Modeling railroading on a limited budget

[Anonymous]

Charles, you mention several valid points.
I just want to comment on the last one. That trainset you mention is one of the "Presidents Choice" annual sets offered at Loblaw-controlled supermarkets, [Loblaw, Zehrs,Valumart, etc.]
They are made by Mehano in Slovenia [formerly part of Yugoslavia], and are pretty good value for money if looked after.
Their locomotive quality is much better than those of the Lifelike, Model Power, and Bachmann "low-end" trainsets.
But their cars are pretty bad, IMHO.
Mehano has been around for many decades, and usually did "house brands" for such outfits as AHM, and right now for IHC.
Mehano locomotives from IHC are not as low in cost at hobbyshops as the ones in trainsets from grocery chains, because the grocery chains use these sets as an attraction in to the store, and as an advertising tool, not as a necessary income producer.
Anyway, keep up the good work at building a railroad on a budget.
regards, Mike
Meaford, Ontario

[cp1057]

I have been a model railroader for 9 years and most of the time have been on a limited budget. Providing for a family of 4 on a single income aint easy.

My first point is: dont be in a hurry to build a master layout. Start with a fairly basic trackplan, a simple set of rolling stock and 1 decent locomotive. If you take care of the equipment, it will last a lifetime. I started with an Athearn F7 locomotive, and not one of those newfangled 'Genesis' types either. It runs reasonably well and was reasonably priced. More locomotives and rolling stock can be accumulated as time rolls on.

Second thing to mention is I often score bigtime the week after Christmas. Most hobby shops in the area I live in offer discounts on most of their stock. Most of my model train equipment has been purchased through specials or sales of some kind.

Third thing: You don't need DCC to run a model railroad. I have been doing just fine without it and have no intention of getting into it in the foreseeable future. You can always plan ahead to add it in the future by dong things like using suitable gauge wire for your layout wiring. DCC sure has some nice features but as I like to say, "Thats fine for rich folk!"

One last observation: The price of model railroad equipment, especially rolling stock and structures has been steadily climbing since I entered the hobby. I especially would like to take this opportunity to female dog about the high cost of steam, it has forced my layout to mostly dieselize! The last steam loco I bought was part of a train set offered by a local chain of stores. It's a very nice 4-8-2 in CN colours with streamlining. It runs well and the set cost $99 Canadian, about $60 US. Why can't more models at this price be available?

Charles
Hillsburgh, ON

[cp1057]

I have been a model railroader for 9 years and most of the time have been on a limited budget. Providing for a family of 4 on a single income aint easy.

My first point is: dont be in a hurry to build a master layout. Start with a fairly basic trackplan, a simple set of rolling stock and 1 decent locomotive. If you take care of the equipment, it will last a lifetime. I started with an Athearn F7 locomotive, and not one of those newfangled 'Genesis' types either. It runs reasonably well and was reasonably priced. More locomotives and rolling stock can be accumulated as time rolls on.

Second thing to mention is I often score bigtime the week after Christmas. Most hobby shops in the area I live in offer discounts on most of their stock. Most of my model train equipment has been purchased through specials or sales of some kind.

Third thing: You don't need DCC to run a model railroad. I have been doing just fine without it and have no intention of getting into it in the foreseeable future. You can always plan ahead to add it in the future by dong things like using suitable gauge wire for your layout wiring. DCC sure has some nice features but as I like to say, "Thats fine for rich folk!"

One last observation: The price of model railroad equipment, especially rolling stock and structures has been steadily climbing since I entered the hobby. I especially would like to take this opportunity to female dog about the high cost of steam, it has forced my layout to mostly dieselize! The last steam loco I bought was part of a train set offered by a local chain of stores. It's a very nice 4-8-2 in CN colours with streamlining. It runs well and the set cost $99 Canadian, about $60 US. Why can't more models at this price be available?

Charles
Hillsburgh, ON

[Anonymous]

I am brand new to this hobby, and to save money, I was advised to build a smaller layout to start with. Smaller layouts still have operating potential if planned right and don't allow a lot of room for an abundance of expensive equipment. And about the equipment, he mentioned that I should look at building kits instead of buying ready to run pieces. I might want to look at getting a kit built at the same time I build a bench and lay track so that I have something to run, but sticking to kits and small layouts allow for a chance to experience every facet of the hobby without breaking the bank or losing interest. As I type this .... I am looking at the 1.5x8 foot shelf I just built for my first switching layout. I am going to lay some cork roadbed and track and switches this weekend. Then I can run my first train, a 44 ton switcher (ready to run), and the four box car kits that my kids and I built the last couple of evenings. Altogether I have spent just over $100 to this point. Next we want to get a couple of buildings and some scenicking materials ... but just for now we have to get this track laid. Only buy what you have time to build, and you might end up spending a lot less cash in the hobby than you think.


Derek

[Anonymous]

I am brand new to this hobby, and to save money, I was advised to build a smaller layout to start with. Smaller layouts still have operating potential if planned right and don't allow a lot of room for an abundance of expensive equipment. And about the equipment, he mentioned that I should look at building kits instead of buying ready to run pieces. I might want to look at getting a kit built at the same time I build a bench and lay track so that I have something to run, but sticking to kits and small layouts allow for a chance to experience every facet of the hobby without breaking the bank or losing interest. As I type this .... I am looking at the 1.5x8 foot shelf I just built for my first switching layout. I am going to lay some cork roadbed and track and switches this weekend. Then I can run my first train, a 44 ton switcher (ready to run), and the four box car kits that my kids and I built the last couple of evenings. Altogether I have spent just over $100 to this point. Next we want to get a couple of buildings and some scenicking materials ... but just for now we have to get this track laid. Only buy what you have time to build, and you might end up spending a lot less cash in the hobby than you think.


Derek

[Anonymous]

I too like scratch building from wood. You would be amazed what you can build from matchsticks, toothpicks, strip wood, and glue. Another overlooked source for cheap background stuctures is plaster, porcelin, and resin "village" buildings like walmart sells at Christmas. Put them in the back of your layout with lots of trees and vegitation around them. A couple years ago I purchased a resin abandoned train station with old rusted out loco at Hobby Lobby that was so good I built a scene around it. Poeople admire the worksmanship and detail that the building appears to have. Only me and my hairdresser know for sure.

[Anonymous]

I too like scratch building from wood. You would be amazed what you can build from matchsticks, toothpicks, strip wood, and glue. Another overlooked source for cheap background stuctures is plaster, porcelin, and resin "village" buildings like walmart sells at Christmas. Put them in the back of your layout with lots of trees and vegitation around them. A couple years ago I purchased a resin abandoned train station with old rusted out loco at Hobby Lobby that was so good I built a scene around it. Poeople admire the worksmanship and detail that the building appears to have. Only me and my hairdresser know for sure.

[steamage]

And I thought "Lmited Budget" was not buying brass locomotives and cars. Just kidding...
I found that as my model building skills got better over the years, I don't need to spend much money on the hobby nowadays other than raw material stock. I scrach build what I need for the layout so it doesn't look like my structures came out of a Walthers Catalog. [:D]

[steamage]

And I thought "Lmited Budget" was not buying brass locomotives and cars. Just kidding...
I found that as my model building skills got better over the years, I don't need to spend much money on the hobby nowadays other than raw material stock. I scrach build what I need for the layout so it doesn't look like my structures came out of a Walthers Catalog. [:D]

[emdgp92]

I'm on a budget as well. Most of my rolling stock was bought used--except for a Bachmann F40PH, and my pair of Athearn F's. Everything else was picked up from hobby shop "junk" boxes, yard sales etc. Most of it was put back to work with very little effort. Some new paint here, new grab irons there. Once I converted the truck mounted couplers to body-mounted Kadees and applied some weathering, the cars looked *100%* better!

[emdgp92]

I'm on a budget as well. Most of my rolling stock was bought used--except for a Bachmann F40PH, and my pair of Athearn F's. Everything else was picked up from hobby shop "junk" boxes, yard sales etc. Most of it was put back to work with very little effort. Some new paint here, new grab irons there. Once I converted the truck mounted couplers to body-mounted Kadees and applied some weathering, the cars looked *100%* better!

[cmrproducts]

Now when building a layout money can be saved in this department. First of all trying to use what I call exotic building methods (steel studs, 3/4" Birch plywood and pink/blue foam) over the tried and true wood frame and roadbed on risers, may not be the way to save money unless you are getting the stuff for free.

Building the framework out of 1 x 2 lumber and 2 x4's cut in half for legs will make a very sturdy layout. Proper building methods should be used, such as 16" on center max spacing on joists and no more than 4 foot spacing on legs. Bracing the legs is required for an island type layout.

Now don't get me wrong, the exotic materials work and I have used the foam and plywood myself but regular wall plaster will go a lot farher and you still have to cover the foam! As for a sub base OSB (orientated Strand Board) will provide pleanty of strength for HO and N and I have even used it for an O scale Club layout. And I awas able to walk on the framwork of this layout without breaking the material (and I am no light weight!!!) If you can make friends with a local contractor they throw away tons of this stuff (OSB, 2x4's, foam) and have to pay some one to haul it away.

If you are building a very small layout (4x8 or so) then purchasing new material might be the best way to go, especially if you are new to the hobby. But for those that are building a large layout (try a 25ft x 75ft) you have to figure out ways to afford it or not build it.

As for DCC, that is a very touchy subject with a lot of people. I hear this all the time that I have 100 engines and I can't aford to go DCC as I would have to buy 100 decoders. Well I bet that you have a few engines you run all of the time and there are a few that you run once a year. Decoder the ones you run regular and add decoders to the others as you can afford them. And if you have to run a unit without a decoder, DCC will allow this! And besides using the basic methods of benchwork building all of that money saved you can then spend on decoders!

BOB H Clarion, PA

[cmrproducts]

Now when building a layout money can be saved in this department. First of all trying to use what I call exotic building methods (steel studs, 3/4" Birch plywood and pink/blue foam) over the tried and true wood frame and roadbed on risers, may not be the way to save money unless you are getting the stuff for free.

Building the framework out of 1 x 2 lumber and 2 x4's cut in half for legs will make a very sturdy layout. Proper building methods should be used, such as 16" on center max spacing on joists and no more than 4 foot spacing on legs. Bracing the legs is required for an island type layout.

Now don't get me wrong, the exotic materials work and I have used the foam and plywood myself but regular wall plaster will go a lot farher and you still have to cover the foam! As for a sub base OSB (orientated Strand Board) will provide pleanty of strength for HO and N and I have even used it for an O scale Club layout. And I awas able to walk on the framwork of this layout without breaking the material (and I am no light weight!!!) If you can make friends with a local contractor they throw away tons of this stuff (OSB, 2x4's, foam) and have to pay some one to haul it away.

If you are building a very small layout (4x8 or so) then purchasing new material might be the best way to go, especially if you are new to the hobby. But for those that are building a large layout (try a 25ft x 75ft) you have to figure out ways to afford it or not build it.

As for DCC, that is a very touchy subject with a lot of people. I hear this all the time that I have 100 engines and I can't aford to go DCC as I would have to buy 100 decoders. Well I bet that you have a few engines you run all of the time and there are a few that you run once a year. Decoder the ones you run regular and add decoders to the others as you can afford them. And if you have to run a unit without a decoder, DCC will allow this! And besides using the basic methods of benchwork building all of that money saved you can then spend on decoders!

BOB H Clarion, PA

[Anonymous]

You have to watch shipping charges on ebay. Some charge $10 or more to ship an item that costs $8 new at your local hobby shop. I have also seen people selling brass track and thinking that because it was brass that was worth more than nickel silver. And lots of old christmas train stuff being sold and bought by people without a clue. Our local hobby shop sell old AHM, tyco, bachmann, and model power locos for $5 to $10 dollars... not $30 or more because it's "vintage model railroad equipment from the estate of a collector". I have a rare vintage Bachmann F-7 in SantaFe Cheif decor with genuine chrome plated cab I would part for for $30 if anyone is interested.

[Anonymous]

You have to watch shipping charges on ebay. Some charge $10 or more to ship an item that costs $8 new at your local hobby shop. I have also seen people selling brass track and thinking that because it was brass that was worth more than nickel silver. And lots of old christmas train stuff being sold and bought by people without a clue. Our local hobby shop sell old AHM, tyco, bachmann, and model power locos for $5 to $10 dollars... not $30 or more because it's "vintage model railroad equipment from the estate of a collector". I have a rare vintage Bachmann F-7 in SantaFe Cheif decor with genuine chrome plated cab I would part for for $30 if anyone is interested.

[cmrproducts]

For those that are on a budget, going to the train shows is a very good way to purchase quality engines and cars a resonable prices. Many times I have found people selling of their own collections as they are changing scales or are selling off estates. This is the time to make deals. A number of times I have ask what they would take for a whole box of cars instead of buying just 1 or 2. The price per cars usually about half thair asking price as they want to get rid of the stuff. If they won't deal move on as the next person will!

Also do not overlook the toy train cars as they can be made to operate very well by replacing the trucks and adding Kadee couplers. True they are not high in detail but they can be a stand in until the budget allows better cars. Then pass them down to a younger person and get the kids into trains!

BOB H Clarion, PA

[cmrproducts]

For those that are on a budget, going to the train shows is a very good way to purchase quality engines and cars a resonable prices. Many times I have found people selling of their own collections as they are changing scales or are selling off estates. This is the time to make deals. A number of times I have ask what they would take for a whole box of cars instead of buying just 1 or 2. The price per cars usually about half thair asking price as they want to get rid of the stuff. If they won't deal move on as the next person will!

Also do not overlook the toy train cars as they can be made to operate very well by replacing the trucks and adding Kadee couplers. True they are not high in detail but they can be a stand in until the budget allows better cars. Then pass them down to a younger person and get the kids into trains!

BOB H Clarion, PA

[BRAKIE]

Vsmith I think we are agreeing but using different words? Anyway,I keep a eye on E bay and have place some bids and back off when the item goes above my bid limit or the price I know I can buy it for on the net..

Cheers!

[BRAKIE]

Vsmith I think we are agreeing but using different words? Anyway,I keep a eye on E bay and have place some bids and back off when the item goes above my bid limit or the price I know I can buy it for on the net..

Cheers!

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BRAKIE

Vsmith,I have seen locomotives and cars go higher on e bay then what you could buy them for on the internet..Yes there is some deals on e bay but there is alot that isn't. again KNOW YOUR PRICES!!! You just may find that hot deal just turn ice cold.

[;)]I've seen it too I, I've seen stuff go for much, much higher than retail.

Thats why I said you have to have a price point and research $$ of what your looking for. Figure out that maximum price including shipping that your willing to spend. I set a fixed maximum that I'm willing to pay (often way less than retail) set that as my max bid and see what happens. If I'm outbid by some body I dont sweat it. If they're stupid enough to get in a bidding war and pay more than its worth thats their fault.[:D]

Bidding on ebay takes alot of patience. You are not going to win every auction, some times it can takes months between those great deals, but if your not in a hurry, you'd be surprised what deals there are. I'm in G guage, and there is a derth of suppliers(100+/-) compared to N, HO, or O (1000's) yet I've still gotten a lot of good stuff there. just dont rush it.[:)]

The only stuff I'll bid high on is discontinued or collector items, and only after trying to find out what its real value is. It is Caveat Emptor on ebay but its not as scary as it sounds. [8D]

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BRAKIE

Vsmith,I have seen locomotives and cars go higher on e bay then what you could buy them for on the internet..Yes there is some deals on e bay but there is alot that isn't. again KNOW YOUR PRICES!!! You just may find that hot deal just turn ice cold.

[;)]I've seen it too I, I've seen stuff go for much, much higher than retail.

Thats why I said you have to have a price point and research $$ of what your looking for. Figure out that maximum price including shipping that your willing to spend. I set a fixed maximum that I'm willing to pay (often way less than retail) set that as my max bid and see what happens. If I'm outbid by some body I dont sweat it. If they're stupid enough to get in a bidding war and pay more than its worth thats their fault.[:D]

Bidding on ebay takes alot of patience. You are not going to win every auction, some times it can takes months between those great deals, but if your not in a hurry, you'd be surprised what deals there are. I'm in G guage, and there is a derth of suppliers(100+/-) compared to N, HO, or O (1000's) yet I've still gotten a lot of good stuff there. just dont rush it.[:)]

The only stuff I'll bid high on is discontinued or collector items, and only after trying to find out what its real value is. It is Caveat Emptor on ebay but its not as scary as it sounds. [8D]

[fec153]

garage sales. train shows. auctions. I have picked up a bunch of good deals. Dont
knock train sets. Just make sure you weight the cars properly. And dont forget the
advertisers in our magazines. There are a lot of special deals. Dont be in ahurry to
get that expensive loco or car, wait a bit the price usually comes down. And if you
miss it, another got to have will pop up. Just enjoy the hobby.Quality time with kids
cant be beat. Best wishes- Trainman36.

[fec153]

garage sales. train shows. auctions. I have picked up a bunch of good deals. Dont
knock train sets. Just make sure you weight the cars properly. And dont forget the
advertisers in our magazines. There are a lot of special deals. Dont be in ahurry to
get that expensive loco or car, wait a bit the price usually comes down. And if you
miss it, another got to have will pop up. Just enjoy the hobby.Quality time with kids
cant be beat. Best wishes- Trainman36.

[BRAKIE]

Vsmith,I have seen locomotives and cars go higher on e bay then what you could buy them for on the internet..Yes there is some deals on e bay but there is alot that isn't. again KNOW YOUR PRICES!!! You just may find that hot deal just turn ice cold.

[BRAKIE]

Vsmith,I have seen locomotives and cars go higher on e bay then what you could buy them for on the internet..Yes there is some deals on e bay but there is alot that isn't. again KNOW YOUR PRICES!!! You just may find that hot deal just turn ice cold.

[the-big-blow]

Most of my hobby revolves around collecting locomotives, of which they need to be the rare and scarce kind that only one or two railroads had. This puts a me in a bind as they are only made in brass. I usually end up putting a model on layaway for a few months aand breaking up the cost that way say a $100 or so every month. Not bad when you look at the big picture of hobbyists and what they spend a month. The real problem is that prices continue to sky rocket so I usually buy models that are older, late 80's to early 90"s. I also have purchased "O' scale loco(MTH) that are quite expensive. I do the same budgeting a purchase, sort of like leasing a car, prices tend to be the same. LOL If a models announced I setup a layaway with someone before the model arrives and pay on it monthly like I did with my last Challenger $125 a month for six months before it arrives then after I have 90 days to pay it off. Works out quite well. The only problem is there is TOO much to choose from. This works if you only have one model you want, but it seems manufactures are coming out with so much I really can't make this work anymore. Layaways work but unfortunately not many hobby stores deal with these because they're headaches. With the prices reaching wht they are on some locomotives. Lionels Ho Challenger for example. I don't see any other way to make purchases.. By all means don't use credit cards in this hobby. They are VERY dangerous.

[the-big-blow]

Most of my hobby revolves around collecting locomotives, of which they need to be the rare and scarce kind that only one or two railroads had. This puts a me in a bind as they are only made in brass. I usually end up putting a model on layaway for a few months aand breaking up the cost that way say a $100 or so every month. Not bad when you look at the big picture of hobbyists and what they spend a month. The real problem is that prices continue to sky rocket so I usually buy models that are older, late 80's to early 90"s. I also have purchased "O' scale loco(MTH) that are quite expensive. I do the same budgeting a purchase, sort of like leasing a car, prices tend to be the same. LOL If a models announced I setup a layaway with someone before the model arrives and pay on it monthly like I did with my last Challenger $125 a month for six months before it arrives then after I have 90 days to pay it off. Works out quite well. The only problem is there is TOO much to choose from. This works if you only have one model you want, but it seems manufactures are coming out with so much I really can't make this work anymore. Layaways work but unfortunately not many hobby stores deal with these because they're headaches. With the prices reaching wht they are on some locomotives. Lionels Ho Challenger for example. I don't see any other way to make purchases.. By all means don't use credit cards in this hobby. They are VERY dangerous.

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by flee307

[8D]RC guys spend more on a car or plane than I spend on a whole train. [8D]

I had a roommate who was big into RC aircraft , talk about BIG BUCKS! Imaging taking your $1000 custom handbuilt locomotive to an altitude of two hundred feet then dropping the thing nose first into concrete[xx(]. Happens all the time in RC, I dont know how they put up with it.[?]

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by flee307

[8D]RC guys spend more on a car or plane than I spend on a whole train. [8D]

I had a roommate who was big into RC aircraft , talk about BIG BUCKS! Imaging taking your $1000 custom handbuilt locomotive to an altitude of two hundred feet then dropping the thing nose first into concrete[xx(]. Happens all the time in RC, I dont know how they put up with it.[?]

[Anonymous]

You can do lots on a minimum budge, but unfortunately it requires some degree of skill, BUT... if you can post at a local hobby shop that you are looking to join a modal RR club or group and are accepted, snap it up. If you can join a group, its kind of like an apprenticeship. Here is why I recommend a group to get skills:

1) Save money by scratch building
2) Save money by building your own track and turnouts
3) Save money building your own throttles
4) Save money using free stuff or almost free stuff out there, for example, river silt, sand (especially train sand), rocks, colourful dirt from all over
5) Make your own trees

There are more, but in all of these you need some skill. Now trees are easy to learn, and so what if you blow it, they are so cheap.

A friend of mine did all of the above I have listed. His layout is one of the "cheapest" around, but by the way, it is also the best layout around as well.

The river silt he used in his yards.

He built his own throttles.

Train engine sand was used for ballast.

He used spruce plywood but no road bed, the spruce takes spikes beautifully.

All his track is hand laid, including the double slip with "operating frogs."

One of his structures he scratch built made it into the feature modeller section of the Feb issue of MR 1980. I would say his entire layout cost about $500 (spread out over time) but it occupies about 2/3's of a basement. So great layouts can be built cheaply, but you have to know what you are doing.

First there is so much wood out there available for free, or next to nothing, you should be able to get benchwork up fairly cheaply. Buy track and turnouts at shows and buy second hand track and turnouts.

At one point I was broke but I wanted to make a structure. So I found a pill container, added car body putty on top of it and shaped in smooth but domed, and turned it into a water tank (I'm in N scale). Just yesterday, I was looking at the lid of a particular brand of ice cream (as I was throwing it away) and decided it would make a great HO swimming pool.

So there is lots you can do with little. On one of the Track Ahead programs, a guy was featured who built his entire layout out of junk; it didn't look like junk, in fact it looked great - but he was able to do amazing things with items we would consider garbage.

Another good way to get the skills you need is to join a modular club and build a 2 by 4 modular unit. This will take you a long way to learning layout skills.