Hi all,
as an almost broke college student, I got wayy too many engines and even more I want.
I currently only have a 4x8 at home that I only get to see when on break, yet I got over 50 engines!
I do plan to build a large layout in the far future, as I have no plans of leaving the hobby after first entering the hobby when I was 6. But in the meantime, I look like a huge hoarder, and personally, I don't know currently how to justify having so many engines.
I see various modelers who are far more into the hobby than I am, that only have a hand full of engines, such as Gerry Leone's Bona Vista Railroad, who only has 8!
How do I limit my wants for buying more, and choose which ones I should sell?
EDIT: before people judge me, I only spent the money I made from buying/restoring/selling engines on Ebay on this hobby. This is an accumulation of over 10 years of collecting, repairing, running. If I were to sell, its not for the money.
Charles
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Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440
Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440
That's not normal. No wonder you are almost broke. Is there a theme behind your decision to buy, besides several of everything?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Charles--
You are no different than most people in this hobby. Don't feel bad. I've worked behind the retail counter and have friends that either currently own or manage train stores (yes, plural, stores). Most people accumulate way more trains than they really need to operate their layout.
In fact, most people accumulate trains for a layout they will never actually build. The fact that you already physically have a layout, even just at home, means you are already WAY ahead of most people. I have watched friends design a layout they could never finish, and they barely got the track laid with no scenery, before they got very ill, died, or otherwise became physically unable to complete the layout. It is a fact of life.
I've always been kinda the opposite. When I look at what my family actually needs, with two kids about to go to college in the next nine years total, versus how much I actually have had tied up in trains, there are times when I've felt guilty. Then it becomes easy for me to sell something.
If I were in your position, I would take the time to really research different railroads. Find the one that is your favorite and learn why it is your favorite. Enjoy the process. It can take awhile and there is no hurry. Enjoy learning the history of the railroad and whatever your favorite locomotives might be. Don't be afraid to change your mind along the way.
Some mock me for all the models I've bought, sold and traded away--but I now know exactly what I want to have, and I've sold enough to buy engines for my son that he wanted to have. So we are very happy right now.
Ebay is a great way to liquidate anything it is that you decide you don't really "need". I just sold nearly $1000 worth of trains on Ebay, and got two new challengers for my son to play with.
I also have brass locos to trade for perhaps better ones.
On hand now, I have one brass W&R steamer that is staying for sure, three other brass engines either out on consignment or available for trade, and one Stewart F unit. My son has two 4-6-6-4's (non-brass), one MTH SD70Ace, and 2 Genesis 2.0 SD90MAC-H's to play with. All of that is actually enough to run our much larger than 4 x 8 layout--enough for us.
Those engines you have aren't eating anything, and perhaps you love them all and want to keep them. But maybe there's a few that could free up some cash for you, too. Either way, they are paid for and not eating anything.
My one friend who owns a train store has 2,000 freight cars of his own (stopped counting at 2,000) and 200 engines. You aren't hoarding that badly yet.
John
What do you have? Is it a coherent attempt to build a realistic roster, or a hodge-podge of road names, types and eras? How does the engine roster match up with the rolling stock roster? Do you have duplicates, even down to the road numbers?
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Charles, is that all you have ?
I don't know how you limit yourself, I was never good at intervening with someone who has bought too many locomotives........but I have never tried to define "too many".
It looks like you have a lot of brass, no I mean, brass locomotives.
Are you alone on this spending spree, or is there someone else you have to answer to?
Do you NEED to sell to recover some money?
The way I see it, you have no choice but to build a layout that fits your locomotive roster, OR stash some of these until you can build a layout.
Just remember, once your well entrenched into life, and your pursuing your life's abitions, such as a career, being succesful in your career, travel, other opportunites that may come knocking, maybe some in the form of a woman...things change, your mind changes, and goes different directions, so, having said all of that, I'd stash them until that "big ole' wheel comes 'round again".
If the wheel doesn't bring you back to model railroading, sell as needed.
I'll shut up now.
Mike.
My You Tube
Hi, thanks for the replies,
I buy most things broken and restore them, so its not like Im spending too much money. Besides, I only use the money I've earned from fixing engines(and selling them) to fund my hobby. Also, if I were to sell any engines right now, it would not be because I need the money, more so I can let someone else who could value it more than me have a go at it.
As far as what engines I got, I actually have them all down to the same era, around late 1940s, early 1950s, with only a Kato F40ph that breaks the rule.
The duplicate models(4 bachmann 2-8-0s) were $30 each, and I do plan to mod each of them to make them different.
Most engines are Santa Fe, or PRR(with a few other loners)
The other engines you see in the photos that may look like duplicates, aren't. For example, the mikados are all different brands(MTH, BLI, Trix).
I should also add that very few of these were impulse buys, I got a list of engines I like, and basically followed that list, till I was satisfied. Problem was, the list didn't seem that long, but once you decide to put everything you own on the table, it looks like a LOT.
My freight and passenger car roster is small comparativly, and all very much not an issue. I spent hours searching up RR databases for freight car rosters of my era to buy only cars that matched.
Is that a SOUTHERN Heavy 4-6-2 with an Elesco Feedwater Heater? Mmmmmm...
I had too many (way too many) when I was your age. Then I had literally hundreds when I was building my Dream House layout.
When I switched scales to HO, my locomotive buying has been towards more realistic goals.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190 Is that a SOUTHERN Heavy 4-6-2 with an Elesco Feedwater Heater? Mmmmmm... -Kevin
Haha yea, a United Southern PS-4. Im selling the painted one, shes a beauty. Got her originally for parts, then realized I didn't need any parts. Shes gonna be listed on the 'Bay soon, along with 2 others. Problem is that barely makes a dent.
I was wondering if 13 was too many a few years back for a little switching layout but you can a change them out. To avoid too many impulse buys try focusing on a era engine type and region you like. Then focus your buying.
Joe Staten Island West
Trainman440I look like a huge hoarder, and personally, I don't know currently how to justify having so many engines.
Just admit you are a collector.
I admit to being a collector, I buy trains that appeal to me - in 3 scales yet. Eventually, many (all???, some) will be used, just not at the same time. My currently under construction 13x36ft layout (S scale) will not be able to use everything at once that I have in S scale. So what, I'll rotate stuff on and off the layout.
This is a hobby and if you like locomotives then buy them. From your post you're not being extravagant or spending the "rent" money so enjoy yourself.
Paul
Trainman440This is an accumulation of over 10 years of collecting, repairing, running. If I were to sell, its not for the money. Charles
Charles,First that's a mighty fine collection you have.. I would think twice about selling them since any replacements will cost more.
As for me I have 47 locomotives and 7 of those are SW1500s,7 Alco S-4s,3 RS1s and 12 are GP38-2s. The rest is a mixed of GP7,GP9s, RS3,RS11s etc.
In my old age I decided to buy what I been wanting over the years and just enjoy the hobby. I am not above using my Athearn BB GP7 or GP35 e for switching cars on my ISLs.
.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Trainman440I buy most things broken and restore them, so its not like Im spending too much money. Besides, I only use the money I've earned from fixing engines(and selling them) to fund my hobby.
At your age, I feel better about that, but I know people who have spent their whole life living beyond their means. Now one of them, age 69, can't retire and has a mortgage, the other 70, has $70,000 of credit card debt and is declaring bankruptcy. There are people in this forum that live pay check to pay check.
Youtuber James Wright (jlwi2000) has 1000+ pieces of rolling stock. He is recently retired Air Force. I guess he can afford it, but how do you even remember what you have when you have that much equipment? Youtube pays something, but the people I follow that make enought and can actually quit their jobs have 1 million followers and more.
I'm ok with you putting your locos in storage if you don't need the money. What we can see of you layout is pretty bare. Maybe you should have layout goals before buying more. I understand this is probably in your parents home and it will be some time before you are in your forever home, but there is much to learn in scenicking a layout.
BigDaddyYoutuber James Wright (jlwi2000) has 1000+ pieces of rolling stock. He is recently retired Air Force. I guess he can afford it, but how do you even remember what you have when you have that much equipment? Youtube pays something, but the people I follow that make enought and can actually quit their jobs have 1 million followers and more.
My dad retired Lt Colonel USAF. It appears they pay a lot more these days, enough to own luxury cars and afford tons of trains. It's not my daddy's Air Force.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Well, I guess it depends on your means and your goals.
When I was young and poor, and was raising kids, I only had four or five modestly priced locos. I did not buy things I could not really afford.
When I made some money and my kids grew up, I could afford more.
I picked an era and layout theme 35 years ago that I am still happy with.
My last layout filled 1000 sq ft, the new one, in the retirement house will fill 1500 sq ft.
So I have a lot of engines and rolling stock. I have been at this for 50 years, and I don't get bored and sell stuff off.
I don't buy stuff I don't really want. I don't collect famous locos that don't fit the layout theme.
If I count B units, doodlebugs, and RDC's, I have a roster of 140 powered units, about 900 freight cars, and nearly 200 passenger cars.
The roster is carefully constructed to meet the scenic and operational needs of the layout, and only includes about 5 or 6 "collector" pieces that are somewhat outside the layout theme.
The old layout, and the new layout plan, provide staging and operation of about 30 trains. Most freight trains pulled by 3-4 diesels or two steam locos. 30 trains x 3 locos, plus spares, switchers, RDC's, etc, and suddenly 140 powered units is not that many.
I do buy multiple copies of the same locos. Real railroads have more than one of each, I am looking to capture the feel and look of a real railroad. I have eight 2-8-0's, nine 4-8-2's, seven 2-8-2's, because that is realistic.
If it was me, I would not sell anything at your tender age.....
Sheldon
It sounds like a big part of the hobby is restoring broken locomotives to the point they are worth something, then selling them for cash to buy locomotives that you collect. Nothing wrong with what you're doing. Its an aspect of the hobby that many enjoy. If you lose interest in one loco, then sell it in order to buy something else you like.
Your accumulation isn't based upon your layout, per se, so why let your layout be the measure of how many locos you have?
No need to sell anything just because you think you have too many. That's not a very good reason to depart with any of them, IMO.
- Douglas
Doughless Your accumulation isn't based upon your layout, per se, so why let your layout be the measure of how many locos you have? No need to sell anything just because you think you have too many. That's not a very good reason to depart with any of them, IMO.
well said, thanks!
COPPERROOSTER Just admit you are a collector.
Guess I gotta join the collector's club now...
BigDaddy I understand this is probably in your parents home and it will be some time before you are in your forever home, but there is much to learn in scenicking a layout.
I understand this is probably in your parents home and it will be some time before you are in your forever home, but there is much to learn in scenicking a layout.
I've been slowly working on the layout, last winter break I painted all the track...Its a shame I dont have much time to work on the layout, but Im trying my best!
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And yes, I'll try to narrow my era and region to model a bit, and hopefully cut down a few engines. But I guess for the most part, everything will stay the same.
Thanks for everyone's input!
Well, now that I know a little bit more, I think you are going to do very well in the future with your hobby. You seem to be very disciplined and that is fantastic.
If you are that good at fixing models, you might consider fixing them for others, for a fee. There seem to be not enough good technicians out there. You could progess from it being a hobby to a good side gig, or better, and continue to fund your hobby.
Before some comment unfavorably about side gigs like that, the guy who does my painting is $50 an hour, and I gladly pay the fee. He is fast and worth it. His speed makes up for the hourly rate being high, and mechanically can fix anything.
Best regards--
I was also going to suggest displaying the brass, for now, and if you need to sell anything, start at the bottom.
But after reading the replies since I last chimed in.....
You got this!
There is nothing wrong with being a collector. If it wasn't for all the brass colectors in the 1970s and 1980s that bought all those USRA steamers when Sunset imported them, the STRATTON AND GILLETTE would have a much different locomotive roster.