The cost!

"The Cost!"?   

The Rewards!    

jjmmagoo

I had the same questions when I jumped back into the hobby last year. I received some of the same advice I see here. I can't believe all the extra great advice. This will help me immensely! New to this forum and looking like I will like it.

Thanks again for posting the Question and thank you to all who submitted good advice.

R.j.

I learned a long time ago that I can't afford all the stuff I wanted, so I got creative. I may never afford the silk purse, but I can afford the sow's ear and elbow grease to try and make a silk purse! 

I buy used trains. I run conventional 'cause it's cool, and cheap. I buy Marx because it generally costs less than Lionel and others. I also run O-27 instead of "normal" O trains because of price ands space requirements.

If a person is serious about having fun in O-gauge, even a "po' boy" can have fun in this "rich man's" hobby!

It costs between a few thousand and  thousands, if you want to really get enjoyment from your trains.  I have spent thousands, but it was spread over quite a few years.

It's a choice.

scary words... i know some Marx users who would challenge your numbers dividing those estimates by a factor of 10 or more and still thoroughly enjoying the hobby.

My advice is buy what you like and buy what you can afford. You can have fun no matter the funds available.