It also helps to choose a prototype or theme and stick to it. There are many great models available to tempt you, but it’s easier to control your budget if you stick to a particular time period. You can still find DIY kits for buildings, freight cars, even locomotives. Just like the ready-made models, a high-end kit can still carry a high price tag. But these craftsman kits provide hours of enjoyment. When your hobby places as much emphasis on building as on having, you can really stretch your dollar. Of course, the true purists avoid even the kits. You can forget the packaging altogether if you scratch-build your models from raw materials. Whether it is a building structure, train, track, or scenery, making it from scratch can be very rewarding, and it’s sure to yield a layout that is truly unique. Again, you can do a lot on your own. There are many ways to customize your models to improve their look and performance. Add your own details, paint, decals, better wheels and couplers…with a little work, your model can stand next to the best offered by the high-end manufacturers. If long trains are your passion, consider the less-expensive kits. After all, as they’re rolling by in a moving train, you’ll be hard-pressed to spot all the brake lines applied to the underside of each car. But if you’re more into appreciating each individual model, then save up and buy the best versions of a small number of cars. Are four cars better than one? It all depends on your priorities and how you want to stretch your dollar. Be aware, though, that model trains are a poor investment if you’re looking to make money. Don’t expect to get back what you paid for a model—even if it has been lightly used or is still almost “new in the box.” In most cases, though, the monetary depreciation should be more than offset by the enjoyment you’ve had. And the money you make can be put toward new pieces that reflect your current interests. When buying used—especially powered locomotives, transformers and the like—it is best to either buy from a store that has a place you can test the model, or that has an iron-clad return policy. A good return policy is especially important with online retailers. Most sellers are honest, but a thumbnail picture can hide a lot of flaws! The total cost of your dream layout may be out of reach right now, but start where you can and grow as you can afford it. You’ll get there eventually, and you’ll enjoy every step of the way.
