Absolutely! And to my financial detriment. An impulse buy of a couple of B&M locos has led to a bunch more cars and locos and... and... and...
But all in good fun!
Like you I go straight for the used section of every LHS. For me, the hunt is part of the thrill!
Aaron
MJ4562 I think the idea that steam locomotives are too unique to model a prototype railroad is a myth. Rather than derail this thread I will start a new one in that. In short though, although there are some unique steam locomotives out there the overwhelming majority are similar enough that modelers of the steam eta can be as close to the prototype as diesel modelers. Every time a locomotive entreed the shop there was opportunity for additional equipment to be added and modifications. As such it is impossible to be totally accurate for Any railroad regardless of era
I think the idea that steam locomotives are too unique to model a prototype railroad is a myth. Rather than derail this thread I will start a new one in that. In short though, although there are some unique steam locomotives out there the overwhelming majority are similar enough that modelers of the steam eta can be as close to the prototype as diesel modelers. Every time a locomotive entreed the shop there was opportunity for additional equipment to be added and modifications. As such it is impossible to be totally accurate for Any railroad regardless of era
Without detailing this thread, i must respectfully disagree completely on this issue. There are many steam locos I can name off the top of my head that are totally unique to one or rarely two railroads. NO amount of detailing is going to change a UP designed challenger into either a correct Rio Grande L105 challenger or a correct WP challenger though it is considered a cousin of the UP. The boilers of these other signature locos are completely different. The tenders are completely different. Its not like just remove UP domes from a boiler and add new domes. If you showed me pictures with roadnames removed I could identify a lot of big steam classes just by overall boiler shape and wheel arrangement. They were most definitely not like diesels where only a few appliances were added or changed here or there but purpose built and tailored to the road. I was never happy with the Bachmann 2-8-0 and the idea it is "close to" an IC or GM&O 2-8-0. To my eyes that is not true at all. There are many who look at loco specs and say things like the ATSF mikado is close to or the daddy of the USRA mikado. Real Santa Fe fans know that nothing could be farther from the truth. The basic specs are comparable but not the look. The Santa Fe mikes were all very different from USRA locos.
With diesels I can easily buy something that is road specific correct right off the shelf. However, the WP, D&H, and WM challengers though cousins were all very different. They just were.
To me buying a generic 2-8-0 and detailing it...if I even had the time and patience I would never be happy with the result. Even the famous PFM brass ATSF 2-8-0 matches only certain ATSF locos correctly. Only a few of them at a moment in time. Real work is required to do the others. There is a book that tells you which road numbers are correct and how you can modify the PFM brass models to do a couple others.
With diesels it is easily possible to be correct for a given road number of a loco right down to variations of lettering on just that one loco road number-- right off the shelf.
I always preferred prototype modeling to making up my own road. Ymmv.
ATLANTIC CENTRALAre those powered?
No, all dummies.
If they ever get painted, they will be part of the prop-fleet.
If the never do get painted, it was only $25.00 spent.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190 This was my last impulse buy at a train show. 4 undecorated Athearn RDCs for $25.00 ? ? ? Yes Please! -Photographs by Kevin Parson How could I not buy them? -Kevin
This was my last impulse buy at a train show.
4 undecorated Athearn RDCs for $25.00 ? ? ? Yes Please!
-Photographs by Kevin Parson
How could I not buy them?
Are those powered?
I have a lot of those, but it was not an impulse decision. I like RDC's, they fit my era, one of my earliest train rides as a child was on an RDC.
And just like most of my passenger cars, I like the fact that the Athearn model is "selectively compressed".
My latest RDC project is to expand my roster of B&O RDC's with a baggage/cafe/coach to model the Daylight Speedliner, even though it will be a sight era "stretch".
Sheldon
PRR8259 One of the main reasons I have changed my mind regarding which railroad I "modeled" (or collected) is because I realize how difficult it is to assemble a reasonably complete roster of locos and freight cars for some railroads. Good reasonably priced steam locos to thoroughly fill out a loco roster to represent something realistic have historically been difficult to obtain, unless your railroad was PRR, or a small handful of other railroads. You can get a few signature engines for some roads, but not the bread and butter average locos. John
One of the main reasons I have changed my mind regarding which railroad I "modeled" (or collected) is because I realize how difficult it is to assemble a reasonably complete roster of locos and freight cars for some railroads. Good reasonably priced steam locos to thoroughly fill out a loco roster to represent something realistic have historically been difficult to obtain, unless your railroad was PRR, or a small handful of other railroads. You can get a few signature engines for some roads, but not the bread and butter average locos.
John
Agreed, to a point. And this fact is part of the complex reasons I have always been a combination "protolance" and "prototype" modeler.
I like well detailed correct (or reasonably so) models.
But I am in this hobby for lots of reasons, I like trains, I like building models, I like history, and it is a nice fantasy escape from the real world.
I don't need every model to be "perfect", only close and representitve.
I have my OCD quirks, passenger cars need diaphragms that touch, Freight cars need equalized trucks whenever possible, signaling is a "must have".
But an Athearn blue box freight car with Kadee couplers, equalized trucks and some light weathering is just fine.
And I like the "history of the hobby" I have preserved with equipment from Varney, Athearn metal cars, Silver Streak, etc. - not just on a shelf, but on the layout, mixed in with the blue box cars and the latest high end offerings.
In addition to the "average" roster of steam outlined above, I have a similar roster of "average" first generation diesels. Six of this, 12 of that, 4 of those, 8 of that other kind - so it looks like a working railroad - not a museum.
It has taken 56 years to gather up all this "stuff".
One of the main reasons I have changed my mind regarding which railroad I "modeled" (or collected) is because I realize how difficult it is to assemble a reasonably complete roster of locos and freight cars for some railroads. I do not have the time, patience or skills to kitbash steam power to get what I might have wanted to have.
Yes, I often buy new locos that are just too neat to pass up.
Athearn made fantasy scheme "Legendary Liveries" SD70 (standard cab) diesels this spring (the last EMD standard cab diesels ever delivered in real life for US use, except some CR units also made at about the same time in 1999). They did Illinois Central correct model versions, but painted them in two schemes that the prototype engines (35 of which survive to this day on CN, some still in the last IC paint scheme) never wore: the IC black with green diamond paint scheme and ICG orange and white. I had to have both paint schemes, and multiple units of the orange and white.
They are still foobie locos, and the prototype guy in me is sorta uncomfortable with owning versions that never existed, but I like them, so they are here.
BradenD I mainly model the west coast but it is hard to resist NYC engines sometimes. For the amount of big boys, challengers, FEFs, and all the popular UP steamers that get produced I'm suprised at the lack of UP Steam layouts. I think I have seen one or two on youtube. Mostly just modern era UP
I mainly model the west coast but it is hard to resist NYC engines sometimes.
For the amount of big boys, challengers, FEFs, and all the popular UP steamers that get produced I'm suprised at the lack of UP Steam layouts. I think I have seen one or two on youtube. Mostly just modern era UP
Well Braden that is actually easy to explain.
You need more than Big Boys, Challengers and FEF's to actually "model" the UP in the steam era.
Other UP steam options are limited, or are just close generics (that is not terrible in my view, but many today have pretty steep expectations).
I model the mid Atlantic region at the end of the steam era.
My roster has a few "big and famous" steam locos, but they are heavily out numbered by the (10) 2-8-0's, (10) 4-8-2's, (3) 2-10-2's, (8) 2-8-2's, (4) 4-6-2's, (2) 0-8-0's, (2) 4-6-0's, (1) 0-6-0 and (1) 4-4-2. Against that list there are (13) articulated locos total, (5) of which are little "junior" 2-6-6-2's that would not be considered big or famous if one had not been recently restored.
Modelers who want to represent real life, want a real life selection of locos.
There were 25 Big Boys, there were 33,000 2-8-0's......
There were only 1000 4-8-4's in all of North America, there were 14,000 2-8-2's.
My days of buying on impulse are almost over. I say almost because I still cruise eBay every once in a while. I keep an eye out for anything unusual that might fit my theme. I like to buy older rolling stock from the 1940s, 50s and 60s like the metal bodied Athearn cars and nicely assembled wood craftsman kits.
That is in huge contrast to when I first started in the hobby when, if it looked good, I bought it. I have a bunch of billboard reefers which I will probably never run.
One thing that severely curtailed my impulse buying was the huge increases in shipping costs.
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I went to a train show and one dealer had a good way to get the trains past the wife test. He had a bunch of sub shop bags. Put the locomotive box inside the subshop bag and it looks like you bought a sandwich.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Very rarely, I'm much more inclined to buy secondhand books if the price is right. Everything I spend on my hobbies has to pass the "wife test" i.e. is this purchase going to send me to the dog house?..and if so for how long?
I have impulsed buyed, but bought things that typically fit my needs. A free lanced short line can have lots of different possibilities though, just about anything fits.
A lot of it was when I was getting back into the hobby about 2003. A lot of things I bought simply out of curiosity. How did the stuff perform and look. It helped to learn what items were good and what was not as good.
A couple of years ago I sold off a lot of stuff that I knew I was not going to use.
I've accumulated some stuff that I probably don't need. But mainly I've noticed that new stuff I buy simply isn't much better than what I have, since what I have is pretty new stuff. I don't have much motivation to shop for trains anymore. I like the stuff I have now.
- Douglas
Yes, at train shows! I usually go there with a list of items in mind, but will buy on impulse if the item is cool and the price is right. My excuse is that if it doesn't fit my layout's era (or space), I can use the item at our local club. My Big Boy, Harry Potter train, GS4 and Aerotrain get more milleage there than at home. They are big hits during our open door events. I also bought a few DCC locos at train shows, at very low cost, that I donated to the club.
Life is just too short to not give in to our impulses, on occasion .
Simon
richhotrain I used to, but no more. I am still trying to unload prior impulse buys. Rich
I used to, but no more.
I am still trying to unload prior impulse buys.
Rich
You may want to check out those train shows in your area to dispose of those impulse buys. If you have a large inventory, renting a sellers table may be worthwhile. Or, if you know of any train show sellers, let them display your items on consignment.
I have done the latter with a train buddy, I'll give him my for-sale items and we split the revenue 50-50.
Jim
John-NYBWI guess I should consider myself lucky. My favorite LHS, The Train Station in Columbus, OH, is still going strong 40 years after I first discovered it.
For what it is worth... I have spent more money at the Train Station in Columbus, Ohio than I have at the local hobby shop here in Cape Coral!
Impulse buying, in slow motion...
When I found out that some railroads were still operating 4-6-0 locomotives in 1954 I had to have one. My favorite was the NYC F12, but those command high prices.
When this brass Louisiana And Arkansas beauty became available for about $150.00 I pounced on it.
-Photograph by Kevin Parson
Now, I have found myself buying up Completely Out-Of-Era Roundhouse undecorated "Overton" cars to pull behind it!
I guess I needed on Old-Timey train on the layout!
I have more than enough trains for my current under construction S scale layout.
But I occasionally buy trains that appeal to me, not only in S but also HO and O. Many of these are older NIB at a good price. Eventually, I'll build a small display layout in HO and one in O.
Paul
SeeYou190 That hit pretty close. When I started SGRR #5 about 15 years ago, I started buying again. There were three local shops that I stopped into regularly. We also had lots of regular train shows. Now all three hobby shops are gone, one came and went, and the new one is not a place where I feel welcome. We only have one train show a year within 100 miles. My latest impulse buys came from eBay. -Kevin
That hit pretty close. When I started SGRR #5 about 15 years ago, I started buying again. There were three local shops that I stopped into regularly. We also had lots of regular train shows.
Now all three hobby shops are gone, one came and went, and the new one is not a place where I feel welcome.
We only have one train show a year within 100 miles.
My latest impulse buys came from eBay.
John-NYBWMy question is whether any of you will occasionally buy items that don't fit in with your railroad but are too interesting to pass up.
I just bought this that I did not even know existed. I saw one, and had to have it.
Wrong era and everything!
richhotrainWhen I started in HO some 20 years back, I had 3 LHS within a short driving distance. I would often check all three in a single day and load up on bargains. Fast forward to today. All three LHS are gone and I don't attend train shows. So, I couldn't impulse buy even if I wanted to...and I don't want to.
I need nothing train wise but I still look. Mostly now I buy hobby tools that I don't have or want to upgrade, which are rare but recently bought some digital calipers for $8 brand new. Non hobby wize I buy weird food to try (we have stores out here that deal mainly in closeouts and overstocksso stuff is dirt cheap), some is great like the make your own corndogs dough (no I don't use hot dogs but use things like Evergood sausage or other higher end sausage), works great and real easy.
When I started in HO some 20 years back, I had 3 LHS within a short driving distance. I would often check all three in a single day and load up on bargains.
Fast forward to today. All three LHS are gone and I don't attend train shows. So, I couldn't impulse buy even if I wanted to...and I don't want to.
Alton Junction
My current focus is C&S narrow gauge in On30. It's a "what-if" it had lasted into the 1950s. Leased D&RGW equipment is OK. Also since the White Pass & Yukon borrowed Colorado equipment during WWII, I have a WP&Y boxcar as repayment.
Sentimentally I also have some O gauge equipment, but limit it to Northeastern railroad equipment since that is where I grew up.
Theoretically I could run my old HO equipment on my On30, so there is some impulse buying of boxcars or cabooses for railroads in the Michigan area, where I now live. At least HO is affordable.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL OK, I will be the contrarian here. Sheldon
OK, I will be the contrarian here.
I'm with you Sheldon!
I'm pretty disciplined in what I buy, and staying within the theme of my layout. I keep a list of wanted items on my phone for reference at train shows, and will also bring along any out-of-theme items as trading tokens.
At heart, I am a bit of a sucker for that forlorn old lokie that with "just a little TLC" could be a fun addition at the roundhouse... but then I remember the huge collection of boxes in the "Unbuilt Kit Repository" (closet) and the long list of layout projects - both whispering in my ear... "Focus Jim, focus!!!"
selector I don't know how much Sheldon is into the hobby, but he'd agree that he'd be in the hurt locker if he purchased solely on the basis of 'gee whiz' looks and neat new specs.
I don't know how much Sheldon is into the hobby, but he'd agree that he'd be in the hurt locker if he purchased solely on the basis of 'gee whiz' looks and neat new specs.
Not sure I understand the first part of this statement. This is such a diverse hobby that can be approached a lot of different ways.
You tell me how "into" this hobby I am.
I have about 140 powered "locos" of one sort or another.
About 950 freight cars, and about 180 passengers cars.
The new layout will fill a 1500 sq ft space, and is designed to stage about 30 trains, most can be as long as 22 actual feet, or about 40 typical 1950's freight cars.
It will take nearly all of the rolling stock listed above to run the desired trains on the layout - I don't have to worry about storing equipment - it will all be on the layout.
I only model four roadnames when it comes to locomotives, one being my fictional ATLANTIC CENTRAL, the others being C&O, B&O and WESTERN MARYLAND. The theme of the layout is small city where all for railroads converge. The B&O and C&O are represented by interchange trackage and partial trackage rights. The WESTERN MARYLAND has a short stretch of a single track branchline that serves a small coal mining town and also interchanges with the ACR.
I like everything from display or railfan running to all aspects of prototype operating sessions.
My layout is set in the piedmont platue and eastern Appalachian Mountains, seeking to represent the Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and south central PA area.
It is September 1954 in my world and the newest motive power on the layout are two EMD SD9's which started rolling out of LaGrange in January of 1954.
Any stretches in era are for you to observe if you can.
I like well details models, but not obsessed about it. I like long trains and mainline action - hence the double track mainline, wide open spaces and 25' long freight yard.
And agreed, spending can get out of control in this hobby - that is one of the reasons I will not start "replacing" freight cars, or other rolling stock, simply because better models are available.
Not replacing stuff is a small factor in my control system choice as well. What I have is paid for and meets my needs. When I chose it 20 years ago over DCC, I was comfortable with it as a permanent choice.
It has taken a lot of years and several layouts to get here, not starting over, not changing scale, or era, or theme, or roadname, or anything - narrowly focused on this one goal as originally designed.
In 56 years, I can count on one hand the number of model train locomotives I have purchased and then later decided were not suitable for my needs, then disposed of by one means or another.
The list of rolling stock is even shorter.
tstage My layout era is NYC steam-early diesel between early 40s & early 50s. 99% of all my purchases are based on that and that greatly mitigates impulse buying for me. That said, I've made two purchases the past few years that would fall into the "impulse" category: Con-Cor Aerotrain - The NYC ran a 6-month trial on these in 1956. Because the final results were less than satisfactory, they ultimately passed on them. It wouldn't be inconceiveable to temporarily "bump up" my era to 1956 so that I can run my Aerotrain. Cars and buildings could just remain as is. Con-Cor Pioneer Zephyr - The only time the PZ ran on NYC trackage was on its initial tour of the US in 1934. Because of its history and it's just such a cool looking train, I pulled the trigger on a 3-car set and extra car. Similar to the Aerotrain, I could "bump back" my layout 8-10 years and have the PZ come sailing through on the way to its next tour stop. Tom
My layout era is NYC steam-early diesel between early 40s & early 50s. 99% of all my purchases are based on that and that greatly mitigates impulse buying for me. That said, I've made two purchases the past few years that would fall into the "impulse" category:
Tom
I would buy a Zephyr at the right price and letter it ATLANTIC CENTRAL.
I actually have among my unfinished projects a kit bashed "unitized" passenger train similar to the Zehpyr - need to get that done. Its power car is half F7, half baggage car.
Water Level Route I've resisted yet, but... ATLANTIC CENTRAL UP BigBoys, PRR GG1's, NYC Hudsons, SP GS4's, or ATSF War Bonnet F7's the Hudson fits my railroad just fine (transition era NYC). Add a C&O Allegheny to that list and you have my dream impulse locomotive list. Maybe not the Big Boy, but I'd take one. Closest I've come to buying one off that list was some bidding on an Allegheny online. Lost the auction. Oh well. No biggie.
I've resisted yet, but...
ATLANTIC CENTRAL UP BigBoys, PRR GG1's, NYC Hudsons, SP GS4's, or ATSF War Bonnet F7's
the Hudson fits my railroad just fine (transition era NYC). Add a C&O Allegheny to that list and you have my dream impulse locomotive list. Maybe not the Big Boy, but I'd take one.
Closest I've come to buying one off that list was some bidding on an Allegheny online. Lost the auction. Oh well. No biggie.
I, have an Allegheny, the C&O is one of the four roads I model.
I have N&W Class A's, they have different tenders and are lettered ATLANTIC CENTRAL.
They are both successful locomotives from the region and era I model - they fit the theme.
MJ4562 Gotta think that most hobbyists impulse buy, otherwise how do you explain all the Big Boy locomotives being produced? But who cares, as long as you have fun, that's what counts.
Gotta think that most hobbyists impulse buy, otherwise how do you explain all the Big Boy locomotives being produced? But who cares, as long as you have fun, that's what counts.
Since the goal is to enjoy the hobby, some of us have to be a bit wild. It unfortunately gets expensive. I don't know how much Sheldon is into the hobby, but he'd agree that he'd be in the hurt locker if he purchased solely on the basis of 'gee whiz' looks and neat new specs. As others have said, at some point the brakes must be applied or you're spending thousands of dollars each year...or month! Even so, I have livery on my layout, between rolling stock and motive power, covering maybe 15 roads. Fortunately, I have kept a firm grip on the motive power and confined it to seven different roads. I'm also not interested in a Big Boy, or in all kinds of first and second generation diesels. I think I have maybe three or four locomotives for each of the seven roads.