hey guy's i am wanting to get back into thsi hobby have a question how much would i have invested into doing a 4x8 layout with 22 inch radius bachman eztrack and there is areason for the eztrack it's gotta be able to be pulled up cause the table isalso a work bench for other stuff but can and will be cleared off for the train's. thank's for the advice. zach.
That all depend on what you want your layout to do. Since it sound like it's not going to be a permanent layout it's hard to suggest A dollar amount without more information. Someone recently discussed spending $500.00 on a 4'X8' layout, but I believe that entailed a lot of detail. Also are you going to be operating DC or DCC? The cost will be more with DCC.
If you purchase everything new and have a few structures either built-up or kit, and depending on how much rolling stock of which description you purchase, you could go upward of $600 very easily. Second hand stuff will drop that by between 30-60%.
What's a sheet of decent 5/8" plywood these days...$35-45 depending on its finish?
A well-used modern DC engine of any description is going to be near $20-50, depending on what it is.
Cars will go for maybe $2-9 each, used.
A DC power pack, used, maybe $20?
If this comes via an online site, count on shipping costs.
Scenic materials will have to be purchased new unless you scrounge at garage sales or train shows for partial packages. It won't be cheap new....$40 for three or four bags of different ground foam products.
EZ-Track, new, runs about $8/track item that isn't a turnout. Triple that, or nearly so, for a turnout. Used will be about 50% off, often more.
Shopping is worth the time...it can save you real dollars.
Crandell
For Scenery material I use dyed sawdust that has been screened through a window screen, so I get two different grades, a fine and coarse grade. You can buy Rit dye at any grocery store or fabric shop for under two dollars. One box of dye can color about one gallon+ of sawdust. This makes good ground cover but you'd probably still want some coarse foam for shrubbery. If you can't fine the colors you want you can mix them to get different shades and different colors. It can also be used to add leafage to trees. You can apply it just like any other ground cover. Spray with alcohol/water mix then diluted white glue. Works great and saves bookoo's of money.
Who can say what the eventual total cost will be?
When I started into HO scale 8 years ago, I began with a 12x8 layout (three 4x8 panels) and a projected budget of $2,500 max. Hahahahaha. I now have a 25' x 42' layout in DCC, and I can't tell you how much I have spent to date in case my wife reads this thread.
Just get started and see where it leads.
Rich
Alton Junction
You could start with an Atlas Trainman set if you want DC. About $200. (See Atlas site). Then there's the cost of the 4X8 table which can vary a lot depending on materials ($50 - $100+) Make a nice table is you plan to keep it for something else (sewing, crafts, etc.).
With those two things you would be ready to roll.
The sets include Blueprints for Ten True-Track® Layouts layout book.
It's a start and you can be messing around with trains while you do some serious planning.
Have fun,
Jim Murray The San Juan Southern RR
selector If you purchase everything new and have a few structures either built-up or kit, and depending on how much rolling stock of which description you purchase, you could go upward of $600 very easily. Second hand stuff will drop that by between 30-60%. What's a sheet of decent 5/8" plywood these days...$35-45 depending on its finish? A well-used modern DC engine of any description is going to be near $20-50, depending on what it is. Cars will go for maybe $2-9 each, used. A DC power pack, used, maybe $20? If this comes via an online site, count on shipping costs. Scenic materials will have to be purchased new unless you scrounge at garage sales or train shows for partial packages. It won't be cheap new....$40 for three or four bags of different ground foam products. EZ-Track, new, runs about $8/track item that isn't a turnout. Triple that, or nearly so, for a turnout. Used will be about 50% off, often more. Shopping is worth the time...it can save you real dollars. Crandell
Crandell and the others are giving you some good information. Let me add one additional tip to what Crandell is saying about buying online...
Whenever I'm looking for stuff-- especially if its for something in particular, and I'm shopping somewhere like Ebay or Amazon, it always pays to look around a bit for your OTHER wanna-get/would-if-I-could items at the same time. If you can find a seller who is selling the main item you want at a price you think is decent *AND* he's got some other stuff you want too-- you can save a boodle on shipping by buying it all together and having him "combine" the purchases into one shipment. Most sellers will do that for you if you ask.
I'm always on the lookout for a variety of things, stuff that I know I'll need even if I'm not ready for it just yet. And I have a list of stuff I'd be willing to buy if I run across it at the right price. So if I find somebody who has some of the side items I'd like to have, I figure if I can combine the sales, that's worth another $10-20 bucks or more of "free" / "found" money that I didn't have to pay someone else for shipping or markup.
Another thing I do is I put "lowball" bids on practically anything I might want. I usually get outbid, but sometimes I get lucky-- you know, the blind squirrel theory... A couple of weeks ago *ALL* my lowball bids came in and I had to dig deep... But on the plus side, I got THREE brass locos (in great shape) two proto 2k diesels, a brand new BLI steamer and a set of brass logging cars all for around $500 bucks... so it was definitely worth it from my perspective.
I am also a big fan of "sniping" on ebay. Which is waiting until the absolute last second and then dropping the biggest amount that I'd be willing to pay all at once in one bid. When I'm sniping I'm aiming to make a purchase and I rarely lose. I think it is the absolute best strategy (apart from "Buy it Now") when you are serious about acquiring the item. On the other hand, when I do lose, I just shrug cause I gave it my best shot and tomorrow there will probably be another one.
John
richhotrain Who can say what the eventual total cost will be? When I started into HO scale 8 years ago, I began with a 12x8 layout (three 4x8 panels) and a projected budget of $2,500 max. Hahahahaha. I now have a 25' x 42' layout in DCC, and I can't tell you how much I have spent to date in case my wife reads this thread. Just get started and see where it leads. Rich
Yes, that's true. Model Railroading doesn't cost anywhere near what you might think.... all those folks posting about their purchases elsewhere are just bragging... You know, as I sit here and think about it, I'm quite sure I've only spent maybe $50 or $100 bucks on *everything* (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)
Heck, I'd wager that Origami is probably ten times more expensive than buying those old HO scale brass locomotives....
CSX17 hey guy's i am wanting to get back into thsi hobby have a question how much would i have invested into doing a 4x8 layout with 22 inch radius bachman eztrack and there is areason for the eztrack it's gotta be able to be pulled up cause the table isalso a work bench for other stuff but can and will be cleared off for the train's. thank's for the advice. zach.
Your writing makes it hard to understand your question.
What does this part mean : "it's gotta be able to be pulled up cause the table is also a work bench for other stuff" ?
Are you saying that you are not really planning to build a layout, but just want some sectional track that you can set up on a table temporarily, and clear away again to use the table for other things?
Stein
steinjr CSX17: hey guy's i am wanting to get back into thsi hobby have a question how much would i have invested into doing a 4x8 layout with 22 inch radius bachman eztrack and there is areason for the eztrack it's gotta be able to be pulled up cause the table isalso a work bench for other stuff but can and will be cleared off for the train's. thank's for the advice. zach. Your writing makes it hard to understand your question. What does this part mean : "it's gotta be able to be pulled up cause the table is also a work bench for other stuff" ? Are you saying that you are not really planning to build a layout, but just want some sectional track that you can set up on a table temporarily, and clear away again to use the table for other things? Stein
CSX17: hey guy's i am wanting to get back into thsi hobby have a question how much would i have invested into doing a 4x8 layout with 22 inch radius bachman eztrack and there is areason for the eztrack it's gotta be able to be pulled up cause the table isalso a work bench for other stuff but can and will be cleared off for the train's. thank's for the advice. zach.
Stein, I should let the OP speak for himself, but I believe that is exactly what he is saying. He wants to use eztrack for a temporary layout so that he can put it up and take it back down again when he is not using the work bench that it is set up on for other purposes.
I have to agree that your run-on "sentence" in this "paragraph" makes it hard to understand. Punctuation and capital Letters go a long way in communicating your ideas clearly. BUT we are NOT here to pick on grammar or spelling.
I gather that the table you are going to use is for other things as well, and if it is, then EZ Track {the nickel silver {NS} track on the gray roadbed is a good idea.
Keep in mind that the 22" radius is center-of-track to Center-of-track, NOT the outside edges. You will need more than the 48" wide to be safe from derails causing a train to hit the floor. It will take up about 46" of the 48", leaving only about an inch on either side from the edge of the table. More if that brings the edge of the NS EZ Track is at the edges of the table. Many of us have damaged a loco or destroyed it completely by it falling off the edge of the layout.
The cost for track is not going to be cheap if you go with the NS EZ T, especially if you want a switch or two in there, but you can do nicely with maybe $100 of track. Also EZ T is available here as well, for instance:
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/HOProducts2.asp?Scale=HO&Item=160NSGPC and :
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/HOProducts2.asp?Scale=HO&Item=160BKNSG
Used equipment can be had for cheap, but if you don't know much about servicing them, you can buy yourself a headache and waste money. Even NEW locos need servicing.
If you go with DCC over DC for loco control, It will cost you more. A good basic DCC system is the Bachmann EZ COmmand DCC system {available here for instance:
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?Scale=HO&Item=RGBVCW&ID=200401356 } It is simple to use and will operate 9 DCC locos and one DC loco if you want. Bachmann DCC OnBoard Locos are fairly priced around $50 for diesels, more for steam.
If you go with DC power packs, you can get some older ones for cheap maybe on EBay, though I won't shop there. {I prefer to buy new}. Another place to try for both DCC and DC is Train shows. Type in a google search for" train shows" for your state to get a listing. A new one will cost about $40-$60 for a Tech model halfway down the page here:
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/HOProducts2.asp?Scale=None&Item=MRCDC Others there appear to be had for cheaper. Give the 2 pages a look-over.
RR cars to be pulled by your loco can be had for about $10-20 {and more} per car for new, depending on the brand and quality. If you just want something to pull, the cheaper will do you fine. If you want more realistic details the more expensive cars go higher in price as do passenger cars.
Complete sets with EZ track in DC can be had here:
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/HOProducts2.asp?Scale=HO&Item=160Set , Though the first two sets listed are DCC sets. If you want to go DCC, I would recommend the first train set on the page as it gives you 2 DCC locos to play with. BUT keep in mind that the track needs to be GRAY NS TRACK! those with the BLACK STEEL TRACK SETS AVOID {the steel can rust causing electrical connections to go sour}. Also, Train set RR Car quality is cheap as well, but would give you a complete tain to run. The oval of track MAY NOT fit your table, but are generally made with 18"radius curves.
So there you have a few more ideas and prices.
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
hi,
you guys are amazing me. The OP started by asking a money question, and most responses are answering just that. May be a debate first about his idea of having an "one day stand" would be better.
Building a few permanent sections that can be joined on his table, stored temporarily elsewhere when not in use, could be an idea too; a 8 x 4 table for a work-bench seems a bit large.
Ten switches, track, two engines, cars etc can easily add up. Power packs and scenery are needed as well. Sebastian Coleman's 500 dollar layout was and is a prime example. Only by going cheap he was able to achieve that aim. Look e.g.at the prizes of some "craft-man's kits". You'll find his layout in 102 Realistic Track Plans published by our host. (not available ATM if i am right)
Smile
Paul
Paulus Jas hi, you guys are amazing me. The OP started by asking a money question, and most responses are answering just that. May be a debate first about his idea of having an "one day stand" would be better. Building a few permanent sections that can be joined on his table, stored temporarily elsewhere when not in use, could be an idea too; a 8 x 4 table for a work-bench seems a bit large. Ten switches, track, two engines, cars etc can easily add up. Power packs and scenery are needed as well. Sebastian Coleman's 500 dollar layout was and is a prime example. Only by going cheap he was able to achieve that aim. Look e.g.at the prizes of some "craft-man's kits". You'll find his layout in 102 Realistic Track Plans published by our host. (not available ATM if i am right) Smile Paul
Since when have discussions around here ever been practical !?!?!
Are you saying we did good or bad? I took your statement as we did bad.
We answered his money questions and that is because the OP ASKED about money needed to start a layout, and states that the table he will use is a table used for other things as well. SO, we answered his money questions....I notice that you do not offer ANY form of monetary values in YOUR answer, except to refer to someone else's figure. I even provided links to a supplier where he can easily shop around now knowing what to look for.
Second, he did not ask about a more permenant situation as you seem to allude to here. He may NOT have a place to "temporarily store elsewhere" a whole layout or even a few modules as you suggest. He didn't ask about modules. And he stated that he had a 4x8 table to work on, whether you think it "seems a bit large" or not. The work bench could very easily be 4x8, designed for another purpose entirely. He may really only have a "one day setup" that has to come down every day,or frequently, so your idea to steer him in another direction would be moot.
And lastly, as jwhitten {?} points out, when are such discussion ever practical on here? {I think he took your statement as "we did bad" too, I could be wrong}. We may tend to veer off course when we answer a question, and input our own ideas into our answers, but often that may lead to other questions the OP may want to post, OR they may learn something they didn't even ask for. They may also not heed anything we say at all.
he also stated he has a 8x4 workbench, i am pretty sure, i've never seen one like that. My family have been been building piano's for a living, grandpiano's too; all work benches were about 24" wide.
I might be wrong of course, but any time i hear talking about a 8 x 4 with no alternatives, i just heard it to many times.
BTW take a (snap) trackplan, do your home work and you'll know the costs.
Paulus Jas hi, he also stated he has a 8x4 workbench, i am pretty sure, i've never seen one like that. My family have been been building piano's for a living, grandpiano's too; all work benches were about 24" wide. I might be wrong of course, but any time i hear talking about a 8 x 4 with no alternatives, i just heard it to many times. BTW take a (snap) trackplan, do your home work and you'll know the costs. Smile Paul
Actually, he said he had a 4x8 work bench...
Not much point in speculating too much in what he might have meant.
Either the OP will come back with a clarification,in which case one can take it from there.
Or there might be another five months between this post and his next post, like there were 5 months between his previous posts and this post.
steinjr Not much point in speculating too much in what he might have meant. Either the OP will come back with a clarification,in which case one can take it from there. Or there might be another five months between this post and his next post, like there were 5 months between his previous posts and this post. Stein
Well, that's good. At least we'll all have plenty of time to sit back and think up some pithy replies...
On the other hand, folks, I see Paul's point.
True, it sounds like the OP is trying to find out what it would cost him to make a small investment in EZ Track (or equivalent) that he could set up on a 4x8 workbench from time to time.
Having some experience with this kind of thing (the boys slot car tracks), I know what a pain it is to be constantly setting up and tearing down. Moreover, the track connections eventually get worn and fail, requiring the purchase of more track pieces.
Furthermore, the OP may get frustrated with his inability to progress beyond a track plan with a couple of structures (that is, no real scenery) due to it's temporary nature. So perhaps we ought to be looking at some alternatives that will enable a "more permanent solution" and allow him to enjoy his layout more.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
Read the original poster's previous threads (click on the post count under his name at left side of posts).
It is not at all clear what he already has or what he is trying to do. The only thing that is clear is that the OP is vision impaired, and perhaps due to this, that he struggles with communicating clearly through a text based medium.
Based on his posts from January, it variously seems like he is planning a 4x8 or a 5x9. At some stage it sounds like a table has already been built, at another like he is considering buying a table tennis table.It sounds like he already has some ezTrack (that his grandpa gave him recently).
We will just have to wait for Zach (cnx17) to make clear what he is trying to do, and what he is asking about.
Smile, Stein
okay guy's thank you all for replyign so soon to this im sorry that i havent replyed sooner.
I alreayd have a 4foot wide by 8 foot table built form plywood and some deminsonal lumber.
have a bachman ez track pack but will consider making it beocme flex track i talked to my mom she said i can have a deck she has to buidl my rc stuff on and make thsi a permant stuchter. and yes i do have a hard time through text bade communicaton.
i have a wgh set and want to get bigger turn's for some modern locmotives i love right by a ns main line i have a gititrax zepher system already on hand got me a few rail car's as well jsutn o locmotive and want some bigger curves waht will it cost me to get some 22 inceh radio curve's for it and waht am i lookign at for a decent dcc eupied or dcc rady modern ns desiel i have gotten si coal car's and i know ive been away form the hobby. thank's guy's any other queston's for me ask them away ill do the best i can to anser them.
Please put a bit more effort in making your postings clear. So we can read them.
Try some punctuation paragraphs. And the spell checker. English is not yet a dead language...not yet.
Just slow down and do a good job like you plan to do on your model railroad.
And, if you don't mind me asking, what is your age?
Keep at it. You can get a lot of help here if folks can read your posts.
Not your average Grinch,
Im 20 year's old. okay let me try this again gramah was never my strong suit in school so ill try my best at it. i have a four foot by eight foot table my grandpa built me about a year ago. and have been useing it as a rc work bench. for about seven month's and have some car's, dcc system. and a bachman eztrack world's greatest hobby track pack. I would like to get some wider radius turn's cause i live right near a norfolk southern mainline and like the modern power that rolls by. What would my cost be on getting said larger 22 inche radius curves to run some bigger modern power on and a decent dcc equpped locomotive yes ns roadname and my scale is ho sorry i forgot to list that in the first post. ot would i be better off going with some atlas sectinol track and some flex track and if so waht are my option's on cuttign said flex track cause ive tried a dremel and it jsut didnt' work out thank you guy's zach flowe.
CSX17 I'm 20 year's old. OK let me try this again. Grammar was never my strong suit in school so ill try my best at it. I have a four foot by eight foot table my grandpa built me about a year ago and have been using it as a RC work bench for about seven month's and have some car's, DCC system. and a Bachman eztrack world's greatest hobby track pack. I would like to get some wider radius turns cause I live right near a Norfolk southern mainline and like the modern power that rolls by. What would my cost be on getting larger 22 inch radius curves to run some bigger modern power on and a decent DCC equipped locomotive? Yes NS road name and my scale is HO sorry I forgot to list that in the first post. Or would I be better off going with some Atlas sectional track and some flex track? If so what are my option's on cutting said flex track cause I've tried a Dremel and it just didn't' work out. Thank you guys. Zach Flowe
I'm 20 year's old. OK let me try this again. Grammar was never my strong suit in school so ill try my best at it.
I have a four foot by eight foot table my grandpa built me about a year ago and have been using it as a RC work bench for about seven month's and have some car's, DCC system. and a Bachman eztrack world's greatest hobby track pack.
I would like to get some wider radius turns cause I live right near a Norfolk southern mainline and like the modern power that rolls by. What would my cost be on getting larger 22 inch radius curves to run some bigger modern power on and a decent DCC equipped locomotive?
Yes NS road name and my scale is HO sorry I forgot to list that in the first post. Or would I be better off going with some Atlas sectional track and some flex track? If so what are my option's on cutting said flex track cause I've tried a Dremel and it just didn't' work out.
Thank you guys.
Zach Flowe
Zach,
I cleaned this up a bit with just the spell checker and thee return key. Hope you don't mind. Actually your grammar isn't bad at all but your typing (texting) stinks. I have to use the spell checker all the time.
About cutting flex track: You can get some rail cutters at a good hobby shop and they do a fine job on track. These other guys can tell you more about the 22" radius and layout.
And give Grandpa our regards.
thank you bud and i will do to my grandpa i know it's my vision thing i have some assisted tehnolegy and really dont' type fast i type pretty slow kidn of hunt and peck so still mess it thanks for all the help guy's.
CSX17 ...I know it's my vision thing i have some assisted technology and really don't type fast i type pretty slow kind of hunt and peck so still mess it thanks for all the help guy's.
...I know it's my vision thing i have some assisted technology and really don't type fast i type pretty slow kind of hunt and peck so still mess it thanks for all the help guy's.
I knew it! Every time I open my mouth (or keyboard) I...Well... Your doing better Zach. Hang in there. I knew a kid once with the handle of FURX and I think he's doing fine.
Ask and you will will receive.
I just did a quick price check at MB Klein (http://www.modeltrainstuff.com), which usually have fairly nice prices.
1) one pack of 4 pieces of 22" radius nickle silver eZtrack : $18.50. You need four packs for two half circles, so around $80, maybe a little more, since there is postage in addition.
2) an H0 scale locomotive in NS colors, with DCC installled - from about $100 to about $250, depending on what you buy and whether you want just DCC or DCC w/sound.
And Zach - it is not the bad grammar and poor spelling that makes your posts so hard to read. It is the lack of organization, and the missing information.
Try to stop and organize your thought before you start typing, so you are clear about what you want people to do for you.
Also think about what you will need to tell them before they can help you. The reader will not know what is inside your head, and there are hundreds and thousands of posts every month - it is not a given that the reader will remember (or go read again) your old posts.
Not meant as criticism, just advice.
I don't want to dwell on the typing -- I understand that you have issues, but they're not insurmountable. My oldest son suffers from similar problems. He has taught himself to touch type -- which basically means he doesn't have to see the keys to type. Which is also what I'm going now.
OK, on to the topic at hand. I'm not sure why you had trouble cutting rail with a Dremel, except that maybe your technique wasn't quite right. First of all, for a hard metal like nickel-silver, you need to use the reinforced cut off wheels, not the thin emory wheels that typically come with it. Then you need to clamp the track to something to keep the rails from slipping as you cut it. I clamp the track to a piece of scrap lumber with an Irwin Qwik Grip clamp. I've never had trouble.
One word of warning -- if you have vision issues and are presumably getting your face close to your work, you may want to invest in a clear face shield. You don't want to get hit in the face (or eye) with a hot piece of metal.
A Plan for the Improvement of English Spelling by "Mark Twain"
For example, in Year 1 that useless letter "c" would be dropped to be replased either by "k" or "s," and likewise "x" would no longer be part of the alphabet. The only kase in which "c" would be retained would be the "ch" formation, which will be dealt with later. Year 2 might reform "w" spelling, so that "which" and "one" would take the same konsonant, wile Year 3 might well abolish "y" replasing it with "i" and Iear 4 might fiks the "g / j" anomali wonse and for all. Jenerally, then, the improvement would kontinue iear bai iear with Iear 5 doing awai with useless double konsonants, and Iears 6-12 or so modifaiing vowlz and the rimeining voist and unvoist konsonants. Bai Iear 15 or sou, it wud fainali bi posibl tu meik ius ov thi ridandant letez "c," "y," and "x" - bai now jast a memori in the maindz ov ould doderez - tu riplais "ch," "sh," and "th" rispektivli. Fainali, xen, aafte sam 20 iers ov orxogrefkl riform, wi wud hev a lojikl, kohirnt speling in ius xrewawt xe Ingliy-spiking werld.
---
"I don't give a darn for a man who can only spell a word one way." -- Mark Twain
I´d like to hear that pronounced - probably a strong German accent.