What about the Cheap train stuff?

[loathar]

This was built from kit leftovers and masking tape.

My budgets what I can beg or borrow these days.

[Autobus Prime]

Sure! As long as we are aware of the old adage, "you get what you pay for" using the cheap stuff is fine IMO. We all have to model within the constraints of our budget, time available, space available etc. That's why Rod Stewart's layout and my layout don't really compare and likely never will.

BHC:

But that's the thing - you don't always get what you pay for, and you don't always have to pay for what you get.  You can build a first-class structure with a minimum of expensive material.  On the other hand, I would never disparage Mr. Stewart's way of enjoying his hobby, but I don't by any means think his city scene is that great.  It's a work of art, in its way, and just the kind I'd expect him to come up with - it's a sort of Hollywood dream city.  I could imagine any number of movies taking place there. It's exactly the sort of vision I'd imagine he'd have - but it's not at all like mine. I don't "feel at home" there. 

[Anonymous]

I've started to scratchbuild stuff. I'm building a rock car from an old underframe, trucks, styrene, some handrails off an old IHC loco from my junk box, and a styrene box for a scale auto, all painted and lettered, plus some brake grear from my scrap box. It's coming along well, all painted and ready for lettering.

[BlueHillsCPR]

Sure! As long as we are aware of the old adage, "you get what you pay for" using the cheap stuff is fine IMO. We all have to model within the constraints of our budget, time available, space available etc. That's why Rod Stewart's layout and my layout don't really compare and likely never will.

[Autobus Prime]

I don't know about you guys, but I have a fairly tight budget, so I've found it worthwhile to buy the cheap stuff and kitbash/rebuild/combine with cardboard and other various parts and pieces to make a nice building or car or something. Not all of us can afford those expensive craftsman kits. If you're willing to spend a little effort, some of these projects can look really good.

What about you guys? anyone else do this?

OB: 

Preach on, brother.  I've done plenty of this, and when I get past the mockup-structure stage on my V & E, I'm going to do plenty more.  Why would I pay $20 and up for a 6 x 9 building, when I can build my own from sheet balsa or cardboard, with windows printed out on overhead transparencies, for less than $5?  

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I've done that many times through the years. I still get a Bachmann loco once in a while and detail it a bit.

[OzarkBelt]

I don't know about you guys, but I have a fairly tight budget, so I've found it worthwhile to buy the cheap stuff and kitbash/rebuild/combine with cardboard and other various parts and pieces to make a nice building or car or something. Not all of us can afford those expensive craftsman kits. If you're willing to spend a little effort, some of these projects can look really good.

What about you guys? anyone else do this?