Model Trains Layout

is there no way to start a model train hobby without a lot of money?

im interested in starting a WW2 layout, and most prices are very expensive. is it this way for all model trains?

I model in G and N scale and I also like military vehicles as well. You’re right about the prices. They can be high. Sometimes you can find deals at train shows and on ebay but buying full retail can really eat up the hobby dollar. I don’t have an N scale layout but I do have an outdoor G scale layout. This was an N Scale train that I ran on Christmas day.

I picked up most of the flat cars on ebay at about $5 each. (Watch the shipping charges). The trucks I picked up at Big Lots for $1 each and the tanks at Walmart for $2 each. The engine was a little pricey but it’s pretty much top of the line and you can certainly get others for under $50 if you shop around.

I started getting serious sticker shock on G scale so instead of spending a lot of money for a building or car, I started buying tools instead and then building cars and buildings. I got pretty good at it and I sometimes sell some of the bridges and cars that I’ve built.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22021033@N06/sets/72157604814841389/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22021033@N06/sets/72157605220541507/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22021033@N06/sets/72157604814879597/

I’ve also started building my own WWII military vehicles out of wood. These are roughly scaled for little green army men which would be about 1/32 to 1/35 scale. This on the low side of G scale as some of it is made in 1/32 scale.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22021033@N06/sets/72157614647571749/

The most expensive parts of these models is the glue and paint. I get the wood from a construction company when they clean up job sites.

Anyway bottom line is you can spend as much or as little as you want. Shop around and spend some time scratchbuilding and you can make your dollar go a long way.

Good luck and hope this helps.

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Train Engineer Deluxe Control weather, time of day, terrain andmore. Use the schedule clipboard to plan pickups and deliveries. Race to deliver cargoes to their destination on time. Plan carefully to avoid collisions. A must have for any train hobbyist or enthusiast! By Abracadata…