. As good as it gets!

[@ohpoleez]

@ToyManTelevision to that I'll say it takes just the right buyer. Several years back there was a guy selling his house with an existing layout that had been on the cover of MR. It sold layout and all. The video still exists on KZbin. It's just about reaching the right guy at the right time. I'm glad this layout will survive...if I were to find a home with a well built layout that fit in with my era and RR and local I'd be hard pressed not to pull the trigger on it...

[@ohpoleez]

​@ToyManTelevision kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaabqKKiqd2caKMsi=fMgNfGTMqiEocwAP Found it for you. And you're right, any solution that preserves this level of artistry is a good solution...bravo!