My name is Cody. I've been in and out of the hobby for as long as I can remember, well for most of my 17 years, and had an interest in trains since then as well. It started with really cheap large scale New Bright sets as well as the static Ertl diecast Thomas and Friends diecast models. Now, I currently have a small Bachmann set that currently has a broken locomotive, which I plan to just completely replace as its from the Thoroughbred set, and I know the only locomotive I've seen that N&S currently uses like that is a moss-green colored green one. I always thought the hobby was too expensive. My current set I bought for $40 on clearance. I've found secondhand Tyco locomotives and rolling stock are well within my budget range.
Welcome to TrainBoard! With careful shopping you can stretch those dollars. Be sure to watch our TrainBoard Swap Meet forum. We also have some excellent commercial advertisers selling new and used items. Sounds as though you are probably in high school? One thing I did during those years was putting out feelers amongst my classmates. I picked up a lot of stuff that way, and rather cheaply.
Hi and welcome to Trainboard from another similarly aged member! May I also suggest checking local area garage or estate sales as well as local Craigslist listings, as occasionally, good and affordable finds can be had.
Welcome aboard, Cody. If at all possible, you might try looking at swap meets/train shows, or even second hand from hobby stores or some of the bigger online retailers. You may find, in time, that the frustrations from some of the lower quality products (especially true for locos and controllers) will outweigh the savings and sap much of the enjoyment.
Ah. OK. Hard to know for certain these days, when 17 is mentioned. I began my freshman year when I was seventeen.
Welcome aboard, Cody. I have a couple of grandchildren in college so understand what you are facing financially. Keep searching for those bargains, and stay in the hobby.
Hi Cody, welcome to the train Board, glad to have you aboard. Do you have a train (hobby) shop near you? They might know of someone who has old stuff for sale, also clubs in your area. Clubs are a great place for information. Good Luck.
Cody, welcome aboard. Your statement about college reminds me of the days of dorm life and running my N scale loop on my desk. My roommates loved it! It sounds like you have HO so to echo what my fellow Trainboard members have said, investigate some local train shows. You can find some bargains by way of the old "blue box" Athearn locomotives and freight cars. I found in my younger years that just replacing my train set AHM locomotive with an Athearn made my enjoyment go up 10 fold. Welcome aboard and feel free to ask away.
