This topic has been moved to Train Surgery.

https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?msg=880213

Buying a train-set might be seen as expensive versus other toys!

putting hundreds of hours into railway modelling without charging for labour might be seen as unrealistic!

making one-off scale replicas of scenic items by 3D printing might be seen as costly though they would be unique!

acquiring specific rolling stock to match a period could be seen as extravagant but it complements the layout!

Gathering materials 'which might come in useful' only to be seen as Steptoe!

Saving unused quantities of anything you liked the look of, for the layout, then getting more storage!

Buying an expensive item you liked, which didn't quite fit the layout scenario, but was a bargain!

Now ask yourself if you've given a second thought to the cost of doing any/all the above in order to enjoy railway modelling?

Quote from: The Q on March 22, 2026, 09:56:16 PMThen paint, varnishes, sailcloth, lifejackets, waterproofs are all made from oil...

As, of course, are 90% of model railway items. If the current situation continues I suspect many of our suppliers will be reassessing how many new items it's prudent for them to produce and at what price points.

Hi, I am confused with this site. I have just spent 15mins drafting a message and it appears now, I can,t find it.   

You can do it when you B&Q it

no you can't first they cancel half the order the Evening before delivery then fail to

deliver the goods 30 minutes on the phone to get a Ref number for the investigation into what has happen now have to wait up to 48 hours for them to call me back

I do not normally use them as I have had poor service before but I had some vouchers to use

Quote from: Bob G on March 22, 2026, 09:02:53 PMDrop the ensign and go full on colonel mustard.

Hehe - I always read it as "Ensign Expendable"  after a song my band wrote in the 90s about the Star Trek red-shirts who often failed to return from missions

Model railways expensive?

I sail..

Admittedly I'm on the cheap end of the market, per year..
Sailing club membership family £180
Broads tax sailing boat £74.22, paid that yesterday..
Insurance £96
Crane club membership ( to lift boat in and out) £75
Average cost of Maintenance £350
Mooring fee should be £320.

But costs are rapidly increasing, before Tango man's current adventures a 2 litre tin of antifouling £187... As the antifouling is made from oil based products.....
Then paint, varnishes, sailcloth, lifejackets, waterproofs are all made from oil...

Quote from: EtchedPixels on March 22, 2026, 09:11:58 PM

Quote from: Webbo on March 22, 2026, 07:22:16 AMChris,

Bear in mind, that the £99 meal provided enjoyment for four persons, not just for you. An equivalent $200 for a decent meal in Australia for four sounds quite alright to me.

Not sure a meal is a good comparison. There was a period when N scale models lasted about as long as a meal but these days they can provide enjoyment for far longer than a good steak.

But a good steak is a lot tastier . . .

Quote from: Webbo on March 22, 2026, 07:22:16 AMChris,

Bear in mind, that the £99 meal provided enjoyment for four persons, not just for you. An equivalent $200 for a decent meal in Australia for four sounds quite alright to me.

Not sure a meal is a good comparison. There was a period when N scale models lasted about as long as a meal but these days they can provide enjoyment for far longer than a good steak.

Speaking as a 2mm modeller they are worth nothing but the enjoyment they  bring