Well, there's that fine line we walk when buying something we think we'll use in the future, even if we end up with no room for it on our layouts. One thing I have learned about buying stuff for this hobby is that there are a lot of limited-production items. At the same time, there are a lot of models in general, and there's no way I can fit all of them on my layout. So, I've bought stuff that I've had a hard time squeezing in, and probably could have done without. On the other hand, I've bought a few items before I needed them, because I was pretty sure the supply would run out before I was really ready.
When I started out, I thought that painting and weathering track was one of those "extreme" things. Now, I wish I'd done it before I got the track all layed and ballasted. I can still do it in place, but it's going to be a lot more work.
I began construction in April of of 2005. At that time, I told myself that I'd have the layout pretty presentable, not totally done, but with most of the track in scenery in place, by Christmas. Surprisingly, I was absolutely right. I still think I'll have it pretty presentable by Christmas!
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
ButlerhawkHave we all made a few mistakes in this business ? - Here are a few of mine: 1. Going to the first LHS and buying the first bit of equipment - this started the unstoppable and at times and all consuming roll
I can plead not guilty. My parents gave me my first (Lionel O-27 tinplate) train set when I was five - months! That was the start of a lifetime interest obsession with things that run on rails.
2. Improper planning - necessitating many do overs. This is explained by not doing more research or study before starting the first layout. I am far from an expert now, but if I knew when I started what I have learned through trial and error I would have saved many hours of frustration.
My first grand plan was to model the Third Avenue El - gazillion rivets and all (preschoolers have big dreams!) Then I tried to reproduce what I saw in MR - in way too little space. Later I fell in love with the New York Central. I was 27, married and in a different country and culture before I finally found my dream prototype - and 67 when I discovered latex caulk.
3. Buying too much equipment - can anyone resist buying just one more locomotive?
I'm lucky. I'm over here, and the only sources for rolling stock I can use are on the other side of a rather wide ocean. That plus an already well-filled roster protects my credit rating from potential folly.
4. There are more, but to keep this short, the biggest mistake made was to keep a spreadsheet of all my expenses down to the smallest details like a bottle of glue. When I feel brave I do look at the total from time to time. SCARY!!!
My rolling stock car cards have original purchase price data on them. What's really scary is the price the same manufacturers want for the same items today, and the fact that the dollar exchanges for about 1/4 the number of Yen that it bought when I was making my major purchases forty years ago. Things that I bought for $2.50 would now cost me over $100, plus international shipping and handling.
OTOH, the skills I've learned, the memories I have and the fun that I've had (and am still enjoying) are worth every bit that I've ever spent - and more.
Aside to Mister Beasley - model railroading follows Cheops' Law (Everything always costs more and takes longer.) John Armstrong took eight years to close the last gap in the mainline of the Canandaigua Southern. At my present rate of progress, I'm no threat to his record.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - if I ever build my way out of the netherworld)
On the bright side of the costs:
If you don't change scale, a complete rebuild will still permit reuse of engines, rolling stock, and structures. Those are one-time costs, barring the 'great plunge' off the layout. Switches can probably be reclaimed along with other items. Probably the only true write off would be the scenicking (sp?). Perhaps trees can reused. Track is fortunately relatively cheap even if it cannot be reused.