When a LHS was moving some years back (it has since closed but that is another topic) they were selling off a Plastruct "point of purchase" display (a four-sided rack that turns) that had all manner of Plastruct styrene and ABS shapes in various sizes. I bought the entire thing for $15 and got not only a bargain on all sorts of scratchbuilding and kitbashing material, but a compact and interesting way to store it all and make it handy to use (and to restock if need be).
At a bankruptcy auction at yet another LHS I bid $75 for the entire contents of the end of an aisle (they were selling things by the aisle and similar big lots, not by the item). Not only did I get an enormous amount of yet more Plastruct and Evergreen styrene shapes and sheets, but some large metal toy construction equipment which I have given as gifts to kids who visit. The tally for "list price" for what I got came to about $520, perhaps more. Only about $70 of that was the toys, the rest was Plastruct and Evergreen.
Dave Nelson
It seems wise to spend the money on quality rolling stock and locomotives (but take advantage of opportunities). you may even want to invest in metal wheels.
But there are many opportunities to save money by building from scratch. I've saved lots of $$ by building my own turnouts and had some encouraging success with building mockups. With a little skill and knowledge you can build your own electronics. But I think someday I may even try building the shell of a locomotive since i'm interested in a small camelback 4-4-0.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Say! Did I mention my love of paper models, which can be as cheap as your printer?
Just go to Walthers and click on the link called, "On Sale Today!" You'll find a ton of deals right there: P1K DL-109's at $77 (instead of $150), Walthers GN Empire Builder cars at $33 (from $80) w/ lights, plated Superliners at $44 from $80, Amtubes at $39 from $80, stainless steel RPO's at $28 from $80, Metroliners at $100 vs. $170, FM H10-44's at $80 vs. $170, SD7's $90 vs. $200, and so on. There's some 3000 items on sale at Walthers right now, and some of them are 50% off or better.And meanwhile, used P2K-type locos on eBay sell for less than $50. And people still complain the hobby is too expensive. I guess they want it all for free?
Paul A. Cutler III
Most of my Proto 0-6-0's and 0-8-0's were about $50, got tons of Proto 2000 stock and tank cars for less than $12 each RTR, been paying around $15 for Atlas Master boxcars. Or how about $5 for Shinohara turnouts, bought about 15.
David:
I think just about everything I have in terms of rolling stock or structures has been purchased at affordable prices relative to the list price or the going price on eBay. Some bargains were better than others but I don't think I have paid MRP for anything other than supplies and scratch building stuff.
I consider some of the stuff that I bought to be 'expensive' but not un-affordable. For example, I have invested about $330.00 each in two small switcher engines built from Grandt Line kits, but I love them so they were worth the money, at least to me. Will I build a whole fleet of them? No.
One of the big issues for me living in Canada is shipping costs. Nothing is a bargain if it costs buckets for shipping and bogus import charges.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Sometimes you get a break. A few weeks back I got an Atlas Trainman RS-32 for $25 at a train show. I added a decoder I had laying around and it runs great. It came decorated as PC 2027; I spent about another $25 for a detail set and decals. I'm backdating it to NYC 2027.
BTW if you get the Walther's flyers, you may remember NYC 2027 on the PTJ "postcard" that sometimes came with the flyers a while back.
Mr Lenscap has the right idea with paper models although I personally prefer basswood or styrene for similar projects.
Years back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, model railroading consisted of two basic genres.....building trains and structures and building a model railroad. Today the latter is still very much alive. If you research back 40 years of RMC, you will find articles on a fellow named Bud Sima. His pike was called the Prospect and Upper Ridge Railroad or PURR. Bud would build locomotive from broom handles and just about scratch built everything. There were others and model railroading in proportion to today's RTR everythings was a fraction of the cost and ten times more fun.
Sometime when the urge bites you to spend $50 for a Chinese plastic car, go to eBay and acquire a similar wood kit for around $10. Then have a fine time. Why eBay...I know of few trains stores that stock wood kits nowadays. Or build a loco....There are still die-cast loco kits available in stores.... and not only will they be a fraction of the cost of an RTR counterpart....they can be made to look and run as good...if not better. At good train shows, these loco kits are often found at bargain prices.
Skill........??? When the bug bites you in the butt, you will be amazed at what you can do.
Thought for the day,
HZ
Hey, let's go sailing this weekend. Renting a 32' sailboat is only about $500 or $600 for 3 days. I've got my bareboat captain's ticket!
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
Michael:
Sorry, I get sea sick.
However, I do get your point. We just spent 3 days bird watching at Point Pelee on Lake Ontario. The whole tab including hotel, meals, gas and park fees was about $900. It was worth every penny. So are my trains.
Bayfield Transfer Railway Hey, let's go sailing this weekend. Renting a 32' sailboat is only about $500 or $600 for 3 days. I've got my bareboat captain's ticket!
Sounds like a deal especially when a Lake Erie charter boat for 5 men could cost that much for one full day of fishing.
Neither has anything to do with this discussion on cutting costs of the hobby.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Like many hobbies or sporting activities model railroading can be expensive. In fact, I had to negociate pretty hard with the other half when I bought the last Atlas Classic Gold Sound locomotive.
But it can also be affordable. My last train related purchases where:
- Proto 1000 F3A at 25$ (on eBay);
- TCS T1 decoder at 18$ for that locomotive;
- Postage for both: about 15$
Less than 60$ for a really good running DCC locomotive.
- Four Accurail wood boxcars at about 15$ each (add a few bucks for Kadee couplers and metal weels) with many hours of pleasure in the future.
What can I ask more in terms of affordability?
Guy
Modeling CNR in the 50's
Its a buyers market right now, at a local show this spring I bought this PFM/United brass 2-8-0 with PFM sound installed for $100. Its a late run with a near mint original box. Also got the near mint PFM sound console/throttle for a whole $7. If you love vintage HO, the prices are smoking hot right now. Oh yeah, the 2-8-0 is smooth as a Kato diesel when running and DCC still cannot manualy quill a steam whistle as good as the old PFM system. Mike
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
Hi all
Well how often has it been said the hobby is expencive well I supose it is in one way or another.
None of us spend more that we can afford, I think the claim comes mostly from people wanting to know how much a layout costs to build, when they get told thousands of dollars then have a heart attack and decide may be not the hobby for me.
It is totaly forgoten what often happens is off to the hardware to get a load of wood, glue and screws this gets turned into a train table or open frame bench
This takes a while to make during which no spend.
Then the track suplies and wire etc is bought next while thats going on no spend.
Then out comes the train which has probably been around a while gets played with for a while,well it might even be a new set
Then after that its I like that I will have one well thats another $20.00 and slowly it grows at an affordable rate and before you know it those thousands are spent
You did not even notice it did you, then there is all those aforementioned lucky strikes along the way that means a bit was saved as well.
But you are still about with sanity intact so it wasn't that expencive was it
Certainly cheaper than Therapy
If you are very good at bodgging things like a certain Lion of our aquantence or just good at making things those thousands, suddenly can build a masive empire that would make the Romans jealouse.
its all about knowing when you do it youself and when its better to buy one, that is the key to keeping that cost down to the minimum.
regards John
John BusbyWell how often has it been said the hobby is expencive well I supose it is in one way or another.
That depends on how much you want to spend. A very nice 4x8' layout can be built for around $2,000 including scenery track and structures.
Another $2-3,000 in cars and locomotives and you're good to go.
A good like new used MRC power pack can be had for as low as $10.00 at train shows.
DCC control can be had for $130.00.
Now if one goes piggy and fills a basement with a Godzilla size layout then its mega buck time.
For the record my 1' x 12' ISL cost less then $400.00 for lumber,track and structures.
My standard answer on the cost of the hobby is a very truthful "How much do you want to spend?" It can be as cheap as 2 engines 18-20 cars and a club membership-the layout is already built or it can costs thousands if you build a basement filling layout and far less for a 4x8' layout.
Timing is everything. A number of years ago my LHS had a non-sound undecorated DC P2K Berkshire on its shelf for the longest time. This was when sound equipped locos were beoming popular. I can't remember the exact price but it was north of $200. Finally in order to get rid of it, they deeply discounted it. This was shortly before their annual 20% off sale. I waited for the sale and then picked it up for a song, added a sound decoder, speaker, and decals and was still below $200. If I bought that same loco today fully equipped I'm guessing it would have cost me around $350.
If adjusted for inflation, the hobby is no more expensive today than it was 40 years ago when I was getting back into it. Many of the kits being sold back then are still sold today for about the same inflation adjusted price. It's hard to compare locos because today's have so many more built in features like DCC and sound and the detailing is so much better. Likewise RTR rolling stock has largely replaced shake-the-box kits so naturally they are going to be more expensive. However there are still some non-sound, non-DCC locos being produced and Accurail has filled the void left by Athearn BB exiting rolling stock kits and prices of those compare favorably with what they have tradionally been. The hobby isn't any more expensive than it used to be. Your dollars are just worth much less.
BRAKIE John Busby Well how often has it been said the hobby is expencive well I supose it is in one way or another. That depends on how much you want to spend. A very nice 4x8' layout can be built for around $2,000 including scenery track and structures. Another $2-3,000 in cars and locomotives and you're good to go. A good like new used MRC power pack can be had for as low as $10.00 at train shows. DCC control can be had for $130.00. Now if one goes piggy and fills a basement with a Godzilla size layout then its mega buck time. For the record my 1' x 12' ISL cost less then $400.00 for lumber,track and structures. My standard answer on the cost of the hobby is a very truthful "How much do you want to spend?" It can be as cheap as 2 engines 18-20 cars and a club membership-the layout is already built or it can costs thousands if you build a basement filling layout and far less for a 4x8' layout.
John Busby Well how often has it been said the hobby is expencive well I supose it is in one way or another.
I quit long ago trying to figure out how much I have spent on the hobby. If I knew I would probably be shocked. Each time I make a purchase I make the decision that the item I am buying is worth more to me than the money it costs. My only regrets come when I buy something and end up not using it on the layout. Plans change. Better things come along.
PS. I have one of those Godzilla layouts of which you speak. I'll bet someone could put their kid through college on what I have spent on it.
jecorbettI quit long ago trying to figure out how much I have spent on the hobby.
While I know the cost of my ISL I don't even want to think how much I have spent on cars and locomotives.
I started not to post anything, but here it goes anyway...
I am pretty sure that all of us understand that there are bargains to be had, whether it be on eBay, a train show, or a dusty old box at a garage sale. What I am talking about are the new, hot on the shelf items. These DO command much higher prices. And those prices, for the most part, are what I'm talking about.
Yes, Tichy freight cars are a bargain and I've assembled a few dozen of them. No one is disagreeing with that. Now, when at least one RTR freight car is approaching $100...to me that is ridiculous.
In the other thread, someone mentioned that I shouldn't care about the MSRP because no one charges that anyway. True, but since the MSRP is so high to begin with, this only makes the discounted prices higher. So maybe I should care about the MSRP after all..
Obviously, some see it differently than I do. I just choose to not participate in the hobby that way. As long as everyone is doing what they want, I guess that is all that matters.
Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge
Collections from the deceased! An older gentleman in our model RR group passed away some time ago. His widow sold a box of about a dozen frieght cars, two older locomotives (that will need some work, but quality items), all for $40.00!
Then I bought part of an extensive collection (from the widow of another older deceased gentleman in our group) that was parted out in boxes at a silent auction. This box had about 25 pieces of rolling stock (Athearn, Accurail, etc.) and some junk locomotives, all for $15.00. Some of the rolling stock were in severe disrepair, still useable for parts as well as for scene details. I gave the locomotives, as well as some of the other junk rolling stock away. All-in-all I ended up with about a dozen freight cars that fit my modeling era.
Cost of benchwork including scenery base for a 15x30' layout, less than $300 including leg levelers etc.
In the last 2 months I have purchased 5 "new in the box" locos for a total expenditure of $390, or only $78 each on average. Of course they do not have DCC or sound, but I don't want DCC or sound.
Sheldon
Got my Golden State train for a very good total price: 150 $ for the MTH SP GS-4 4-8-4, 22 $ for each of the 7 Walthers cars and 15 $ for each of the 4 Rivarossi cars (including interiors) and the IHC observation (including interiors). Total amount: 379 $ for a complete 12 car passenger train including die cast metal steam engine with sound and DCC. Ok, let´s make it 400 $ with the shipping included! I guess I was really lucky!
From our NZ based Auction site, I scored a partially built Woodland Scenics Grand Valley kit - just had the tunnels and plaster hills, and the foam trackbed installed - and some of the track. ( needed to be cut into 1/3rds for transporting), substantial timber supports and bracing; the Altas track kit for the GV, AND the complete GV building set. + a Hogwarts Express loco and a couple of carriages. And a basic throttle.
For $100.00 NZ ( or about $70US).
Fella was (sadly) selling it because of his expanding family ... the spare room had to go .. I think he was pleased in the end to see it go to someone who was going to appreciate it .. he just didnt have time for it any more.
It's my 1st layout, and enjoying the learning ( and un-learning ) process. Well, actually my second layout after 40 year hiatus .... back then lichen and sawdust was king !
Have run a couple of diesels around it already to make sure the track is usable - had to replace a section of the inner circle with flex as the sectional track was kinked.
The Hogwarts doesnt run too reliably, the front bogies seem to derail - rides too high thru the crossings - flanges too deep ?
My wife will be visiting stateside in a few months, so will have some loco's, rolling stock and DCC controller shipped to her place of stay for her to bring back. It's the import duties that's the killer at times - hit the GST threshold of $400NZ vaklue, and hit with the 15% GST, and $100 or thereabouts of import fees. Actually, I think MR gear is classed as toys, and automatically gets hit with the GST and import processing fees, irrespective of the GST threshold.....
An expensive hobby for us living at the bottom of the world
In another thread people have been posting on how expensive model trains are.
Yes they can be, but you can always find items in your budget no matter what it may be.
I have been looking for a IHC 650 ton coal bunker kit. I did find this past week the coal bunker mostly built just in need of some paint and a few loose trim pieces. I got it for $26.00 plus shipping. It is like new.
so as you see there are bargains out there you just have look and be patient.
What have you found?
Threads have been merged.
--Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editorsotte@kalmbach.com
Howard ZaneSkill........??? When the bug bites you in the butt, you will be amazed at what you can do. Thought for the day, HZ
Another thought for today.. You may also be amazed what you can mess up thinking you can do this-another lesson learn by me today is when I messed up a SW1500 project so bad that I need to strip and repaint the engine..Some times the skill is not there regardless how hard one tries. Three and half days of work shot to itty bitty pieces..
Tune your cars up periodically,
When buying walthers passenger cars, remove the plastic couplers and replace them with metal kadee's. Push the diaphrams in/out 20-30 times so they're not stiff, tighten the trucks if needed, but don't go all the way (trucks too tight-the car derails). Finally oil the wheels to eliminate squeaks and the car will roll like a dream.
ATSFGuyWhen buying walthers passenger cars, remove the plastic couplers and replace them with metal kadee's.
Why would you throw away a metal Protomax coupler since they are the same as a KD #5?
All of Walthers newer cars come equipped with these metal couplers.
BRAKIE Another thought for today.. You may also be amazed what you can mess up thinking you can do this-another lesson learn by me today is when I messed up a SW1500 project so bad that I need to strip and repaint the engine..Some times the skill is not there regardless how hard one tries. Three and half days of work shot to itty bitty pieces..