Okay, so the original question was how much does it cost for a 30x15 loop +/-, with a diesel loco and 5-10 cars, and a few sidings to spot cars.
Given that, here is what I figure as cost
I calculate about 120 feet of track in a 30x15 loop with three sidings, each 15 ft in length. Cost @/$3.00/ft: $360.00
One diesel loco. Cost: $200-300 depending on what you want
Power supply/controller. Cost: $200 +/-
Three switches at $50-$75ea. Cost: $150-$225
Five to ten cars at $50-$75/ea. Cost:$500-$750
Ballasting material. Cost $100-$200
Total cost: $1500-$2000
This represents only an average. It could be more or less.
Mark
Hi Rob
I did not read all the above , but I have never paid more than #3 per ft. I watch for sales.
One key factor in largescale is the "entertainment value" After sticker shock you'll realize how much time can be spent entertaining your family and friends in this hobby. Its year round. I have so much to do in winter . You will find challenges but as with any scale you will have to make or adapt things to work the way you want. I'm a very lazy person and so I work hard at making that possible.
So take your time and the RR will grow.
Is it REAL? or Just 1:29 scale?
Long live Outdoor Model Railroading.
Have fun with your trains
William mate, did you reckon my pockets are deep or my thinking?
I also agree with starting small and keeping to budget but it is also good idea to nut out roughly what you wish to achieve overall, before you start. I did this but it changes with your experience and improved abilities. However an overview is a good thing and if you have to deviate from it, well the world wont come to an end if you do.
Rgds ian
You can always start basic with what your budget will allow and add on. What everyone has posted here is good advice.
underworld
When my daughter was 5, I converted from HO to large scale inside. My HO railroad proved too delicate for even a dainty girl, but the large scale endured. She's now teaching 3rd grade, and I've moved outside to be with my gardening wife. (http://members.cox.net/thejoat/ and http://www.jbrr.com/index.html)
Costs are relative. Don't try to build the largest empire from the start. For instance, on my layout, my plan called for over 20 switches, and I quickly decided that I could not justify over $2100 dollars for them. So, I built my own. My average cost for the last batch of 15 was just under $25 per switch. If that seems too much, then cut down the number of switches to start with.
My last box of 60' of code 250 flex track was $140. I have not ballasted the track yet, but it's looking pretty good.
I scratch build most of my rolling stock and buildings.
Now, I did choose battery and radio remote control over track power. I also modify my locomotives:
Do your research. Look around. Ask questions. The point is, go for it!
iandor wrote:As my wife who is a retired financial controller has said, the cost of this hobby is directly proportional to the depth of your pockets and if you are about to have a family, they probably are not very deep at all. But all the best anyway.Rgds ian
But all the best anyway.
Very deep Ian.......
Toms idea of so much a foot is ok to start, but its only a base figure; for instance i have 10 sets of points (switches) cost A$2,100.00, an MTS set up A$1,000.00 some up to date, automation bits and pieces $800, locos and rolling stock A$20,000 need i go on.
As my wife who is a retired financial controller has said, the cost of this hobby is directly proportional to the depth of your pockets and if you are about to have a family, they probably are not very deep at all.
Good for you! Welcome to the real world of model railroading. Once you get the taste of outdoor railroading you won't be going back to the puny, little toy N scale ever again so you might as well sell it all off and use the money for G trains.
On the subject of cost, well, how can I say it? What is your budget? Whatever your budget is, you can make a garden railroad fit it. You can get into G for as little as $200 or come right out of the gate spending into the thousands. I would think $6.50 a foot is a good number to budget with, but there is no real way of knowing how much the landscaping and other features will cost until you actually plan a railroad and start pricing.
My suggestion is to buy a starter set (LGB or Aristo-Craft is an excellent choice) and start running the train out in the yard. While you are learning what works and what doesn't with the starter set, you can begin to plan the "empire". Later you can reuse the entire starter set into the final railroad so you needn't fear wasting any money.
There are almost too many variables to even begin to cover here, but keep asking questions and searching this forum for past postings on topics of interest.
The Dixie D Short Line "Lux Lucet In Tenebris Nihil Igitur Mors Est Ad Nos 2001"
Rob; As Toad Frog says "remember to read the older post and please ask questions." There is a wealth of knowledge on this forum. Some of these discussions revolve around the different characteristics and weathering (by mother nature) of the different types of rail, brass, stainless steel, nickel silver, and aluminum. They each have their own ardent supporters based upon the characteristics that each individual desires. Myself, I like LGB brass because of the color it turns here in my area. I'm sure Ian (another ardent supporter of brass rail from Australia) will chime in on brass. He prefers a different type of brass because of its "weathering" effects in his area. I would seriously recommend you use the longer "flex track", in the 1.5 meter lengths or longer. Many advantages there: 1. Longer rails mean less connections means less chance of a wheel "picking" an out of alignment joint and causing a derailment. 2. Flex track allows you to make curves to a diameter that will best fit your needs, you are not stuck with the 3 to 5 curves sizes produced by the manufacturers of the different rails. You can easily miss that tree (or other unmovable object) that your commissioner of land use (AKA: wife) will not allow to be removed. In my case I have one 50 foot section that is running along a fence line and the rails needed to avoid several objects, a grape arbor, cinder block fence poses, so now the track has "s curves" that move the centerline by 5~6 inches that stretch 15 feet. 3. If you are going for track power verses battery power, fewer joints means better electrical conductivity. 4. After a curve the rail ends start to stagger which I like because the rail ends are now offset from each other. 5. Economy: On a per inch basis the longer flex rails are somewhat cheaper than the sectional track.
Remember: this is a hobby for your enjoyment. Pick what you like, do it the way you want, and enjoy. The best recommendation I could give is to get a starter kit and go out and play in the dirt!
Tom Trigg
There right on that the curve needs to be 8' or more. Because some companies there tains will not run on say 4' but need the extra to turn. As for track just bought new at my shop I use and bought 4 boxes flex track (very long) and shorter peices which was around 1000.00 +/- of brass track from Aristo-craft (buy it at your fav. shop, it does come in USA or Europen track). Switchs I use LGB motorized and bought several of those right, left, 3 way, cross over and others I bought. Just pulled all old track up from mine and finished cleaning the tracks so they look as new as the ones I got in that are new.
and remember to read the older post and please ask questions. There might be a G Scale group of guys in your area.
As for the wife you can make a plan that she gets to plant and you do the RR. So both enjoy!
Rob wrote: I was wondering the costs associated with a manageable sized set-up, maybe a continuous loop set up in a raised garden bed (30x15 give or take...it could be bigger) area with a few sidings to spot cars. With young kids I am definately looking for durability in case they get bumped. I don't want to break the bank, but don't want junk.
Hi all,
I am thinking of expanding my hobby in the next few years to garden railroads. I will be having a family soon and want to move the show (N Scale right now) out of the basement and into the yard. My wife enjoys gardening and I like trains...maybe we can combine the two! Here is what I am looking for. American diesel, 5-10 car freight. I was wondering the costs associated with a manageable sized set-up, maybe a continuous loop set up in a raised garden bed (30x15 give or take...it could be bigger) area with a few sidings to spot cars. With young kids I am definately looking for durability in case they get bumped. I don't want to break the bank, but don't want junk. Besides reading material, what do I need? Thanks...I am totaly new to this so bear with me. Thanks ----Rob
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