I see that nobody has mentioned the obvious .
If your hobbies include drinking , smoking , doing up old cars , travelling the world , entertaining , etc., and you find it difficult to find the money for trains , you had better start thinking about which other hobbies to drop . That’s if you want to be serious (horrible word , but applicable) about playing trains .
Because I feel that a lot of you also have mortgages , food , medical bills , schools , and so forth to consider , I understand and sympathise with you , but it’s no good carrying on about costs if you chose this as a hobby without looking at potential damage to the wallet .
I would like another Rolls Royce , but cannot afford it . I know that , so make do with a lesser vehicle .
Rather an extreme example , but quite valid . (And I did once have a Bentley Mk 6 , but had to give it up----why?–running costs .)
Who in your household takes priority when something “must have” comes up ? Does missy really need an i-pad when she is just going to sit all day running up telephone bills ? If she does , perhaps she should get a job . Like you did .
Please note that this is not a personal attack on anyone , I have no knowledge of any of your circumstances .
But I really do get that little bit cynical when the subject of cost comes up . Either save up for it (you don’t actually need the track right now , do you ?) . If you cannot control your spending , buy a bit of track a week , a month or whatever you can afford .
Look through the railway mags and the internet for the affordable priced stuff , do not support greedy shop owners . Note the word “greedy” . There are a lot of good shop owners around .
And above all , remember when you buy a loco , for say $500 , that equates to a substantial length of track which might improve the enjoyment of your existing loco and stock .
Sorry to preach , but it sometimes is a good idea to step back and take stock (excuse the pun)
Mike (not the rich old git some people think)
