i am planning my dream layout that is years away from starting but i have one big question going through my mind. With new DCC equipped locomotives, track, and scenery, how much money have you spent on your layout so far?
Lets put it this way Phil Walthers is living pretty dang good with what my dad and I spent on the layout. Last calculated total was over 3,000 this includes track , DCC systems,decoders, cars, people, scenery material, etc etc etc. That was almost 2 yrs ago. True I havent gone for much in Modeling due to I got lots of projects to finish.
Ha! I don’t have a layout, so I have spent zero on it. That is a joke if you can’t tell.
I kept exact cost on a module that one of my children did for Youth in Model Railroading. Very simple module 2x4 with two straight tracks. No turnouts, no imbedded control system, does not include locos, rolling stock, no serious structures, or anything like that just track, scenery, and one bridge. Total cost was $197. That is almost $25 per square foot.
Since I’ve started keeping records (last 7 years maybe), I’ve accumulated at least $40K worth of stuff for my layout. So since I’ve been accumulating for over 30 years I am certain that number could easily be doubled. Note no layout yet, just stuff for it.
The last commercial layout I bid for was for $34,000. It was about 15x20 shelf with one blob and one island. I had to finish it in 6 months.
A layout will suck up as much money and/or time as you want to throw at it. It can also be a trade off - big money and get it done quick, or little money and take a long time.
Of course it is very cheap compared to other hobbies — look at the bargan I found:
Of course I have to get the spouses approval for that “other” purchase…
Welcome to the forum ! Even layouts that aren’t " dream layouts " cost an arm & a leg, so start saving your pen…uh, twenties…$$$$.
I figured I had spent close to CDN $5K by the time I was all set up on my first layout, which amounted to three 4X8 sheets of plywood framed together to form one surface. I used 5/8" ply and 1" extruded foam over that. So, that comes to 32 square feet, and the cost per foot sq. is $150. Considerably less than the cost for a house to be built where I live.
I just had to ball park it for the insurance man. I figured $2500 so far and I’m no where near finished. If I can ever afford to finish it, we’re talking around $10,000. Right around the $100/sq. ft. rule.
over the years I must have spent £1,000’s on the various layouts i’ve built but enjoyed spending ever penny of it
Gav
Not near enough.
Dave H.
6 P2K locos: 55 bucks a piece on average
Track: $220
DCC and decoders: 180 for the system, and about 160 for 6 decoders
Rolling stock: around $250
I still have yet to complete the layout.
Sounds scary [:O], but keep in mind these costs are NOT up front costs, but are often spread out over a period of several YEARS of building the layout. I started off spending only $50 a month on my hobby, thats only $600 a year, I figure now I’m up to about $1000 a year, but break that down and its only $83 a month, so dont let the prices quoted here give you “sticker shock”.[;)]
You guys realize your wives might see this thread?
Don’t leave it open on the computer! [;)]
Plus its not much more or even a lot less than other hobbies. My dad dropped at least $10,000 in the last year on a sailboat (and a trailer, and new sails, more lifejackets since it can have more people on board, equipment like its GPS and electrical system, a new engine, and so on); my brother’s got at least $15,000 tied up in a Jeep he’s been working on; and one of my friends spent $8000 in a single day (paid in cash) on a new motorcycle a few months ago. Three grand over a few years isn’t so bad.
Another way to look at it, is cost per hour of fun and entertainment. It is much more palatable that way. When you think of what going to a hockey game or say disneyland or even a movie cost, it just isn’t that bad.
PS No refunds for frustration.
Selector, 3 sheets of plywood is 96 sq.ft. Canadian or US. So maybe your sq.ft. cost went down.[:D] I’ve had a lifetime of MRing so I can’t say what I’ve spent. If you’re keeping track you’re in the hobby for the wrong thing. I kinda try to keep a hobby budget and try to keep it around $100 -$150 a month but there’s other stuff too.
I think the cost is whatever you want it to be…but personally we’ve spent around 3 grand in 13 years which works out to $20 per month…not counting labor or transportation (moving costs) [:D].
I don’t know what I’ve spent on model railroading over the years, but I am sure it is cheaper than going to a shrink twice a month! [(-D]
-George
Well let’s see - I started in the mid '50’s - Athern kits were less than a buck - dyed sawdust for grass was about $.15 for a medium bag - I have a Marx semafore that still has a $1.99 price tag for it, a section of operator track & some wire. I have 2 Lionel flat cars with 2Guys (an NJ discount store) price tags of $.77 & $.99 on them. I now have a Prodigy Advance system, 7 sound/DCC locos, hundreds of cars & buildings - & spent $75 last trip to the LHS on 1/87 automobiles!! I DON’T HAVE A CLUE AS TO WHAT I’VE SPENT!!![%-)]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6qHDT_k0ic
Proof positive you’ve chosen the right hobby, this baby has about $1500 for EACH ENGINE alone…
As J. P. Morgan once said, “If you have to ask, you can’t afford it.” [:-^]
He was referring to a lake ferry size steam yacht, but the same principle applies. [4:-)]
Over the years, I’ve spent enough to purchase a really nice travel trailer.[8D] If I had to buy everything I own at today’s prices, the total would pay cash for a 4br/3bath with 3 car garage in a gated community in Las Vegas![:O]
Wow! I didn’t realize that. Maybe I’d better call my insurance agent…[:I]
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Wow, that sure makes me feel better about dropping that $12 Accurail car on the floor…[;)]
I added all the reciepts up last year when I did my taxes. In 2006 I spent just under $6000 on the hobby, but that included building a new room in the basement to expand the empire. In 2007 it was probably more like $2500.