If your collection is made up of several hundred pieces, then auction is the way to go.  If you are talking of a couple of train sets and some accessories, track etc., then you would advertise locally, either in print media or via Craig’s List, Marketplace and/or other electronic media. If you take the latter route, insist on selling all as a package.  If one allows  the collection to be piecemealed out, it will be in one’s next life before all is disposed of.

When dealing with an auction house, inquire about packing and shipping/pick-up.  If collection is large enough, auction house will come to residence and pack up and remove. Ask about percentage of proceeds to auction house (going rate seems to be 20% to 30% at this time).  Also ask about buyer’s premium; usually about 10%)  Finally, nail down percentage of proceeds to seller.  A desirable number is 70%.  Except in very rare instances, almost all train auctions have few, if any pieces put up on reserve.  In other words, pricing opens with the first bid from the floor.

A direct sale of collection will realize about 50% of Greenburg prices.  An inexpensive paperback copy of the Greenburg Guide  can be purchased online at Amazon.com. 

Below is a list of Train Liquidators to choose from.