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You might be surprised to know that not a few of the mag types of empire layouts are easily in excess of $100k. Not all, but many. Some are even far more than that. You must include the motive power, rolling stock, buildings, and details. The bigger the layout, the larger the fleet to fill it and some of those guys will have a fleet that is 2-4 times larger than necessary to fill it (for variety's sake). 100 brass locos alone could easily set you back $60 - $100k. Granted not all have 100 brass locos in their fleet, but several do and many have 30 to 50 brass locos. Don't forget some of the very large rolling stock fleets (some brass, many Intermountain types of cars, as well as the basic cars), never mind a few (or more than a few) passenger consists. We don't even need to discuss the buildings, details, and scenery types of purchases. Nor did we say anything about the electronics, or all of the room improvements to make the layout room a showcase. Many of the guys are just like us average modelers too - we often buy locos or cars that we don't necessarily need, but we like it so we get it . They do that too (they just have more money to do that with), though much of that will not show up in the mag photos. Further, like Ray said, much of this is done over time - many years. Thus, it is not a large one or two time payout. It is many, many smaller purchases done over time that, before you know it, have accumulated into quite an investment (never mind the time invested as well.) Again, not all of the large and/or beautiful layouts are necessarily done very expensively, but quite few of them are. <br /> <br />A guy I know fairly well, whose layout has been published and is also featured in one of the well-known videos, told me that he has spent in excess of $500k. I was shocked (I am familiar with the layout) and at first would not believe it. But you know, I did the math on it (I'm a Controller with a cost accounting background) and even using conservative estimates I could see he was not stretching things. Again, it was done over time, but it adds up. After that little exercise, I can see how the other empires are themselves also likely quite the investment. I'll never reach their levels, but to put things in perspective, all of us here who take the hobby seriously (is that an oxymoron - hobby & serious? LOL) would probably be surprised how much we have ourselves invested in it. It's also probably no small amount, relative to our own personal financial standings, but again, it was done over time. Still, this hobby is a lot less expensive than some of my friends hobbies (can you say motorhomes, fast cars, boating, ...) Enjoy the hobby. <br /> <br />Greg
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