eBay

dl85vette · ‎03-30-2005

Here's something I just thought of after posting the RR theme/era post. Thought it would be good for those starting out in the hobby new or a seasoned trainographer looking at revamping the layout. How to keep the cost down on your RR. (this coming from the schmo that just purchased a Kato 😛 oh wait that's me. Feel free to add to this with your own ideas. Dr Scrooge.... NOT (i wish though) 1) If buying a lot of track, buy from a mail/internet order place. I saved a lot of money buy ordering from the states (that's after shipping,currancy exchange and duty) 2) Don't buy unnecessary rolling stock (if you wish to have a theme to your RR) Husky stack intermodal cars cost money,it then costs that amount again for the *&%%$%$# containers. 3) consider auctions for used/new rolling stock. Aside from couplers/trucks, not a whole lot can go wrong on a used freight car. 4) Don't use any more turnouts than you need. Most of us probably break that rule regardless as we WANT the turnouts. 5) Buy locos/rolling stock in a RR road name that isn't as popular as some of the sought after ones tend to go for more in auctions.

untabubba · ‎04-07-2005

56.Auction it all off and find a new, less expensive, hobby.(did someone already post this? Mr. Breeze

ginzokid · ‎04-09-2005

57) Go to construction sites and ask the forman if you can have the short pieces of boards, left over drywall compound, broken mirrors and any other thing you can scrounge that might be useful to build the RR.

montanabud0 · ‎04-10-2005

I have noticed that many buyers get what we used to call "target fixation" in my days in the military. By that, I mean people get "locked onto" one item and are determined to obtain it regardless of the cost, yet often just a few items further down the page or on the next page or two is the same item listed and no bids. It pays to look around thoroughly before placing bids. Bud.

dl85vette · ‎06-10-2007

Just visiting this old thread. HOW IRONIC of me to start this thread. Years later I learned this. I never saved money in this hobby. For every crappy loco I didn't buy, I ended up getting 2 katos. I probably have 40 cars that are needed for layout and 100+ unnecessary cars, and on average 2 turnouts per squre foot. Enjoying the hobby anyways.. Anyone else wind up larger than envisioned.