Many are of us are shocked at the hundreds or even thousands of dollars for one new Lionel or MTH O gauge model railroad engine. Others are discouraged at having to spend hundreds of dollars for a O gauge turntable and $75 - 100 for a Lionel FasTrack switch.
Model railroading does not have to be that expensive. Buying everything new, the latest and ready to run is not the only way to get into and to enjoy the O gauge model railroad hobby. If one is open to buying used and not the latest and greatest O gauge model trains and gear, this hobby can be pursued at a much lower expense and maybe even more enjoyable if one builds or modifies used train equipment.
Used engines, cars, track, switches, transformers, and accessories are available at much lower costs. They my not be as detailed, have the latest electronics or be ready to run but they are more affordable for a much larger group of model railroad hobbyist. Used and low grades of lumber can be used for layouts.
The OGR topic linked below, "Building an Action Packed, Fifties Era, Lionel 027 Operating & Switching Layout", details how I built my train layout with all used track, switches, transformers, engines, cars, homemade cars and operating accessories like a log dumper and coal mine loader and scratch built $10 turntable with pit and $10 round house. This layout was portable thus did not need a dedicated room. It was moved to six houses and put on the floor for 2 months a year and then stored. It is now up permanently on legs. There is a Table of Contents on page 1, to help you to find a subject.
https://ogrforum.com/...fties-era-027-layout
I am sure many other OGR forum members have lots of additional ideas and items that can be created for lower expenses than buying everything new and ready to run. Lets hear your ideas, purchases and building and modifying O gauge gear to make it more affordable for more model train fans.
Charlie