layouts ho gauge

[Anonymous]

first time here, how hard is it to set up a small layout and the approx cost to do so.

[Anonymous]

Depends on what you mean by Small and many other details.

Although I may get flogged for saying this . . . Many folks consider 4 x 8 a starter set because it permits you to build a layout on a single sheet of plywood. A rough estimate of the cost of building a 4 x 8 starter layout might look something like this:
One Starter Locomotive - $ 50-80
Eight Starter Freight Cars - $ 80
Kaydee Couplers - $15
Atlas Track & Cork Roadbed - $ 100 (including about seven switches)
MRC Power Pack - $70
Wire, elec switches, etc. - $ 10 - 20
Five Buildings - $ 100 - 200
Misc. Scenery Matl's - $ 30 - 50
So as you can see, this is not for the faint of heart, but I want you to consider a few other things. First, to build this layout you will likely take something like 200 hours, maybe more, maybe less. Second, when you are done, you still have all the stuff to enjoy unlike most other hobbies (e.g. golf, where after you play a round for $ 30-50 you just have memories). It sounds expensive to some, but when you boil it down, it isn't very expensive per hour of enjoyment you get back.

But instead of running out and spending a few hundred bucks, I recommend you read some of the books on sale at your local hobby shop including Track Planning for Realistic Operation by John Armstrong and then ask a bunch of questions and begin planning your first layout. Good Luck - Ed

[Puckdropper]

As Ed probably expected, I don't agree. Price is relative to where you are. Look for a Walthers GP9 locomotive if you want something inexpensive and good quality. Go with Athearn freight cars, and you'll knock $20 or so off his estimate. The Kadee couplers are *worth* the investment.

You can pick up MRC Tech IIs at places for around $30-50. Design Preservation Models has inexpensive buildings, but you have to do some work on them.

[Anonymous]

I figure on my big layout it has cost $10 per square foot. That don't include any trains, cars, trucks, or people. It don't include power either. So a 4 X 8 would be around $320. This is for HO, other scales I don't know about. Cities will be slightly higher and deserts lower, the $10 is an avaerage of all types. At first it seems hard, but with a little training a lot of the labor can be done by a "handy" 6 year old girl who helps me a lot putting on grass and dirt. So you might say "your results may vary". If you can build a 1/24 scale model car and can and will read and ask questions it's a chinch to build a basic layout. It's only when you start scratching buildings with interiors with working scale lathes that it gets tough. Another thing, on this forum there is a search function and most everything has already been argued out more than 10 times. Big time saver. Also be aware there is more than one right way to do anything and every poster think their's is the best and some think that any other way is stupid and take it as a personal insult if someone else has another way. Want to see this effect, post "what to use for glueing down scenery" or "should you use code 100, 83, or 70 track". Remember it a hobby and fun. It should be relaxing, not stressful. GOOD LUCK , FRED

[IRONROOSTER]

Also, check out the book for starting in HO from Kalmbach. The NMRA at www.nmra.org has a beginners page. There are others also. Setting up the layout isn't hard. If you have done handyman type things, this will be no problem. If you haven't, the books and beginners' web sites will help you out. In addition to the above list you'll need some basic tools if you don't already have them, drill, saw, etc. You might want to set up a 4x8 sheet of plywood table, get some sectional track and experiment with different track arrangements to see what you like before gluing down cork roadbed.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

One word E-Bay!! A lot can be found here for a good price. Also, some hobby stores have "used" sections where you can also find some good steals. I've seen some power packs that were $119 new and $20 lightly used.

-Dale