Does anybody find this hobby is getting expensive

[JeremyB]

Hey guys

I was wondering if anybody finds this hobby is getting way too expensive, I went into my hobby shop today and was looking at some new engines because I might want to get a new one in the next few weeks. but the prices are really really way too high. I don't have a $160.00 doallrs to drop on a engine.

who else is starting to find this

Jeremy

even atheran is getting expenxive

[Anonymous]

You are not alone and I am low income.
I shop around for respectable prices, either local, second hand or thru
mail order that runs 25% off.
Always looking for a discount, that's the American way and that's my way too.

[Anonymous]

I agree that everything (not just model trains) is getting expensive. But, as things get more expensive, we get more money to buy them. Right? RIGHT!?[;)][:p]

[JeremyB]

I remember when i could get a few atheran engines for the price of a KATO ar Atlas, the money they want for these things are sick. How do they expect for the everyday person to shell out 200 dollars for one engine

[orsonroy]

You get what you pay for. While I'd love to own a Mil-Spec stock Hummer hardtop, with an MSRP of $90,000, I'll stick with my $20,000 Jeep. Same thing with model RR stuff. While I'd like to own a huge fleet of all brass steamers with sound and DCC, I'll stick with a much smaller fleet of plastic steam, with one or two brass, and one or two equipped with sound. There are bargains to be had out there for the high-end stuff (P2K diesels for $30 good enough for ya?) but you have to be a wise shopper.

[3railguy]

I've come back to HO after 25 years. I was into Athearn and MDC throughout the 70’s. 4 axle diesels were around $14 and 6 axle diesels were around $17. Today I notice there are many pricey high tech models with smooth mechanicals and intricate detail. However, the old reliable standard issue Athearn engines are still available at prices about twice what I paid in the 70’s. Rolling stock seems to be around 2 ½ times more. Just the other day, I was looking at a standard issue Athearn GP 35 and the retail price was $31. Considering inflation, I don’t think things have changed much. Just more features and refined detail have been added raising the price. In the 70's, a highly detailed brass steamer was around $200. Today's BLI steamers are around $350 with better detail and sounds. Considering inflation, things are better in my opinion. I was looking at a BLI UP mountain on their website. Boy is that sucker ever NICE!!!! we never had it so good!

You really need to stop looking at the $100 or $200 engines and consider there are still good engines in the $30, $50 range.

[JeremyB]

I wasnt going to buy one, I was just stating a fact................

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

I agree that everything (not just model trains) is getting expensive. But, as things get more expensive, we get more money to buy them. Right? RIGHT!?[;)][:p]

You can always go to train shows and find real bargains and private tables usually are selling older items at prices anyone could afford.

I thought about stopping my train hobby and building a street car for fun. After I looked at the price of the GM crated 572 CI engine, (READ 12000 + TAX), I decided my hobby is fairly cheap and not dangerous. Besides, I enjoy having a Challenger displayed on my desk as I work. Union Pacific off course.

[Anonymous]

Yes, things are getting more and more expensive. In the last 10 years there has been a huge leap in prices. I was modeling non stop from the mid 80's through 98 and prices increased much more slowly during that period. Now you have to save up just to buy an Atlas freight car.. thats crazy!

[3railguy]

QUOTE: I thought about stopping my train hobby and building a street car for fun. After I looked at the price of the GM crated 572 CI engine, (READ 12000 + TAX), I decided my hobby is fairly cheap and not dangerous. Besides, I enjoy having a Challenger displayed on my desk as I work. Union Pacific off course.

LOL....Check out the Summit catalog. $12,000 is just the beginning.

[Anonymous]

I think Im the only one here that still runs my TYCO, Bachmann's, and LL's with my TWO Atlas'!! Oh well, three kids at home goes first I guess...I keep saying "SOMEDAY"

[Fergmiester]

This question seems to be constantly coming up and the answer is always a resounding yes. I have been one to say on several occassions that at this rate most novices or those with limited available cash will slowly be forced out. The question that goes with this is why?

And the answer is: Because we are seeing a much better product being produced and offered at higher prices. No one seems to want low end any more as it is not good enough. The hobby is still affordable if we are willing to stay with the lower end gear. Unfortunately even this is becming harder to get.

It comes down to compromise: Are you a Cadillac Man or will any old beater do?

[cbq9911a]

Yes, the hobby is getting more expensive. But at the same time the products are getting better - you're getting a bigger bang for bigger bucks.

However (1), it's still possible to scrounge and do things cheaply. Used rolling stock is cheap.

However (2), my ability to afford the hobby has gotten better.

[BRAKIE]

Well,There are different ways to save a buck on todays over price locomotives.
think about buying use,think e bay,think discount on line hobby shops and think mail order.I have seen many $99.00 Atlas engines for $59-66.00 from on line shops seen some for less on e bay..You need not pay full price if you shop around.
Now,as long as they're modelers that cheer on high price by saying you get what you pay for,I want more and more detail,better quality products(really? Then why all of the negative comments about new products on this or that isn't right or the engine runs like crap) the manufacturers will continue to raise prices.They love reading those price cheering type of statements..[8]

[CNJ831]

BRAKIE is quite correct in his statement...keep cheering on the high priced items and the manufacturers will continue to offer them at ever increasing prices. Some of the latest high-end pricing is without question simply price gouging. The incredible drop in the price of Athearn's Challenger (from $600 to $260 or 60% off !) because of Lionel's dumping serves to demonstrate just how huge some profit margin's currently are. I fully expect that by 2007 or 2008 you will be seeing articulated high-end plastic steam reach the $1,000 mark...or maybe there won't be enough of us left in the hobby to make even hundred unit runs worth the manufacturer's while.

CNJ831

[Anonymous]

i have to agree, im only 16 and money dont come by that often, and if u want to buy anything half decent yur gonna spend a fortune all the cheap stuff is junk, rly. Word of advise,

own a hobby shop, lol

[fiatfan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jamison1

I think Im the only one here that still runs my TYCO, Bachmann's, and LL's with my TWO Atlas'!! Oh well, three kids at home goes first I guess...I keep saying "SOMEDAY"

Hang in there, J1. It will get better. I went down that road with 4 kids. You are 100% correct - kids first, everything else second.

Best of luck to you.

Tom

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by nscaleboy

and if u want to buy anything half decent yur gonna spend a fortune all the cheap stuff is junk,

There's some inexpensive stuff out there. I can't speak about Athearn since I don't own any but I own four A-B , F3 sets by P1K at $42.00 a powered set.. I think that's cheap.

[SPFan]

Compared to 1970 prices adjusted for inflation the hobby may actually be more affordable. If you wanted accurate models you either had to buy brass or build craftsman kits. Typical Ambroid/Northeastern kits were about 10 bucks plus trucks and couplers. The detail on the new stuff blows these old kits away for the same dollar amount. You can buy a nicely detailed steam engine today for about what a Bowser kit plus detail kit would cost 30 years ago. Some things like brass has seemed to increased beyond the rate of inflation but overall we are all better off. Keep in mind most buy today what many of us made ourselves back then, scenery details, hand laid track, etc.

Pete

[Jetrock]

When was this hobby NOT expensive? It has always been possible to spend yourself into the poorhouse as a model railroader!

The secret? Don't buy the expensive stuff!

I was a model railroader at 16 too--I learned how to scrounge, buy scratchbuilding materials, and find deals to feed my loco habit! Those skills will serve you well in later life, whether you're still model railroading or not!

(as someone who didn't even want to get a $20,000 Jeep and got a $3000 Volvo instead--but DID take it muddin' once)

[Hawks05]

just in the past year that i've been in the hobby i've noticed a increase in prices. the kits at the LHS have stayed the same but some of the RTR pieces have increased by a buck or two.

i'm 18, senior in high school, have a car to pay for, have to start saving for college, have to have some spending cash for the weekends, and then the hobby. i bascially have no money right now. i work at a pizza joint and deliver so i usually make $20-$25 in tips each night i work. half that money goes into a hobby envelope. today i bought a $70 P2K GP60 loco off ebay, that is the most expensive piece of equipment i'll own. this weekend i'm going to a show so i'm surely going to buy a loco or 2, a book or 2, maybe some old MRR magazines, and then of course a bunch of blue box kits and other rolling stock. last year at this show there was a guy who had well over 1000 kits for half the price of a LHS store. of course not all were half but a good amount were in the $5-$7 range which is about $4 less than the LHS. shows are bascially the only place i'll buy anything, and the shows are few and far between. when i do go i usually bring no less than $100 with me. that way i limit myself and have money left over.

my advice is to save up until a show comes to town and search ebay for some cheap deals. i haven't really looked to hard into online places to buy stuff. i'll have to do that.

4884 - prices do go up and you do generally get more money, but as you'll find out as you get to be in high school and start driving and get a car of your own, gas, insurance, and car payments will be a killer. trust me i thought i'd have a lot of money b/c of a job, i do have more money but 1 check a month goes towards a car payment, the other goes in the bank which is spent on gas 4 times a month. it sucks.

[railman]

trouble is, is that all of it's limited run nowadays, meaning unless you get lucky at a train show somewhere down the road, you're stiffed into paying the big bucks to get "that" engine or whatever in a reasonable time frame.

[Jetrock]

You've got the right idea, Hawks05--make the best use of your cash. I could theoretically spend more of my disposable income on trains--but I'd rather go cheap, as I consider that more fun!

I kept more money for my hobbies in high school and college by NOT driving a car: I didn't even get my license until I was 24!

[jdolan]

Most of my cars and engines came from the late 60's and the 70's but they work and after my last 2 kids are gone from home, I may have money for newer things. Girls in high school are expensive little things.The hobby is cheap compared with them.

[Bikerdad]

If you want a cheap hobby, take up D&D. If you want a cheap craft, take up knitting.

I don't know if the hobby is getting more expensive, simply that it ain't cheap. As noted though, there's a lot of other hobbies that are more expensive, so its simply a matter of deciding for yourself: is this worth it to me? at the moment you're about to shell out the greenbacks.

[n2mopac]

I am building a fairly large N scale layout (17' X 16') on a limited budget. The key is patience. Realize that that limited run that you think you have to pre order to get (don't get me started on that pet peeve) will be available on ebay for less money in 6 months. Save for those larger or more expensive items. I remind myself regularly that this is a life-long hobby for me. I suppose the real key to modeling on a budget is budgeting.

Ron

[Anonymous]

Most definately it is getting expensive,though with most rolling stock being ready to run,and locomotives with plastic handrails, I have officially stopped with modeling and have now been spending my money on railroad books and on my other collections and hobbies that I have. The hobby shops that I have shopped at for "many moons", they are very sorry and hurting due to me not going to their stores and buying stuff. Its a sad case when this happens,but until Athearn, and other manufactures start to LISTEN[banghead] to what WE want made (KITS!!!!!!!),.......................forget it............I'm done.[:(]

[Anonymous]

Well there is always layaway
I am thinking of just buying off of ebay and remotoring
rewiring and making them DCC
I dont need sound it seems so cheesy anyway I just cant get into sound at all
especially since I have heard the real thing in person.
I refuse to pay 7-8 hundred for a bigboy
or any other engine for that matter
just start nabbing up the ones no one wants and improve them.

[Sunset Limited]

I agree also that's it's getting expensive. I grew up owning Tyco and AHM. Too young to realize what quality meant. Then when I received my first Athearn GP-9. I LOVE IT! It ran great, it had a dual flywheel and you can put on the handrails and paint them. That was perfect for me! Not expensive, not super detailed, no sounds, but it ran great !! In 95/96 I bought the Life like E8/E9 P2K, I was so impressed with that locomotive with the blinking mars light! I forgot about that GP-9 I had for years! So yes I falling for these new products that are coming out! Their quality is better now and it seems that we just LOVE TRAINS!!!!!!

[Roadtrp]

Yes, it is ABSOLUTELY getting more expensive. But of course everything else is too. I remember getting a set of 4 Lionel passenger cars in the mid 60's for about $40... which seemed very expensive at the time.

Now the same set of Lionel passenger cars would sell for just under $400; about a tenfold increase.

Of course in the mid 60's an average new home in the Minneapolis area cost about $25,000. Today an average new home here costs about $250,000; a tenfold increase.

I really don't think the cost of model railroading has increased more than anything else over the years. It is a relatively expensive hobby now, but it always has been.