im interested in starting a WW2 layout, and most prices are very expensive. is it this way for all model trains?
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im interested in starting a WW2 layout, and most prices are very expensive. is it this way for all model trains?
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well im not completely sure but my grandpa is doing that and he just buys all the piece 1 by 1 all you need to do is get it started and when you have a few bucks laying around just add another piece to it
You can start by figuring out what guage (S or HO or engage) to name a few. Then start using your wanted classified ads. There are lots of fellow train collectors waiting to make a few dollars on used cars. You should also be knowledgeable of repair to these cars.
I like your idea of WW2 layout.
it is quite expensive, depending on what your aiming for, so corey is right, just add to it one bit at a time.
Trysave up for parts.when you have run out of money try and go on with some thing else that doesnt involve money. it could simply be planing ect
If you are starting from scratch, you can get starter sets fairly cheap. I recommend HO guage. Engines and cars are very plentiful and relatively cheap, and probably the most popular. As someone else mentioned, classified ads are a good place to start looking as well as Craig’s List. Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Take your time and have a good time with it.
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.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22021033@N06/3135636578/
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.