Are Model Train Prices Too High? - Spending Preferences, Inflation, and Modeling on a Budget!

Are Model Train Prices Too High? - Spending Preferences, Inflation, and Modeling on a Budget!
Have model train prices gotten out of hand? Is it getting too expensive to be a model railroader? Do you really need hundreds of trains to participate in the hobby?
Dan explores these questions and more in this video.
He talks about spending preferences, and considering model railroading expenses in the context of other hobbies, pastimes, and entertainment.
Dan tackles inflation, giving a couple of examples to compare historic model railroad prices to current prices.
He also talks about the nature of models, and how the models of today differ from the models of yesteryear.
Dan touches on collector trains, and the potential pitfalls of wanting to make a fortune as a model train trader.
Finally Dan gives some tips for modeling on a budget, and talks about managing the resources of money, time and space that are needed to build a model railroad.
Through the program, Dan also shares some stories of his past as a modeler, so be sure to check out this video!
#train #modeltrains #hoscale #trainvideo #scalemodels #inflation #price

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I like the conversation of the economics. But I think what I loved more is the little part hearing about you talking about your childhood and running trains with your grandfather.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the stories. It kind of just came out while I was talking, but I left it in because I thought it was relevant to give people an idea of how I got to where I am now and why I like the things I do. Thanks for watching!

[@rickmoustier1723]

My grandfather had a room sized HO layout in my mom's old bedroom. He built a single loop layout for me as a Christmas present when I was 8. A couple of years later he built a larger double loop layout for me,. I still have a few of his vintage locos and rolling stock. I finally got back into the hobby last year with the intention of getting his and my vintage trains running again.

[@peterstrains4339]

Very interesting conversation, very true in your point of better value in todays train models hands down. My only beaf with the hobby being too expensive is when a certain product run comes out and it's something that you want - you have to act on it (buy it ) or it could be gone for a very long time . We have all been there before , a certain locomotive model & road name and manufacture have the model you have been waiting for and what happens is you buy it because it could be gone from the market for a decade. BTY great channel and like your reviews. thanks.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I think part of the reason for the limited production is because it stimulates demand, and the manufacturers can recoup their costs by selling out quickly. It does mean that sometimes we miss out on stuff, unfortunately. There is a lot more variety and accuracy today, but it's always temporary, not like having the same handful of models on the shelves forever like we had back in the day. I'm glad you're enjoying the channel. Thanks for watching!

[@NicksCollectableCreations]

My problem is that, there is nothing for those of us who are happy with older Blue Box style details. Everything is every detail nor nothing and pay $50 or more for a box car, is just a really big issue with me, and young people that might want to get into the hobby. I do not need a caboose to make noise.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Walthers Trainline comes to mind as a more budget priced line of trains with less detail and decent quality. Blue box and older MDC kits can sometimes be found on the used market, too. Bachmann also has a big product line, with some more budget friendly trains. They've always been a little hit and miss in terms of quality, but some of their stuff is very nice. Thanks for watching!

[@randallellison6421]

Great points, Dan! The people complaining either, A: weren't around 25+ years ago, or B: they've gotten so used to the models offered now, that they've forgotten what used to be back then! As I've tried to explain to people that the more detail and features a model has, the higher the cost will be, there's just no way around it! They also love to forget that models offered back then were essentially a one body style fits all schemes offering, heck, Atlas' U33/36C back in the 90s was the same exact body with only the paint scheme determining whether it was a U33C or a U36C! Not only has the level of detail drastically improved and increased, but locomotives today are much more powerful than those offered back in the day, which improved motors, gears, and other components increases the cost of a locomotive as well! I mean, we have people throwing fits if the shade of a certain color is slightly off! Could you imagine what the response would be if 90s era locomotives were released today? That brings us back to the cost aspect, in which back when locomotives and rolling stock was "cheap", THIS was why, they were a "one size fits all" model and not road name/number/era specific models, and if you wanted that stuff, you either built it yourself, or bought expensive brass models! Also minimum wage was much lower than it is now which is something else people need to think about. I think some people look at things with rose colored glasses without taking other circumstances into context.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. I think that was one of the key points that I haven't really heard many other people mention in videos like this, that the models of today are much more detailed and in many ways better than the models of yesteryear. It's really not the same. Especially in N scale, a lot of the stuff that was available when I was a kid was absolute junk. Today's models are much better. Thanks for watching!

[@danielbackley9301]

As far as the U-33c /U-36c goes the later U-33c after 1968 were the same as the U-36c.

[@Steamerthesteamtrain]

I tend to prefer a balance between detail and practicality rather than being enamored with overly intricate features. For instance, The Sunset Models of GTW 4-6-2 no. 5629 made for the Walthers Circus Train in 1990 is a good example-it captures the essence of the locomotive with accurate features like the engine's class, orientation of the running boards, and the correct appliances, while omitting some finer details like chains on the tender trucks. However, I do wish it was constructed from Zamak like Mantua or Bowser steam locomotives. Funny how back in that time a model like that was considered "Super Detail" now it's the bare minimum.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Yes, that's a good point about "super detail". A lot of the articles in magazines from back in the day that used that term are for models that are less detailed than we have now. Just another thing that has evolved in the hobby. Thanks for watching!

[@paulkirkmanMYTRAINS]

Excellent video !!! You really hit the biggest point well. I am 60 years old and have been in the hobby for over 40 years. The changes in the hobby that I have seen were amazing. I enjoy finding great trains at cheaper prices !!! Love and hate eBay. I have been on eBay selling for over 20 years. Great video !!!!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. I'm not too far behind you. Sometimes thinking back on all the changes I've seen makes me feel old... LOL. For me sometimes hunting for stuff on eBay is a little hobby within the hobby. I still look daily, though these days it's mostly for slides that I can use for reference rather than models. Thanks for watching!

[@danielbackley9301]

@@DanielCortopassi Same here turn 63 in August 1st train at 4 months Gilbert NP passenger set whose engine got destroyed by an uncle. second set Life-Like cannonball set from 1970. The good olds when Athearn blue box was tops until Atlas brought out the SD-24.

[@joedelusso1415]

I combat this issue in two ways, "budget and planning" back in the early 2000's I became a single parent so if was to continue in the hobby those two words above came into play,fast forward to today I'm medically retired so the same applies and I keep to the low to midrange products like Athearn BB/RTR, Accurail and Walther's mainline or Walther's kits if I can find them,2019 I dipped into the world of DCC and found a locomotive with sound for 150$ down from 275$, I'm still a renter so I can't attach my layouts to "someone else's" walls so it cost a little bit more for lumber because I have to mount the layout on legs so I build my shelf layouts modular style so I build as time and money becomes available. Now that I'm more wiser and I'm also a protofreelance modeler and only buy what I need and resist impulsive spending..these are some of the ways I still enjoy the hobby.Prices are going to continue to rise so remember two words " budget and planning".

[@DanielCortopassi]

That sounds like a great approach. I think many of us have a tendency to want everything, but it's good to be able to temper that and stick to a budget. I totally get the renter thing. I've been there, and have built a couple of layouts in rentals. Good luck with your layout and thanks for watching!

[@John-bf4zt]

Excellent points Dan! I also remember when back in 1985 Athearn released the SD40-2 with the scale width hood. Back then I thought we had reached the pinnacle of product development for model locomotives! Boy was I wrong and continue to be amazed by what the manufacturers give us today

[@25mfd]

$32 bucks for their model at that time as well

[@DanielCortopassi]

I was thinking about that and about how my own expectations of models have risen as the industry has produced better and better stuff. The hobby has definitely changed. Thanks for watching!

[@pacoperezabella]

I bought an EMD BL2 Proto 2000 on eBay a few years ago, the seller told me that perhaps the gears were in bad condition but the desire to return to trains was so great that I bought it anyway. I'm from Argentina, it cost me US$25+US$25 in freight..... it was my return to the hobby since as a child I had some trains but it was a wish cut short until I was +40. The locomotive (and its disadvantages, horn couplings, etc.) arrived impeccably, it seemed to be what they call old new stock on eBay. Today I bought three other locomotives(alco pa, emd gp20 and alco gp7), all proto 2000 but I couldn't digitize them. In wagons I have some BLI, and others proto 2000. This is how the story of my model railway adventure ends for the moment. Inflation, what is it? Jajaja. I am an admirer of the rapido brand but some reviews on your channel show in my opinion that their operation is not as exact as their details. Greetings.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Proto 2000 models are pretty good overall, and can be detailed if you want to add more. It is possible to convert them to DCC, though sometimes you need to rewire them. Rapido has been a little hit and miss on the quality lately, though the locomotives that I have from them do run pretty well. Thanks for watching!

[@ruatrainman2]

Hi Dan, great video. All of your points were very good, and helpful to those new to the hobby that will actually listen. I especially like the segment of "Managing your Expectations", I have always said that model railroading is not an instant gratification hobby. I was approached by in individual who said to me "How did you accumulate all those trains? You must be rich" This was a person new to the hobby and was complaining about the high prices of model trains, and this was back in the early 2000's. I just exclaimed that it took many years and saving my money, sometimes sacrificing other essentials in my life. He didn't like my answer, maybe because he didn't want to work for it like others had to. So with that I'd like to say, thank you for this well pointed video, Take care, Dave B.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. I think one of the great things about model trains is that you can start with a few and then add more over time. There's no way I could afford my current collection if I had to go buy it all at once. But I think the nature of this hobby makes it more about the journey than the destination. Hopefully there are people who enjoy the adventure. Thanks for watching!

[@marvwatkins7029]

(No one should give a 3 year old a model train set, especially N gauge. I'm surprised you didn't swallow any rolling stock, etc.)

[@DanielCortopassi]

Even at that tender young age, I had learned a fundamental truth. Trains are not for eating. Food is for eating. I have always remembered this. Thanks for watching!

[@rickmoustier1723]

I was curious, so checked on what my $16.00 Tyco GP 20 that I bought in 1977 would cost in 2024 dollars, about $82.46.I never realized that I was such a big spender at 12 years old. A typical $3.00 Tyco car from '77 would be $15.46 in todays dollars.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I didn't realize that I'd spent as much as I did when I did the number for the N scale PA1 I used as an example. It was more than I expected. It's eye opening to do those kinds of comparisons. Thanks for watching!

[@bearzlla]

The funny thing is I don't think the price of trains is too high. More entry level trains like Walthers Mainline or some other brands are cheap brand new, not too far off from the old Athearn Blue Box adjusted for inflation, and now there is a wealth of cheap trains on ebay and elsewhere. Yes the top of the line trains are expensive but they are also an order of magnitude nicer than what used to exist but it is not mandatory to buy them. There is something for everyone!

[@DanielCortopassi]

Yes, I didn't really discuss that but brands like Walthers Mainline and Athearn RTR are a good value, maybe not quite as detailed but solid models that run well. Thanks for watching!

[@NYandAtlantic]

Price all depends on what people want if you like it and can afford it then get it

[@DanielCortopassi]

Very true. Thanks for watching!

[@estebanmartinez7428]

As always, good video Dan.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@TrainQuest-Model-Railroad]

Correct 👍 I totally agree with you…I would like to see you making more videos like this one………..🚂……thanks.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. I will be doing more like this from time to time. Thanks for watching!

[@markhayes6407]

The train business is fast and furious and waiting to buy an engine is hard to do. They only make so many. You could lose out on getting it. Costs have risen from raw materials to the labor to make them and shipping. I always buy quality locomotives. I prefer Athearn . Genesis has risen above my pay scale. Your post is good for thought. Thanks

[@DanielCortopassi]

The limited production model is there at least partly to give buyers incentive to act now, and as you said, you have to if you don't want to miss out. It's very different than it was when I was younger and the same models would be on the shelves for years, though there was also not as much variety back then. Thanks for watching!

[@YourLocalRailfan]

In a budget? Buy walthers, dcc sound for under $200 and for ~$14 a detail kit and BAM you’ve got a Genesis level locomotive

[@tylerrose5232]

😂😂😂😂 that’s a good one

[@DanielCortopassi]

That sounds like a good option. Most of the Walthers models I've had are pretty good runners. Thanks for watching!

[@felixculpa6240]

Thanks, Dan I appreciate the advice and considerations

[@DanielCortopassi]

You're welcome. I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching!

[@evanhizon8112]

I watched the video from start to end. Yes, I agree about the rising costs and inflation for model trains that is how life is. Yes, inflation is inevitable, but the steep increase in inflation over just a span of 4 years has been concerning. Although inflation is inevitable, it's frustrating when the price of a model train that was once $200 in 2020 is now $450.span of 4 years. It's hard to ignore the effects of inflation on the cost of the hobby. However, my concern goes beyond just the rising cost. I feel that the value I'm getting for my money is decreasing as I'm getting fewer model train for the same amount of money. Not only are manufacturers cutting corners by using cheaper materials and parts, but the quality has also declined. And while I can understand the rising cost, I cannot justify paying more for less. When I was in Japan, model trains are still not as expensive as the US, but they offer MORE bang for your buck. For example, a complete KATO Japanese N Scale Full-7 car passenger will cost around $110 and it's high quality, throw in a $60 high-quality KATO Japan locomotive and you get a complete high-quality train set for less than $200, compared to a "budget" Bachmann engine that costs $300. The fact the Japanese model railroad hobby can get your foot into the model railroad without breaking the bank really shows that US manufacturers are not looking into their customer base.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I haven't seen the model you're referring to. I don't think I've seen any increases quite that drastic, but I have seen some fairly large ones, at least with some models. I'm not sure I'd made the same assessment about quality. I haven't noticed a big change in quality, at least not among the models that I've been reviewing (though as I said in the program, I tend to go for the higher-end stuff). Aside from maybe the exploding Rapido flatcar... that was bad. That's interesting that Kato is cheaper in Japan. I guess since it's a domestic product for them, that makes sense. Kato quality is usually great. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching!

[@Ianshandle999]

Great video…I have 2 comments. Inflation indices do not adjust for improved technology ie TVs now are better, so the same applies with models I’d say. So the comparison is athearn blue box plus inflation versus current dc models Keep a spreadsheet logging what you spend…eye opening !

[@DanielCortopassi]

Yes, that's kind of what I was trying to say with the example of the N scale PA1. The newer ones are actually a little cheaper when inflation is taken into account, and they are better models in terms of operation and detail. So like you said, it's not always a direct comparison. I am a little afraid to try to add up the cost of all the models I have. I'm sure it would be eye opening. Thanks for watching!

[@BriansModelTrains]

Interesting video. I have so many interests within the Model train hobby (detail modelling, computer programing, 3d printing, electronics, NMRA membership, making videos and more). It's like the Donut of the Month Club; it's the gift that keeps on giving. Cheers!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching!

[@nyemt601]

Your points Dan are spot on. I think when an individual looks at price point they have to take into account the time it takes to assemble separately applied parts. To dumb it down it’s like getting mulch for your home you can drive to the nursery pick it up yourself drive home and do all the work yourself and save a lot of money but sacrifice time or you can call a landscaper and go off and enjoy yourself for the day and come home and pay the premium. That all being said when applied to trains it’s the same thing you can pay the premium and have all the hard work done by the factory and save your time for other aspects of the hobby like bench work and buildings and such or you can save that money by and old blue box engine and then have to take the time to research, super detail paint and decal which can take months to complete. I remember years ago you took an old Santa Fe blue snot nose blue box and documented it on another channel the amount of time it took to bring it up to standards. It all lies in how much time someone has for the hobby and how to mange it in accordance with their budget.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Part of the reason that I've been shedding some of my diesel projects lately is because I have a layout room to finish, then a layout to build. It's not just me in a tiny condo building diesels all day anymore. I still have a few I want to finish, but I want to have time to devote to other projects, like scenery and structures. Anyway, I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching!

[@atsfandy]

Good information Dan

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@sooriyawijeraythna8045]

I agree tru getting a part’s much more expensive than getting complete set

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you found the video informative. Thanks for watching!

[@jimmyseaver3647]

My general experience is with the used market, and it's not simply because I'm on a budget, but because I genuinely enjoy putting together the old kits that Athearn, Walthers, LBF, or other companies put out back in the day. It's therapeutic to me, and though I'd like to have a proper layout one day, I'm content to just put together some embedded roadbed track together and run stuff on the floor. As for collector value, I'm finding that some of the old Tyco stuff is starting to appreciate between nostalgia from those of your generation and channels like Classic Model Trains or SMT Mainline showing people how to fix those up (as it turns out, removing the carpet fibers and doing a little cleaning and re-lubricating does _wonders_ to bring most of those back online). Most of it is still cheap, though, and I maintain a small-ish collection that I can just toss in a tote and run at a friend's man cave or whatever. That said, most of that is fitted out with metal wheels. I'm not a complete barbarian.

[@DanielCortopassi]

LBF made some pretty nice covered hoppers at one point. I have a few of them still. The original wheels and trucks were awful, but I swapped them out and they're pretty good cars now. My only Tyco trains are a couple of flatcars that I converted into freelanced log cars years ago. I've noticed that some people seem to have a nostalgia for that stuff. If it's fun then you're doing it right. Thanks for watching!

[@Mike__B]

Well I always like to do an apple to apple comparison, not talking about higher end "hyper detail" models or anything like that, or what you can find on ebay. Just comparing absolute brand new to brand new. And for "fun" I took a peek at a 2012 Bachmann catalog and compared it to the 2024 catalog(Warning: Don't do this if you are afraid of getting depressed a little bit). I did Bachmann, because this is a "trains for the masses" type of company, and should be able to weather market fluctuations more so than a very niche company with very small production numbers. And for point of reference using an inflation calculator $1 in 2012 needs $1.38 in 2024, so roughly 38% inflation. Some of the things were I couldn't compare like today you have DCC Ready & DCC Sound mainly (at least the pictures in the catalog) in 2012 it was DCC equipped or nothing at all. So I picked things that were similar. One thing Thomas and Friends trains, no DCC, about doubled in price (that's a 100% mark up). Other locomotives were similarly priced higher, in fact a DCC ready GP40 from 2024 is about 60% more expensive than a DCC equipped from 2012. Hell the Bachmann DCC command station is $100 more today than it was back then, that's over 60% increase, which you can't argue "it looks better" or "does different things" it's virtually unchanged, and there's one rule in electronics is that as time goes on prices should go down for the same stuff. And I'd argue that the quality of the models are not significantly different, some things obviously like 4-4-0s not having a shaft from the tender to drive the loco but those are all over 100% more expensive too. And again inflation is only 38%, and a LOT of that came in the past few years. So using that Bachmann as my apple to apple comparison... yeah I'd say prices are too high as they in no way match inflation numbers, I didn't want to go back too far either as I want to compare with the current ownership (Kader), and things like plastic gears in everything instead of metal. Also, while yeah prices at stores real and online do tend to have lower than catalog prices, it's not a very big secret that these companies actually restrict how cheaply their products can be sold for, at least new, so again, yeah I'd say prices are being pushed too high for the sake of pushing them too high.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Those are some interesting observations. I confess I don't pay as much attention to Bachmann as I've had mixed results with their models. It's concerning that the cost of some of their products has outpaced inflation. Thanks for the info and for watching!

[@dr.trains119]

My first train was given to me before I was born. It was a 2x4 wooden train

[@DanielCortopassi]

That's awesome. Thanks for watching!

[@trapdriver7006]

Excellent video Dan which I enjoyed watching,you made some excellent observations and advice about the hobby. I run my Railroad to enjoy it as per rule number one. 👍😁😁😁🇬🇧🚂

[@DanielCortopassi]

Yes, fun is the point. I've read a couple comments from people lamenting that they didn't want to do the hobby because they couldn't afford to have hundreds of models, and I was hoping to make the point that you can have fun with a lot less. Thanks for watching!

[@user-do2zj2gh6v]

I don't mind as long as my Southern Pacific's look like what I remember. 😊

[@DanielCortopassi]

It is nice these days that we can get accurate SP models. Thanks for watching!

[@WJP1361]

I joke around with people and say that new models have the "realistic pricing" feature scaling the price down from 2 million to 200-300 dollars

[@25mfd]

HA... as much of a joke as that is, your not far off base

[@DanielCortopassi]

Haha... That's a new one on me... scale pricing. I like it. Thanks for watching!

[@bearzlla]

Big brain time

[@turftiger2008]

I really don't care what anyone says, but yes, the prices on everything have gotten too high, including model railroading. I can 3d print the same buildings Walters makes for pennies while they sell for near 50 to 60, locomotives have changed yes but not for the price they are charging now; like I said I really don't care what anyone says because I can go on and point out facts all day long.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I haven't delved too much into the 3D printing world as yet. I have bought a few things off Shapeways. I'm sure there will be more of that in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@riogrande5761]

Your Whistle Stop receipt - that was the year after I graduated from High School in Davis CA! Models have gotten much more expensive than they were a decade or two ago, partly due to higher production costs, higher shipping and higher detail. I'm looking at more than $3k of engines coming from ScaleTrains near the end of this year. Crazy! But I've collected quite a few trains over the past 25 years and taking a hard look at what I may actually use I'm selling off quite a few of my engines and rolling stock. I've raised about $1300+ toward what I've preordered. I'm hoping to raise another $1k so it will hopefully cover 2/3rds of it.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I went to UC Davis for a year, though I changed schools and finished college elsewhere. It was funny, Nichole and I went to the campus for a festival a few years ago and I didn't recognize anything. So much had changed. I've done some rail fanning there too. I've gotten a lot of models from ScaleTrains over the past few years, but I don't think I've ever done that much at once. Selling some older stuff to help pay for it is a great idea. Thanks for watching!

[@riogrande5761]

@@DanielCortopassi Pretty cool. After finishing high school in Davis, I went to Sacramento State University CSUS. I did take summer school at UCD only. I later transferred out of state and finished my bachelor of Science in Geology at Indiana University. What did you major in? I later went back and earned a master of science degree, also geology, but IT pays the bills anymore. Was that festival you went to Picnic Day? That was a spring annual event I assume is still celebrated. Davis wasn't a bad place to watch trains, what with the mainline passing east-west heading to Sacramento and the west valley line got a lot of traffic including the Coast Starlight into the early Amtrak Superliner years. Shame it was later severed up north I later found out after moving away. Yeah, it's really gonna hurt what with the GP40's, SD45's coming in HO and the "better" N scale SD40T-2's, all are scheduled to arrive in the late Oct or late Nov time frame later this year. I've certainly got a lot of trains NIB that as I get older I need to figure out what will really be used vs. what I won't and will sell.

[@jimmyspears5377]

You said it correctly Dan 👍

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks so much!

[@blackrocks8413]

In short, yes it is too expensive. Wiring and wood $$$$, the trains $$$$

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks for watching!

[@HenrikSweden1]

great video ! yes the model train hobby sure has lots of true to life models of the real train world today, and that comes with a big price tag . Now in the old days say 1970s 1980s you could buy the nice athearn blue boxes for a small amount and also the engines. Good runners and so were those from atlas. If anyone wanted all the details of today they easily could add them by using detail west details. If they only wanted the trains and lots of freightcars they bought the blue boxes without hurting their budget too much. I think "good enough modelling" is something that most people would be happy with. That way we also can afford one or two engines with some more details. But in long running trains usually you won't see the difference between the good enough cars and the super detailed ones. This is very obvious if you, like me, are building an n scale layout. break equipment under the cars ? you must be kidding ! and stop listen to the nitpickers....

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. That's cool you're building an N scale layout. If you're having fun, then you're doing it right, whatever level of detail you prefer. Thanks for watching!

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

I am glad be from trip from Montana your awesome guy Dan I hope see and Nicole someday

[@DanielCortopassi]

I hope you had a great trip. Yes, maybe we will meet someday. Thanks for watching!

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

@@DanielCortopassi your welcome dan and Nicole indeed

[@Blue_Dingo]

Dan, great topic, stuff I am wrestling with ATM. You got me thinking today. I am a Carman for the UP (26 years, railroad family), but I just cannot model what I see at work. I have a fair-sized collection, for 1964 Chicago area, mostly The Milwaukee Road, but lots for interchange. I kind of wanted to follow in Bill Dentons footsteps, with something based on the Kingbury Branch, but the more research I do, the more I adjust. That said I have started to focus in more on The Milwaukee Road, C&EI, NYC, and EJ&E. So, something Chicago Heights and North is looking like the plan. Problem ATM is, I am stuck in an apartment, and when I retire in 3 years, I plan to move across country. I can't build a lot, and it needs to move with me. I think you are right on the module idea, 8 or 12 feet is doable, and the cost will not be that high. I really like what Ray O'Neil did with the 59th and Rust, maybe something on those lines, but generic Chicago based. Something to get the equipment out of the boxes and worked on.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Modular is a great way to go for a lot of reasons. It's easier to move when you have to, and you can also start smaller, with just one module or two and maybe a staging yard addition, and then add more modules over time. I've been toying with maybe trying to do a modular version of my Donner plan, just to see how different it would be. I've become a fan of the Chicago Crossing Model Railroad channel. If you haven't seen it, it's N scale and modern, but it captures the look of gritty urban railroading really well. Thanks for watching!

[@Blue_Dingo]

The amazing thing about Chicago Crossing for me is, I was 10 or so episodes in before I realized it was N-Scale. Eric has done a great job with the Chicago feel, scratching the same itch I want to, but in HO. I like he changes the railroad modeled, and its still Chicago. There are only a few Roads running in Chicago in 1964, I don't have at least a switcher and caboose for. When I find home after I retire, then i can build something more prototype specific. For now I need to build Chicago "Generic" , maybe about 12', in 3 4' modules. Something like Paul B's 12ft x 20" PW Layout. Like you i need to use it for a photo backdrop as well. Dubai Trains Kingsbury section is really coming along too. More great Chicago modeling, inspired by Bill Denton. I like your idea for a Modular Donner Pass, maybe it's something you could start now, and add/connect to the main layout in the future. Sparks might lend itself to that. Glad to watch, really like your Videos. I am detail driven as well.

[@NicksCollectableCreations]

I personally think trains are over priced. But given the level of detail that is pushed, it probably is worth it if you are not happy with stock Athearn Blue Box kits.

[@DanielCortopassi]

There are some less expensive and less detailed models available. Everyone has their own preferences. If you're having fun with trains, then you're doing it right! Thanks for watching!

[@lucgagnon5241]

Hey Dan. Most of the train modelers are doing HO scale. I think it's like 65 to 70% of us. Money... I'm telling you as a bachelor, there's a BIG difference between having a wife or a girl friend than being alone. Not because you must share or that sky's the limit... It's mainly because women, at least most of them, are jealous of the hobby. That's my point of view. Jealous and don't understand the interest we have in it. So as you said in the video, it's up to everyone to spend the money they want to put in the hobby. Finally, course trains are very expensive. Mostly because (to my opinion again) today's stuff is made in China. Cheap labour... I wonder how much really cost a DCC and sound engine made by any of today's manufacturers. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it cost like half the retail price to produce. Or less !!! As you said, model trains is a hobby like any other ones. The thing is to have fun doing it. I'm doing my best lately to make sure I'm buying stuff I really need. But if I was calculating the money I'm putting in it, I would probably stop doing it tomorrow !!! Soooo, I'm not ! Keep on your good work !

[@Mike__B]

Yup there is no reason why DCC should cost what it does these days, it's not like we're going from a chonky big DCC decoder to a super tiny wafer that has processing units that are any different than they were in the past.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I think you're right about the percentage of modelers in HO. It's close to what I read whenever one of the magazines does a piece about that. I think N is about 20%, and the other 10% is everything else. I am fortunate that Nichole encourages my interest in the hobby. Life is definitely different when you're single, even if you have a supportive partner. I was thinking about that lately because I haven't been able to finish models at the same rate I used to, but I also have Nichole, a house that needs work, cats, etc. It's a lot different than when I was by myself in a tiny condo. Anyway, I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching!

[@lucgagnon5241]

@@DanielCortopassi Hi again Dan. Many thanks for answering. I'd say over the years that only one woman has been supportive. The others... not really. And I had to support them in their own hobbies. Kinda weird if you ask me ! I'm trying to balance things in the past few years. I'm narrowing my interests so I get more time for things that really worth doing them. It's easy to run 10 rabbits at the time. But it's not worth it if you can't catch a single one. You're lucky to have Nichole. She seems to be a sweet person. Finally, there are no best or bad way to model trains. You do what you can with what you got. Some are better modelers, some are bad but at the end, having fun is the main goal. At least for me... Regards

[@danielfantino1714]

1- to control cost, just like Daniel said, don´t act in hobby shop like kids in candy store. Far too much power and cars that end up in box, staggering yard etc... 2- small layout ? Better to model the past, 60, 70, with smaller/shorter locos and cars. Perfect for tight radius curves and turnout. It´s a bit a nonsense, big monster power of today pulling 89 feet long autorack on a 4 X 8 layout (HO). 2 of these are longer than 4 40 footers boxcars. 3- cost and rivet counter extra detailing is mostly a scale philosophy. In small scales (N to O) super detailing and often wheatering is the norm. We love to WATCH our trains just as if they are real. In 1/8, many modelers are happy with 1, just 1 loco. May be 2. Most of the time, plywood made that look more or less like a specific model. You can get a highly detailed SD40 if you´re ready to put on the table as much cash as a new automobile ! and that beast is more than 9 feet in lenght, 400 pounds etc... but you don´t watch them, you RIDE them. So different perspective. And if you go full scale size....it´s an other different story. 4- unprototypical oddities happen. Yes Dan even on your SP you could run that NYC engine. May be you´re short and leased it. Or being sold, it´s in transit on your line. Or need repairs in your shop ? In the 90´ CP was so short that retired locomotives were put back in service. Some were even retired à second time and put back in service again ! For a very short period, CP even leased LRC locomotives from VIA Rail for its freight run. It didn´t last long cause of gearing issues. Minimal speed in throttle 8 isn´t the same in 65 mph and 100 mph units. You´ll burn the passenger unit, being too slow. On you´re railroad you can also lease foreign power for testing comparison, cause you lack power, for pooling reason (very common these days). Again CP bought the only Canadian E8 to match it´s passenger run with B&M or MEC (i forgot). Only 3 E8. One in each direction and one spare. Each one among us should enjoy its scale, vision and accept limitations. Be the happy kid that sliding an eraser or pen on its desk was a dream world. 😊 Thanks Dan for that relevent topic.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks for the observations. One of the reasons I chose a steam era theme for our N scale Siren Creek layout is because it's so small, so smaller rolling stock works better. I'm glad you liked the topic. Thanks for watching!

[@danielfantino1714]

Yep Camelback steamer could take really sharp curves. Thanks for your comment.

[@DSKlauckProductions]

Thanks for explaining, "common sense."

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching!

[@epacm50]

Expect to pay at least $5K on model trains. This is not an exaggeration!!!!

[@DanielCortopassi]

There are starter sets that are available for less than that, but it's not hard to spend that much or more. I don't even want to know how much my collection would cost if I had to buy it all at once. Yikes. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisdaniell2990]

Trains are too expensive when hobby shops start to close.

[@DanielCortopassi]

It's sad to lose hobby shops for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@NYandAtlantic]

I like all brands not fond of Bachmann locos too many issues with motors

[@DanielCortopassi]

Bachmann has always been hit and miss for me, so I am cautious about their locomotives. I have a few that I really like, but I've had some bad ones too. Thanks for watching!

[@davidwallace6877]

Are Model Train Prices Too High for me i cant bay trains i bay ing for 20 years i love the hobby

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks for the feedback and for watching!

[@davidwallace6877]

you R MY#1 ON youtube your A BIG HELP TO ME@@DanielCortopassi

[@marvwatkins7029]

A whole lotta Captain Obvious here.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Yeah, that guy from the travel commercials. I tried to book him for voiceovers but his rates are just too high these days. Thanks for watching!

[@KingTrump2024]

YES THEY ARE !

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks for watching!