Do we pay more for our trains than 30 years ago?

Do we pay more for our trains than 30 years ago?
A can of Coke in 1992 was 35c; it's more than $3 today. Modellers need to consider the time value of money and, importantly, the provenance of their models.
A controversial subject, we have done the maths, and it might surprise you! We give thanks to our local model suppliers too like Auscision, SDS, Ixion, Eureka, ARM, Trainorama and many more.
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[@xenonozhid3383]

I remember going into Hobby Co on George St to wonder at the range of model railways. Your great video certainly rang a few reminder bells!

[@KingsviewModelRailway]

Yes, between them and Searles, we had plenty to look at!

[@jamiemorin7464]

Fantastic video, really putting things into perspective. We are very lucky with what is on offer in our hobby. Keep up with the terrific videos !

[@KingsviewModelRailway]

Glad you enjoyed it! We are well looked after!

[@user-yp5lq5us2y]

What a great video, full of interesring facts. The reasearch you have done is to be congratulated. Cheers Greg

[@KingsviewModelRailway]

Many thanks!

[@helmutsandner6964]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the price of model railways. I have seen the development of the models over the years. I still have locomotives from when I was eleven years old in 1971. I have seen the evolution of models in Australia. I agree with your thoughts about the price of model railways. The other thing that many modellers forget. In the seventies there were next to no ready to run models of Australian outline models. I remember receiving my Lima 44 class locomotive and two Indian Pacific coaches in a starting set in 1972. Which I still have. The level of quality and the amount of models available for the Australian modeller when compared to the seventies. Is a smorgasbord of high quality models for the Australian people. The price we pay for models nowadays is well justified for the level of quality we are able to enjoy. The modelling of Australian Railways has never been better. Let's keep supporting the hobby and the manufacturer's who produce these fine models.

[@KingsviewModelRailway]

Totally agreed, we have good choice today!

[@markgeerin5928]

Great video on pricing . About 10 yrs ago I’ve got back into the hobby started back into the hobby with the dcc Hornby train set with two locos and that grew with PRICING being at ok prices for UK locomotives. But when AMRW announced c38 we’re coming at a reasonable price I jumped in head first to modeling nswgr and have found a lot of good buys for new and used loco’s out there my fleet is growing all the time.

[@KingsviewModelRailway]

Right on

[@demondrillejunction5201]

This is brilliant. Dallas, just found your channel and a great take on this topic. I sold all my childhood Lima stuff in mid 2000s to make way for a couple of Trainorama 44s. There's only been leaps and bounds in quality and value across the board since then. Loved your 38 comparisons. I've got a streamlined and non streamlined DJH kit, yet to be built. Now DJH are out of business I wonder is it worth selling those kits and wait for the new Eureka that will eventually come. The newer tooling in the RTR market creates crisper finer detail than I can get from a model I make. The value in modern RTR is remarkable for the quality. On the point of cost, there's always the view that we get stuck in the mindset of collecting for, or building the empire, when some of us (me), should concentrate on the quality over quantity. Build the smaller locale to model before it's too late and my collection becomes part of an estate sale.

[@KingsviewModelRailway]

Thanks for subscribing! Im glad you like the content. I do it for fun really, hoping to share my collection with others. New RTR is fantastic, look at the Casula Z19 as an example! Brass is still good but at 50 yeas old a real challenge to keep and maintain. Those kits will sell ok, there are few builders who can actually build them properly. Once done they are still a stand out. hopefully the new 38's turn up, but there are frankly plenty around now and I wonder what the market really is!

[@philwhite3134]

Dallas, while I agree with many of the points you make, the focus on locomotives only doesn't tell the full story. Looking at the broader hobby costs, some do exceed the indexed inflation. Using Sep 94 CPI index (Sydney) of 62 compared with the Sep 23 index of 135.8 gives me an indexation inflator of about 2.2. Using that number, a Peco point SL95/95 then cost 14.50 and should cost $31.90 but now costs $41.50. The humble Silvermaz kits then cost on average about $12-13 and now only sell around $17 but a ready to run S truck will cost you in excess of $50. Similarly a LLoyds kit of the SHG guards van sold for $29.95 in 1994 but a ready to run SHG by SDS (now sold out) was selling at $110. I have both on my layout and the Lloyds model is not too far behind the SDS version. There have been significant improvements in quality and availability and on the whole we are much better off but it is not universal. thanks Phil

[@DallasSDogger]

Good points made, but wanted to make a general comment rather than an exhaustive 3 hour tombe! We seem to accept the position of rolling stock and most question new locos.

[@marklaidlay6842]

All brass locos from the Model Dockyard came from Kumata in Japan. They did the C38, AD60, R and NA. They started the G class but Bergs finished it as the Ducketts had retired by then and closed the business.

[@KingsviewModelRailway]

Glad they made them!

[@Stanb662000]

I remember as a teenager finding a Hornby - Triang catalogue from 1966... and was shocked! a mainline steamer like a Britannia or Black 5 retailed for $5-6 each. At the time ( early 80's) I remember buying an Airfix class 31 diesel for $31, and was severely tempted by a Hornby Black 5 for IIRC about $60. How many Hundred $ are they now?

[@KingsviewModelRailway]

a long time ago, the time value of money catches up!

[@ClamTram96]

What ARM has been doing with the 38 and 55 class in producing an affordable model that can be modified with detail parts that can be bought from model shops easily should be more followed. I get the value has improved over the 30 years but the high price due to the abundance of details can be pretty intimidating. I think just making the model scene more affordable and encouraging modellers to experiment with locos rather then buy and store a loco on the shelf out of fear of breaking it should be more encouraged with model manufacturers. No shade at manufacturers like Bergs obviously, just an observation

[@KingsviewModelRailway]

Yes, good point too. These are very good for the price. The newer locos are good value as they are better.

[@nswrailvideos7113]

Absolutely love the your time and effort to research the subject. The comparison of Lima to Auscision was brilliant. I would like to know more about your Budd Cars in a future segment. I did some conversion work in the early 90s post collecting a few from Punchbowl hobbies. Sadly i no longer have them. Dont Cry, however here are your beloved Budd Cars in a sorry state at Redfern 30 years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXarYYalgZV-p80

[@KingsviewModelRailway]

Noted. They were to make up a 5 car set, we will see!

[@cossiephil]

Great vid Dallas! You make some very good points. I think I remember your dad’s layout was it exhibited at Liverpool? Regards Phil. nswgrnscale.

[@DallasSDogger]

Thanks mate!

[@JasonWood_Escarpment]

Now, that was an eye opener. Great comparisons and video..thanks Dallas for the information

[@KingsviewModelRailway]

Yes it was! a long tome ago!

[@KingsviewModelRailway]

Thanks Jason, appreciated!