Do ball bearing wheels count?
My biggest expenses on the layout were track and construction materials (mostly concrete and concrete blocks). Now that the major construction is done, I’m currently focused on details, and since everything will be scratchbuilt, there’s not a lot of expense involved.
However, there are several big ticket items that I’d like to get; but I’ve been forced to put them off until finances are better:
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I still need a more powerful transformer. The 6200 I got from Greg (thanks!) helps but the loco still gets sluggish after an hour or so, and eventually bogs down on the steepest grade.
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I also want to get some kind of advanced control system that will allow me to operate multiple trains independently and without being tied down to a fixed control unit.
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Sound!!! I really, really miss the great sound effects that my Buddy L had when it was new. Realistic sounds make a huge difference in the overall experience.
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Rolling stock – Even if I scratchbuild all my rolling stock, the couplers, trucks and metal wheels won’t be cheap. And even the basic construction materials add up. Also, there’s a couple of locos I’d like to buy some day.
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I also need a low-voltage lighting system for the structures, and I need to finish putting in the conduits and wiring for the lights.
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Yard improvements – I need to replace the temporary, loosely-stacked concrete blocks that currently act as stairs to the layout, with a nice permanent structure. I also want to have our old shed hauled away, and a new one built in a new location, so as not to block the view of the layout. And I need some more blocks and such to convert the dirtpile into a nice viewing area.