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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's Auctions said on Thursday.
Young, 71, best known for his Woodstock-era songs as well as
"Ohio" and "Heart of Gold," 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.
"It is just relaxing," Young told David Letterman of his hobby
in a 2012 appearance on Letterman'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'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 "customized for Neil Young," 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.
"Collecting all of these items has been my great joy. They have
provided a source of inspiration, fun and creativity throughout
my life," Young said in a statement.
"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."
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)
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