07-08-2021, 09:37 PM
My first HO train was a Christmas gift in the late 50s. I got married in1963 and the first layout was in 65. I believe Athearn Blue Box locomotives were going for 34.95 in 1974 but the same locomotives could be had for 9.95 from Hobbies for Men, Standard Hobby and Trainworld. I would order COD.
In 1981 Atlas flex track was a buck a section from train world and I bought 300 sections to build my 17x28 layout in my old home that I sold to my son, who is still building that layout, When I built the train barn here I found Model Power flex track for a buck a section so I got 300 more sections to build here. Atlas was going for over 3 bucks. I actually liked the Model Power better because it is less yellow and was a lot stiffer which made it harder to make curves but made them easy to make truer.
I have installed decoders for less than15 bucks a unit in all my older locomotives and have acquired a nice roster from Ebay at prices less than 50 bucks a unit for the most part. Yes, I have some expensive locomotives with DCC and sound but my hobby is one of my 2 vices, Food is the other one.
If I consider the enjoyment I get from the models it's priceless, and a lot cheaper than hanging out in the bars.
Charlie
In 1981 Atlas flex track was a buck a section from train world and I bought 300 sections to build my 17x28 layout in my old home that I sold to my son, who is still building that layout, When I built the train barn here I found Model Power flex track for a buck a section so I got 300 more sections to build here. Atlas was going for over 3 bucks. I actually liked the Model Power better because it is less yellow and was a lot stiffer which made it harder to make curves but made them easy to make truer.
I have installed decoders for less than15 bucks a unit in all my older locomotives and have acquired a nice roster from Ebay at prices less than 50 bucks a unit for the most part. Yes, I have some expensive locomotives with DCC and sound but my hobby is one of my 2 vices, Food is the other one.
If I consider the enjoyment I get from the models it's priceless, and a lot cheaper than hanging out in the bars.
Charlie