How to Make Model Railroading Less Expensive - Lets Hear Your Ideas

1. Ditch the Fastrack, besides being expensive it's also loud and unforgiving. You can't waver from the geometry of the pieces,  no sweeping curves, all sidings and spurs at a set distance.

2. Build your own bench work. There are companies out there that make great rock solid bench work but you pay a premium price for it. Unless you are the type who cuts off a finger every time you pick up a saw (don't laugh,  I knew a carpenter who spent more time in the emergency room than on the job), do it yourself.  You don't need cabinet grade lumber for the bench work,  it's hidden anyway.

3. Scratch build some buildings . It will make your layout unique.  You can show it off to your friends and family.                           It will justify the  extra time spent in the train room.

4. Scrounge up anything that looks usable for scenery.  The dollar stores are perfect for finding cheap paint and craft sticks not to mention aluminum foil for scrap metal.

Buy only the engine you need to move your train over the road... just like the real railroads do!

Jon

My suggestion is to join a train club if available. One you get multiple avenues to learn. Second clubs are always receiving donations of used unwanted

trains and accessories. Third members are sellers and buyers too. Fourth members have connections where to find the best discounts. Five most have a local guru who can fix, repair, and rebuild almost anything.