Originally Posted by Chugman:
, but may be harmful to spousal relations. 
Art
my wife spends way more on our trains then I do and that is OK with me!
So far this year I have received
Lionel Y6-b
2 Atlas Zephyr Cars
2 Atlas Hoppers
2K Line Ore Cars
1 GN Caboose
Waiting for
MTH 44 Ton Switcher,Lionel Gantry Crane,GGD 6 Car Harriman Set,Lionel UP 2Car add on Passenger Car Set
Mikey
For the last 3 years I have down no less that 15 a year
~150% of the GDP of Elbonia.....
This is also the last vice I have left,and since I have a better job this year the figures are way up from previous years.
My "general" agreement with the wife is 10% of what I make yearly goes to the trains.(Gives me incentive to work overtime,take on side work,etc...)
And since I am constructing a new layout this year,and have chosen to use all Ross switches and track,it looks like the project is going to go way over budget!!
Anyway,I am going to enjoy what ever time I have left here on this earth,so the answer is:As much as I can!!!
And another favorite line of mine to the wife is:"You just don't see these come up for sale at this price",so I had to.
-It all adds up to part of the fun of O gauge Model Railroading
Now that I'm 73, I can afford almost anything...but I spend about $300. a year....for room and meals at York. I have enough "stuff", train-wise. My major expense now is travel.
Ive had trains my whole life, I had 4 engines when I stopped putting them away after Christmas.
Since then, I made up for lost time pretty quick, but still have only about 20 locos.
So my average?
An engine once every year or two, rolling stock about double to triple that.
I never by new. I shop hard and wait for deals.
I don't even want new and shiny. I like to fiddle, and actually enjoy my junk more than the pretty shelf queens. That makes it easy.
Many folks outspend my yearly "train spending" just updating or adding a train command system.
Though I love my trains, but the money some spend on it is really astounding.
Always has been, always will be.
If they can afford it, good for them.
I want a big boy, but I don't need a big boy.
