"Every kid should have a trainset" is right and proper.

I'm to a point where it is easy for me to jettison what I don't use and no longer acquire what I'm not going to use.

I do admit a strong collector gene. I admit having a large quantity of models, for example, but they must have a job or they don't stay. At the very least, things like Airfix I build have to be properly displayed. Some diecast that are icons of British racing history (many of which I got from you, Paul) are displayed. Nothing socked away in boxes just to know myself I possess it.

As far as railroad stuff, the only things I've retained that aren't actually employed on my current railroad are displayed properly, one a train made up of a V2 and a rake of teaks from when I was modelling Edinburgh during WWII and a train behind a scratchbuilt Berkshire that was in "Model Railroader" magazine as Model of the Month. There is a case with models built by old friends now gone.

The small area dedicated to cases naturally causes me to curate anything I might collect. Quantity is not the driver, but significance and interest are. It doesn't meet curatorial criteria, it's gone simply as a matter of space. Anyone can collect anything, but a small display properly thought through from a curatorial perspective interests me and interests those who look at it.

But things like kits I feel are SABLE (S[tuff] Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy) or finished models that don't have an intended use become trade fodder or get shifted outright.

Trading is a great way to get past the personal bloated value syndrome, btw, and scratches the "hunt" itch nicely.

Again, I'll say I like the cut of your jib. Making a young family happy with what you show is a great thing. Making others happy; there is no higher calling.