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$500 layout
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I havent seen this layout that is being discussed, but as these post seem to imply, the modeler didnt get much bang for his buck. <br /> <br />personally because i have very few funds to work with, i serch for bargans. If i had $500 to put into my 4x8 HO model, it would be one worth publishing. <br /> <br />For a begginer, best way to start is an a 4x8 sheet of pli wood, but that can be ratther expensive for some, but you would be surprised what some family members have hanging around (my inch thick peace of pli wood came from a junk pile, was in excellent shape, and all i did was every 2 feet add a 2x4 across to add strenght to they pliwood. My dad and myself built legs out of 2x4 that we found also in that pile. We had to do some sanding, and sawing, but overall it was a good looking sturdy structure, built for the price of nothing. <br /> <br />Track, i find that at train shows you can usually find some good deals on older track. i picked up a box with used flex track approx 100 feet of it for $20. The problem comes when you want to add switch tracks, i find atlas code 100 #4 switch is good for myself, because on a 4x8 sheet of pli wood, there isnt room for lets say a #8. Its best to buy these brand new, if your lucky you will get them on sale, but for me they are $20 dollars a peice at a local hobby store, 3 left, and 3 right hand switches can give a begginer many possibilitys. so $120 approx for switches. <br /> <br />Scenery, At my local hobby store, scenery that you have to build yourself is fairly cheap, to cover a 4x8 layout grass, balast, trees, and shrubs, will probably run you about $40-$60 dollors, and occasionally at hobby shows you can find such items in bargan bins, and save yourself more money. I find the best way to creat hills, is to use styrafoam blocks and cut them to a shape that i like. then use just white glue, water, and detergent mixture to apply scenery, most people are willing to just give them to you, and in my case there was lots laying around my home. <br /> <br />Buildings, i know many manufacturers offer kits, and also prefabe kitbash structure kits. At my local hobby store i could pick up enough building materials to create a small town for approx $60 <br /> <br />Trains, the most important feature on the layout. for a begginer, it is best to go to a hobby store and buy a new engine, but this can be rather expensive, especially if you are looking for a steam engine. my advice is to go to a hobby show, i found an atlas gp-9, with a can motor, all wheel pickup and drive for $30, and even though my track isnt the greatest do to moving, the engine runs flawless on my tracks, and is able to pull 15 free rolling cars. <br /> <br />Rolling Stock, Although you usually can buy a good train set with 7 cars, and an oval of track for $140 dollars, usually the engin is garbage, and can only pull half of your rolling stock (has been my experience), usually at a hobby show you can find these same cars for $5 dollars each. and at that price 7 cars will run you $35 dollars maybe $45 if you go for cars that are more detailed. <br /> <br />All prices are Canadian and from my local area, of southern New Brunswick. For myself i can approximately put an estimate down of $335 canadian dollars, to have a nice begginer layout, even if you had to buy your benchwork, i imagin that you would be very near the $500 dollar cut off line, maybe over it depending on wear you go. <br /> <br />Finally, If your a begginer modeler, go to hobby shows, they offer great deals, and the majority of the perticepents are willing and able to lend a hand, 9 times out of ten there are areas wear people can get tips on aspects of the hobby, and help you with getting started, pick up a copy of MR it us chalk full of helpfull tidbits, and stick with it!
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