Rock singer Neil Young is selling some of his most prized possessions – part of his model train collection.
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Rock singer Neil Young is selling some of his most prized possessions – part of his model train collection.
The Canadian folk-rock star is putting more than 230 of his vast collection of Lionel trains up for auction in Los Angeles in December, some with estimated selling prices of up to $9,000, Julien&rsquo-s Auctions said on Thursday.
Young, 71, best known for his Woodstock-era songs as well as &ldquo-Ohio&rdquo- and &ldquo-Heart of Gold,&rdquo- has been a passionate model train enthusiast for more than 20 years.
His collection and vast layouts at his California ranch took off in the early 1990s as a means of connecting with his son Ben, who has cerebral palsy, Young said.
He also designed a remote control for trains that allows multiple trains to run at once, and a device that delivers realistic railroad audio to help his son get the most of out the hobby.
&ldquo-It is just relaxing,&rdquo- Young told David Letterman of his hobby in a 2012 appearance on Letterman&rsquo-s television talk show.
Highlights of the Dec. 9 auction include the Lionel Hudson factory prototype locomotive with a pre-auction estimate of $4,000 to $9,000, and the H.O.A.R.D tour psychedelic Vanderbilt Hudson locomotive which is expected to sell for $3,000 to $6,000, Julien&rsquo-s said.
Young is also selling some of his classic car collection.
They include a first in production 1953 Buick Roadmaster Skylark convertible 50th anniversary special edition, with a steering wheel hub saying &ldquo-customized for Neil Young,&rdquo- that has a pre-auction estimate of $200,000 to $300,000.
Young, who divorced his wife Pegi in 2014 after a 36-year marriage, said it was time for others to enjoy the items. A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit the Bridge School in California, which Pegi Young co-founded in 1986 for children with severe speech and physical impairments.
&ldquo-Collecting all of these items has been my great joy. They have provided a source of inspiration, fun and creativity throughout my life,&rdquo- Young said in a statement.
&ldquo-Now it is time to share them with others in the world whom I hope will enjoy and love them as much as I have.&rdquo-