Keeping the costs down

I know what you're thinking, "£362.99 for two power cars!!!!" and you'll probably head to your favourite forum to post something about model railways turning into a hobby that's only for rich people. 

How rich you need to be, largely (IMHO, but as I've said before, this is my blog) depending on on how you chose to do it. 

IF, your idea of railway modelling is to buy every shiny new box that appears, and stuff it in your cupboard, then, yes, this is going to be an expensive hobby. There's no way around this, manufacturers are making many, many new models every year. Since these tend to be at the hi-fi end of the spectrum, the prices are comensurate. 

If you watched yesterdays video, then you'll have some idea of the commercial pressures involved. Wages are (correctly) going up in China. Shipping is getting more expensive, and we demand more and more bits stuck on to our models. 

Years ago, Bachmann could knock out a single Class 40 body moulding, and it sold in huge numbers. Modellers who wanted a different version got out the etched brass and converted them. Now, the runs are smaller because every tiny variant must be catered for out of the box. 

And before someone claims excessive profits, I've been around all the main players businesses, and there aren't any fancy cars outside. Our last "slap up meal" from Barwell was a delicious sausage batch from the catering van on the industrial estate. Hornby might have a cafe inside, but the place isn't that salubrious either.  

Stuff costs what it costs. This said, the full-fat versions of Bachmann's Class 47 have sold out, even at £400. That's a lot of money for a single loco, but plenty of people seem happy to pay for all the bells and whistles. And hooters. 

So, how do you keep the costs down? 

Simple. Buy what you need.

If you are running a branch line, you don't need an APT. A couple of locos will probably do the job. Yes, you'll gradually end up with more to ring the changes, but that can happen over time. 

Then, be realistic about your modelling. I doubt there are many people who can build a layout to a higher standard than any RTR loco tooled up this century. So look for stuff that works produced in the last 22 years. Worry about running rather than cosmetics. There's nothing wrong with not having the latest model. When people cry that a loco MUST be retooled to "bring it up to the current standards" on models 5 years old, I always want to see their layout as if it's that good, it must be amazing. 

A 2001 loco sat on your layout might not be perfect, but I bet it looks fine with those card kit buildings. If everything is a consistant standard, the resulting model will look better than one or two standout items showing up the rest. It's a bit like chrome on a classic car - sometimes perfection just shows up the iffy paintwork. 

Keeping the costs down IS possible but you can't have a full cupboard and get everything in an instant. Enjoy the modelling. Take satisfaction from something you have built or modified. That way lies happiness my little padowan.