This is the same as my experience with the Mrs H. Way above my league, lovely to look at, a great mover with a great body. Continued to played with her for the honeymoon period then the running expense hit home.
In terms of modern wagons on preserved railways, the Ribble Steam Railway in Preston shares its line with a working freight installation, so you see modern wagons alongside heritage trains. This gives a bit more license…
Oh yes Craig, we've all been there, bought models that we then never run. Shelf ornaments? However, the manufacturers have cured me of that habit these days with their ridiculous prices! Like you, I model a freelance heritage railway and also stick to the golden rule of only buying stuff that is preserved in the real world. Hence a layout featuring Austerities, BR Standards, gronks, class 20s, 25s and other medium sized diesels..
Hi Craig. Totally agree with you. I have over 50 locos most of which never get used. And then there’s people like Jenny Kirk and Sam’s Trains who are well over stocked with locos. This also applies to food as I have often purchased frozen food and tins and bottles of stuff that are on offer and are still in my freezer and kitchen cupboards long after their use-by dates have expired. I’m afraid it’s a trait that most of us suffer from. Paul. 👍❤️
Indeed young man … … Less is more … After years of buying / collecting , now I am a „modeller“ with a functioning but not yet completed layout, I am now reducing my stock, From 175 locos down to circa 95 now…
The words make a plan and stick to it are one's that helped me. I made a few basic decisions around personal connections and personal preferences, and those led me down the path of 1950's ex-LMS. So I looked on Wiki, found out who the chief engineers for the LMS were, what locos they designed etc (because there wasn't a simple list of all LMS engines ever), made a list of those, and then searched to see which ones had models. So that helped me build me wish list and also then have preferences around tender or loco driven, chassis type or just the way it looks, that then help me sort them from most to least desirable. I researched the second hand market and get to know my prices, so when I see something, I know, is it on my whish list, is it a good deal or should I wait for the right one to come along, and also helps to be able to identify sellers who are over charging and avoid them, even if they have what you want.
Interesting video. Back in the 1990s/early 2000s accumulated many Lima locos, in fairness I liked them, they worked well and they weren't too expensive, well until the end of the company's life. So I decided to sell off what didn't fit into my time line which I decided was pre-privatisation. Any Transrail/Mainline/Loadhaul went and then I thinned out the rest. That got me £4000 on ebay which enabled me to have funds for the future. Never made such a good decision. Now retired, I am very choosy as to what I purchase not least because of the prices of locos.
Great video.. Making me realise how much money has been tied up in stock, that I never use. Really opened me eyes, only going to buy what I really need, and going to sell anything I am not using . eg. I have suitcases full of Palitoy/Mainline/Airfix locoes and stock, never taken out of the box, approximately 40 locoes.. Selling them would give me the money for two new Pendilinos... My new Layout is modern DCC, so will not be suitable. I also have loads of other items, kits, building, vehicles been bought for me over the years. Obviously I suffer from SABLE, Stock Accrued Beyond Life Expectancy.. Let’s face it, when I move upstairs to the next room of life, family will just dispose of everything. Thank you once again.. x The Bigfella x
Absolutely nailed it Craig!! My. OO collection has hit 18k and that is just locos and coaches! Live steam collection is another 5K ….. and then there’s the N gauge collection!!!! Jesus Christ!!!!!
The one good thing is it all holds value and will sell for 100% value or more!! I sold all my N gauge Fleischmann collection in 2013 to fund my Triumph stripple and got more than I paid out! 😅
Almost all of the locos and stock I accumulated in my youth I sold to two bosses at work 40 years ago then spent the next few decades regretting it. The urge to start again prompted relocating from our London flat to a house north of Manchester with a very large shed- and a goodly sized inviting loft! I’ve quickly accumulated far too many locos, (80+ including HO and 009, many secondhand - making up for lost time), but need to crack on with finishing the layout build, weather permitting! Very deliberately I’ve not pigeon-holed into any specific era or location as I know that I’d soon get bored with such a restraint on creativity. In your case, your weathering skills are highly marketable. Once you get tired of a model you ought to be sell it on easily for a good price.
And this is another reason why I don't have a prototypical layout.. I buy what I like and I run what I like with what loco's and wagon mix I like at the time of running trains.... Sometimes I think some people can be too one-eyed on their layouts and what they run which restricts them soo much on what they can run on their layouts, which to me is a shame as there are some very lovely loco's and rolling stock out there to be played with and enjoyed....
Hi Craig, enjoyed your video... I recently have collected a rather huge locomotive and carriage stock! And haven't even built my layout yet 😅 I truly am guilty of buying shiney locos that I do not need and have now stacked up 11 boxes of rolling stock and accessories 😮 its time to stop! 😅
Definitely agree Craig. I now don’t preorder 25:01 locos that are announced, until they are actually in stock! That way I can decide if I really want them! I have thousands of pounds of N Gauge stock that I never run now! I have started trying to sell it, but haven’t had much success atm!😢
As I've learned, pre ordering a loco that's due a year or so later, can often leave you worrying, my case entirely when I ordered a certain loco 7 months ago I had a different style of layout, now that's gone that loco won't suit, so the pre order has been cancelled
You have to be ruthless with new aquisitions , donkeys years ago it was affordable to bring in the shelf queens,now you have to exercise the same business case mind as per sectorisation era BR. One area i always look to improve is utilisation of the existing locomotive fleet. increasing the productivity of a small pool of locos via judicious wagon purchases. Bringing in the Lima 60's / 66's & 67's are cheap enough , of which thats being aided by the increase in 3d print wagon kits to cut the costs further. Got a Dapol 88 on the horizon & have 2 sets of stock for it to haul ( the Tesco train being reworked with 3d print megafret wagon its to increase the length / cut the weight, sold the Dapol ones to fund the kits & part finance the 88) & have just ordered the first of 2 nuclear flask wagons to run with it as well. Took a punt on the revolution ones. Having a lightly used set of wagons sits easier with me than having a £200 loco stuck on a shelf not being used to its potential.
Hi Craig, great video of where a lot of modellers are regarding buying rolling stock, I can relate to the heartfelt urge to by items you think you need, I really want a 21 pin W1 Hush hush in the dark grey livery, I know it’s plastic bodied and has various issues which have been shown on UA-cam, no glowing firebox which I do like to see, £230 is too high for what it is, the latest Bachmann class 20 in triple grey railfreight is on my must have list, I have the Bachmann yellow livery breakdown coaches from the train set they produced a few years ago, I nearly purchased the non directional lighting model on a few occasions, now they have announced the newly tooled model in that livery I want that loco, when it comes out I might trade in some unwanted rollingstock to make the purchase cheaper, it’s a much better loco than the Hornby hush hush in my opinion, I have 2 Bachmann class 20’s already. I was very happy to see the Bachmann Thompson full brake teak coach coming out, I have the other five coaches in the range, they are my favourite coaches, the price isn’t great but I can’t see them in any sale for a very long time, thanks for sharing your thoughts on our unique hobby, take care mate.
The temptation to buy them all is strong but I suppose there has to be limits. We do need to eat and keep the models sheltered in a house or shed, along with ourselves! I'm a bit more open about what I buy, as and when I can afford it but I get what you're saying. Too many and it's not easy running and servicing a large number of locos and rolling stock either. Good point Craig. Keep safe, sir. Cheers!
Thays actually a really old Lima tanker, it originally was a red Shell one, the tanker it self isn't actually a real thing, just based heavily on US and even European stock, but, it was a good price and after some weathering, it does a job! :)
I own two exhibition layouts, one 00 & N ... All my locos and rolling stock have to fit into my 60s-2024 time periods , so plenty of scope for many models, all my stock runs at exhibitions, I spit up my running sessions to time periods, any loco that does not get run, are sold on, always keeping 25 units per layout...
When I first got back into model railways in the early 2ks I also suffered from magpie syndrome!!! I was also modelling the southern region at the time as I lived on the south coast. So I had lots of merchant navys, battle of Britain, 4 ceps etc as well as suff that would never have visited the region. I lost my job and sadly had to sell a lot of southern steam stuff to pay bills etc. Nowadays I only buy what I know ran on my particular section of the modern west coast mainline (Wolverton) and have sold much of the out of region stuff to fund what I needed. My current layout is quite large and I have scenic trains which run around whilst i happily play shunting in the centre sidings. I haven't bough anything rolling stock wise for my layout in over a year!!! Love the rants. If you get a chance check out my layout on UA-cam.. Cheers Steve
Be here too , and a very good video and a question we should all be aking ourselves, and now trying to slow down and just buy the odd loco or rolling stock , but have cut down alot , and with the current prices of new locos has made it much easier to ask my self ' do i really need it ' and the answer is no i dont.
Hi Craig, I think I may have finally cracked it! All my layouts over the years have been based on a regional location in a specific time period with a relatively restricted roster of specific stock. However, at 81, I have just commenced my final (?) layout, to run whatever I want, whenever I want, and have sidings full of locos and rolling stock. And where do you find a place such as this? On a preservation line! Mine is to be based on a might-have-been colliery branch from a separate junction on a secondary main line. I shall model just the old colliery and terminus station along with many sidings and workshops etc added by the preservation society. I can run a simple schedule using any loco from a Jinty to a Pacific on a short passenger train, the occasional "demonstration" goods train and admire all the restored stock next to the items bought spares or repair, all awaiting my attention. There, a railway with space for loads of dead stock and the excuse to run anything you like. I currently have locos and stock from the Big Four and their pre-group companies plus a couple of diesels.
I had fleeting thoughts of buying Bachmann's recently released 4TEP EMU at over £500. I have absolutely no usd for it whatsoever and I've given my head a wobble, it's not going to happen! 😂 I'm not as bad as I used to be, I went through a 10 year phase of buying North American outline stuff, bought and resold thousands of pounds worth over the last few years and probably lost a fortune, too! I've now gone back to UK outline and I'm abit more sensible- or try to be! Cheers, Gary.
They're not on eBay at the moment, I've yet to fully organise and photograph etc But if you're interested please feel free to contact me either on the Iron Horse Railways Facebook page, or via email here Ironhorserailways@gmail.com Cheers!
I had a quick look through my collection list and I have approx 40 locos I will never run again since I switched to DCC. This video was a bit of a kick up the arse for me, cheers, Craig :)
I'm the same. I race rc cars too, and I know so many people who buy cars just as "shelf queens". They're racing models! They're supposed to be raced! My only cars that I'd display like that are the older ones that don't race anymore or aren't as competitive, or as with the Tamiya F201, which is an engineering marvel to look at, it flimsy af and breaks as soon as look at it. Due to it being a heavy 4wd car, it just doesn't compete with its 2wd siblings.
I have actually started buying second hand locos etc from fleabay and shows, toy fairs. Recently I have picked up 5 locos for less than a Bachmann 37. They are not the most detailed but they run fantastically. I am going to post another video at the weekend about the last 2 I have purchased
Same here, I prefer to buy from toy fairs and the like these days. They might not be the latest all bells and whistles models but I want something I can actually use/superdetail etc. etc. My partner calls me tight, but I don't care!
I agree with you ,I have bought after seeing a loco at a shop what ever ,then it stays in its box ,run for a while ,back in its box then next please .Yes we are all guilty of this ,as regards wagons ,I like making the dapol ex airfix it’s more satisfying & it’s your own efforts .😊
There has always been an element of collection in model railway hobbying and frankly its a hobby for people with some spare cash. But if you are on a budget it pays to focus on a specific period and region. I am about to sell off surplus rolling stock and locos on eBay as I cant justify having unused locos and stock lying around.
Depending on your layout, perhaps it's only possible to run one loco at a time. This topic has been on my mind for a long time, I'm definitely being more conservative with my spending as prices increase, particularly as a lot of stuff is in boxes! Maybe only limiting yourself to one loco per year? Chris
@IronHorseRailways Maybe that's the way forward then, buying 2nd hand locos and spending the time weathering and detailing them - rather than a one hit wonder with a box fresh brand new model? Look at the Hornby 60's - still can be picked up cheap, a solid model and looks great after some further detailing and weathering..
I currently have a bit of a similar issue here. My favourite model, which at the same time is the model I run the least is my Hornby Dublo Flying Scotsman in the USA Tour condition. It's absolutely stunning in detail, weight and it's presence. For a short time it had the HM7000 decoder in it with sound and I absolutely loved it (until the decoder blew up). I love it was it's my only modern Flying Scotsman besides the old Tri-ang one. But for some reason when I decide to build a weekend layout, as I can't keep a huge layout when I'm working under the week, I take a different locomotive to run as it's so fragile I'm scared of breaking it. I almost broke the headlamp once because my shirt caught it when I wasn't too careful. Since then, I run more basic stuff like the Railroad Patriot or the Hornby S&DJR 2P which I detailed up myself by painting the cab and adding a fall plate. I took Scotsman out for today, but it is an engine I like to not handle a lot as last month I had my first loco accidentally falling off the cabinet. Since then I touched the Scotsman even less. I do have some locos which I don't run as often anymore. Those being the old Hornby N15, Tri-ang Scotsman and most recently, the Kerr Sutart Victory from Planet Industrials. I bought it when I was still in training at work when I didn't have too much money and was really excited for it, It's in the WD grey livery (I collect locos from all eras and liveries so I don't mind inaccuracies). When it arrived I fitted all the little accessories, but about a month later, I got my hands on an old Hornby E2 which suddenly I run a lot more now than the Victory. Since then I can't actually remember the last time it ran. I still like it tho, metal boiler and a good motor makes it extremely nice to run, but that's the only model I can think of which sat for longer than two months. Glad to see I'm not alone with this ussue.
My wife told me not to sell or swap any rolling stock or locomotives, etc until I've finished building my layout. She's right but any stock that won't fit I'll sell or swap. I buy what fits into my period ooorr if I like it. I've been collecting for some time now so I'm pretty good with locomotives, wagons, structures, etc so I don't really need many more. I think track is my priority. My older locomotives I'm going to create a scrap yard so that'll fill a corner space.
Been there got that t-shirt! & Hattons have had most of the models I’ve traded in for cash! I drive round in a 13 year old car, I think I’d have a newer car with the value I’ve lost….. & yet still I have too much stick for my garage layout! Great Vid with some sensible commentary, that seems to be sadly lacking in the hobby at the moment…
I'd have to choose 😂 but yes, a few have messaged in about the US stock, and it's a gorgeous loco and runs well, so.. perhaps if I can get.my arse into gear
Same but my issue is my layout is barely finished and i have loads of locomotives to run but that are still awaiting to run. Now due to moving into my first property i may have to either downsize to a smaller scale or join a club to give my 00 scale models a chance to run. After helping run a N gauge layout at shows I am seeing the advantage of a smaller scale and equally 009 narrow gauge is also a great option judging by layouts at shows. However the bottom floor maisonette I will be moving into does have a garden, hmmm ideas might be afoot 🤔
Yeah absolutely mate, I've opted for several shelf Layouts, different scene in each that I can connect together at a exhibition should I ever get the chance - for for home life it's shunting galore 🙂
Actually I think you did really well. A lot seem to have been brought during the scenic layout period. Now that layout is dead and your priorities have changed then yep some of these models suddenly become redundant. As I've been in the hobby since the early 80s (the worst period to be a model train enthusiast as everyone treated you as being sad because you supposed to get into games on commodores or sinclairs instead!). I still have the bulk of items I've brought over the years (about 25% has moved on). I brought spares for the older items (easy as most Hornby models shared common parts). But I don't run any of the 80s (and before) stuff anymore, nor the better 1990s stuff (Yeah Bachmann 1990s does not run as well, nor look as good as today's stuff but, at least they looked reasonable like the locos). In fact now, only NEM pocketed, metal wheeled, DCC compatible models run. So that gives me 100s of locos and rolling stock that are in the "reserve fleet". Meaning not likely to run again. In 2023, I brought 99 pieces of rolling stock (a record for me!), 67 last year and 55 the year before. This will calm down this year I hope! Locos are similar story.... I'm restricting myself to just the essential (but even that is huge LOL).
Know this problem well over the years have been buying stock for a layout I haven't got to a stage I can run trains yet. As I Was going through the boxes that were stored here and there only to find I have 3 intercity class 43. I only need 1, 6. class08 only need 3. Think shiny thing syndrome should be an official illness lol. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe.
Hi Craig Yes you are quite right, I think most of us suffer from that "must have that" syndrone at some point. I'm trying to stick to loco's and rolling stock from the era I want to model, although I have in the past bought stuff which in that era and I'm considering selling certain items to recoup some money. But its a difficult line to tread when there is so much temptation from the manufactuers...lol. Thanks
Your Right.... Ive got a TMD so, very few wagons. My solution is a Wagon Repair Works and they repair anything. so all good now {Gulp } I did do some work as a contractor { Apprentice } at Stourton Wagon Repair shops in Leeds , it was interesting to see the wagons come in broken and go out like new, it was very satisfying to work there for the staff, the Locos in the nearby shed were mostly WD 2 8 0s in a really mucky state. you need one for your railway... its only money LOL.
@@IronHorseRailways I was there in 1964 doing electrical repairs as a contractor, it was great to see what they made to repair the wagons, they were very good, I got the impression the could have handled anything, that means you are safe to use a bit of Modellers Licence, private firms will take on contracts from all over the network, and at Stourton, Hunslet Engineering on Jack Lane was only 10mins away so collaboration was easy. my layout is Jack lane TMD { eventually }
Having just put my model railway hobby 'on ice' for the time being, I can understand your position, also having just got a pair of pre-ordered accurascale class 37's, these to go with my KFA transporters. My eventual plan is to display these in a long cabinet, along with 68's and flask wagons, as per yours, 56,s with RHTT set, a 68 and MK 5 TPE set, plus one or two others. I too have a DCC fitted small diesel depot, primarily Colas all set up, but rarely used.... and as for the 12 foot long snow scene steam shed.... well, if some-one wants to give me 5K I'll sell you it lock, STOCK and barrel, ( stock is about 50 locomotives by the way.)
They have their charm but I have two class 24s that were bought because it'd make sense to see them on the layout, rather than being excited to own and run the models. Probably the least exciting of all the pilot scheme locomotive classes!
Good point well made. I recently had the Cavalex Class 60 on pre order……. Because it was new and looked nice and shiny!! But at £300 for the sound version I ordered I thought…….. hmmmm do I actually really want and need this!!! It’s been cancelled. I have some really nice models and wagons they bring me a tremendous amount of joy and I currently haven’t bought anything for ages…… and there isn’t really anything I want. My bank account is all the better for it!!!
Good point to make mate, whenever I get some spare cash my head goes "quick we need to buy something, anything!" And I'll buy something I've absolutely no use for or intention of running !🤣
I'll be honest I'm just getting back into the hobby after nearly 15 years, but I'm starting again with N gauge as i simply don't have the space for all my OO stuff and I've been a bastard on Ebay for rolling stock I've only just started and already have about 25-30 wagons and spent a couple hundred quid 😂😂
I’ve about 50 dcc locos never run since 2018 , many with sound so well over £10k in value , and over £2k easily in rolling stock coaches wagons etc not run since then . No finished layout since dismantling Notlobia and moving house . I’ve all the dcc control stuff which I’m probably going to sell as well as many of the locos if as I think I’m going to do is to move over to dead rail running .
I think we are all guilty of that Craig. A new loco comes out gets rave reviews and we open our wallets and pile in without thinking how they actually fit in with what we are doing. Sometimes some stock needs to make room for new arrivals. Ps dont mention all the wagons I have collected its a pile of shame and yes I still buy more. Hope you get good prices for yours.
Done this myself in the past I realised I was just buying on impulse instead of thinking it though not good ended up selling a lot off far too much . I now have a smaller layout and a smaller collection which is mostly second hand which I use regularly plus money not their to buy the latest models ( Bachmann £600 EMU anyone?) I have Limas, Hornby Railroad items not really into super detail trains.
£350 for your American stock? Oh yeah, Robbers of Sheffield! 😂😂 Speaking with my American hat on I'd say keep it. The American layout I'd still do. You can get REALLY CHEAP stock if you know where to go. And that's not Rails!!! I could buy three good quality cars for less than the price of the Flask wagons, and still have change. I know what you mean about buying shiny new stuff as soon as it appears, that's why I went American. Smallish layout and a few cars that get used plus a few locos. Nintey per cent of my stuff is second-hand. I'm not saying abandon your Britsh layouts, but more come and give the dark side a try. We have such sights to show you! 😂😂
I must be honest I've never had issue with Rails! But anyway, I think you might be right... I should take a second look at the US stock I have... Maybe get my Harris into gear an whip something up... We shall see;😜
Did you describe yourself as a magpie, or a mad-pie? 🙂 - - Re the American stock, modeling U.S is not easy, as they are either found in really crowded 'yards', or out in the vast expanses of nothing much! - - My solution to heritage vs modern was - and I repeat was - to have two parallel continuous runners, one of each, with a transfer station, so the 'branch line/bypass had the modern image dmu's, freights, etc, But it proved to be impractical, and ended up just being a big flat surface for storing 'stuff' because it was TOO flat, and looked ridiculous. Thus nothing moved for over year, it just sat there, being sat on by the cat! It is now partly dismantled, as I contemplate rebuilding the 'modern' line passing over the 'heritage', on an embankment with bridges. I'm trying to work ot how to incorporate an interconnection, so 'visiting trains' can transfer from one to the other, without too much of a gradient! - - I daren't think how much 'tied up' money there is, just gathering dust!
This is the same as my experience with the Mrs H. Way above my league, lovely to look at, a great mover with a great body. Continued to played with her for the honeymoon period then the running expense hit home.
😂😂😂😂 PINNED!!!
In terms of modern wagons on preserved railways, the Ribble Steam Railway in Preston shares its line with a working freight installation, so you see modern wagons alongside heritage trains. This gives a bit more license…
I have a layout for just such occasions mate 😂😎
Shiny kit disease ravages us all… 😂
Oh yes Craig, we've all been there, bought models that we then never run. Shelf ornaments? However, the manufacturers have cured me of that habit these days with their ridiculous prices! Like you, I model a freelance heritage railway and also stick to the golden rule of only buying stuff that is preserved in the real world. Hence a layout featuring Austerities, BR Standards, gronks, class 20s, 25s and other medium sized diesels..
It's the money saving scheme 😜
"You get your wallet out & take it home. You're in your honeymoon period." You could be describing relationships as well as railways 🤣🤣🤣
Fair play 😂😂😂
Hi Craig.
Totally agree with you. I have over 50 locos most of which never get used. And then there’s people like Jenny Kirk and Sam’s Trains who are well over stocked with locos.
This also applies to food as I have often purchased frozen food and tins and bottles of stuff that are on offer and are still in my freezer and kitchen cupboards long after their use-by dates have expired. I’m afraid it’s a trait that most of us suffer from.
Paul. 👍❤️
Ah thankfully I make sure the grub gets eaten 🤣🤣
Indeed young man … …
Less is more …
After years of buying / collecting , now I am a „modeller“ with a functioning but not yet completed layout, I am now reducing my stock, From 175 locos down to circa 95 now…
The words make a plan and stick to it are one's that helped me. I made a few basic decisions around personal connections and personal preferences, and those led me down the path of 1950's ex-LMS. So I looked on Wiki, found out who the chief engineers for the LMS were, what locos they designed etc (because there wasn't a simple list of all LMS engines ever), made a list of those, and then searched to see which ones had models. So that helped me build me wish list and also then have preferences around tender or loco driven, chassis type or just the way it looks, that then help me sort them from most to least desirable. I researched the second hand market and get to know my prices, so when I see something, I know, is it on my whish list, is it a good deal or should I wait for the right one to come along, and also helps to be able to identify sellers who are over charging and avoid them, even if they have what you want.
Interesting video. Back in the 1990s/early 2000s accumulated many Lima locos, in fairness I liked them, they worked well and they weren't too expensive, well until the end of the company's life. So I decided to sell off what didn't fit into my time line which I decided was pre-privatisation. Any Transrail/Mainline/Loadhaul went and then I thinned out the rest. That got me £4000 on ebay which enabled me to have funds for the future. Never made such a good decision. Now retired, I am very choosy as to what I purchase not least because of the prices of locos.
Great video..
Making me realise how much money has been tied up in stock, that I never use.
Really opened me eyes, only going to buy what I really need, and going to sell anything I am not using .
eg. I have suitcases full of Palitoy/Mainline/Airfix locoes and stock, never taken out of the box, approximately 40 locoes..
Selling them would give me the money for two new Pendilinos...
My new Layout is modern DCC, so will not be suitable.
I also have loads of other items, kits, building, vehicles been bought for me over the years.
Obviously I suffer from SABLE, Stock Accrued Beyond Life Expectancy..
Let’s face it, when I move upstairs to the next room of life, family will just dispose of everything.
Thank you once again..
x The Bigfella x
Absolutely nailed it Craig!! My. OO collection has hit 18k and that is just locos and coaches! Live steam collection is another 5K ….. and then there’s the N gauge collection!!!! Jesus Christ!!!!!
Christ Nick 😂 that's an immense amount!
But easily achieved at today's prices... And your live steam stuff will be worth noting too!
The one good thing is it all holds value and will sell for 100% value or more!! I sold all my N gauge Fleischmann collection in 2013 to fund my Triumph stripple and got more than I paid out! 😅
I’m defo a Magpie!!! Hate the bastards too!
@@LiveSteamNickthat's a winner 😎😎💪💪
Almost all of the locos and stock I accumulated in my youth I sold to two bosses at work 40 years ago then spent the next few decades regretting it.
The urge to start again prompted relocating from our London flat to a house north of Manchester with a very large shed- and a goodly sized inviting loft! I’ve quickly accumulated far too many locos, (80+ including HO and 009, many secondhand - making up for lost time), but need to crack on with finishing the layout build, weather permitting!
Very deliberately I’ve not pigeon-holed into any specific era or location as I know that I’d soon get bored with such a restraint on creativity.
In your case, your weathering skills are highly marketable. Once you get tired of a model you ought to be sell it on easily for a good price.
And this is another reason why I don't have a prototypical layout.. I buy what I like and I run what I like with what loco's and wagon mix I like at the time of running trains.... Sometimes I think some people can be too one-eyed on their layouts and what they run which restricts them soo much on what they can run on their layouts, which to me is a shame as there are some very lovely loco's and rolling stock out there to be played with and enjoyed....
Hi Craig, enjoyed your video... I recently have collected a rather huge locomotive and carriage stock! And haven't even built my layout yet 😅
I truly am guilty of buying shiney locos that I do not need and have now stacked up 11 boxes of rolling stock and accessories 😮 its time to stop! 😅
Good lordz man!🤣
Get some track done immediately sir!!!😁😁
Definitely agree Craig. I now don’t preorder 25:01 locos that are announced, until they are actually in stock!
That way I can decide if I really want them!
I have thousands of pounds of N Gauge stock that I never run now! I have started trying to sell it, but haven’t had much success atm!😢
As I've learned, pre ordering a loco that's due a year or so later, can often leave you worrying, my case entirely when I ordered a certain loco 7 months ago I had a different style of layout, now that's gone that loco won't suit, so the pre order has been cancelled
You have to be ruthless with new aquisitions , donkeys years ago it was affordable to bring in the shelf queens,now you have to exercise the same business case mind as per sectorisation era BR. One area i always look to improve is utilisation of the existing locomotive fleet. increasing the productivity of a small pool of locos via judicious wagon purchases. Bringing in the Lima 60's / 66's & 67's are cheap enough , of which thats being aided by the increase in 3d print wagon kits to cut the costs further. Got a Dapol 88 on the horizon & have 2 sets of stock for it to haul ( the Tesco train being reworked with 3d print megafret wagon its to increase the length / cut the weight, sold the Dapol ones to fund the kits & part finance the 88) & have just ordered the first of 2 nuclear flask wagons to run with it as well. Took a punt on the revolution ones. Having a lightly used set of wagons sits easier with me than having a £200 loco stuck on a shelf not being used to its potential.
Have to agree, I've just bought ANOTHER diesel today, 😕 but my goodness 😍😍
Hi Craig, great video of where a lot of modellers are regarding buying rolling stock, I can relate to the heartfelt urge to by items you think you need, I really want a 21 pin W1 Hush hush in the dark grey livery, I know it’s plastic bodied and has various issues which have been shown on UA-cam, no glowing firebox which I do like to see, £230 is too high for what it is, the latest Bachmann class 20 in triple grey railfreight is on my must have list, I have the Bachmann yellow livery breakdown coaches from the train set they produced a few years ago, I nearly purchased the non directional lighting model on a few occasions, now they have announced the newly tooled model in that livery I want that loco, when it comes out I might trade in some unwanted rollingstock to make the purchase cheaper, it’s a much better loco than the Hornby hush hush in my opinion, I have 2 Bachmann class 20’s already. I was very happy to see the Bachmann Thompson full brake teak coach coming out, I have the other five coaches in the range, they are my favourite coaches, the price isn’t great but I can’t see them in any sale for a very long time, thanks for sharing your thoughts on our unique hobby, take care mate.
Cheers mate!😎
The temptation to buy them all is strong but I suppose there has to be limits. We do need to eat and keep the models sheltered in a house or shed, along with ourselves! I'm a bit more open about what I buy, as and when I can afford it but I get what you're saying. Too many and it's not easy running and servicing a large number of locos and rolling stock either. Good point Craig. Keep safe, sir. Cheers!
Servicing is another concern too!
at 20:52 what tanker is that? It looks good
Thays actually a really old Lima tanker, it originally was a red Shell one, the tanker it self isn't actually a real thing, just based heavily on US and even European stock, but, it was a good price and after some weathering, it does a job! :)
I have a Dapol class 73 and is used regular and enjoy, I have had issues with Heljan, couple of bad buys
I own two exhibition layouts, one 00 & N ...
All my locos and rolling stock have to fit into my 60s-2024 time periods , so plenty of scope for many models, all my stock runs at exhibitions, I spit up my running sessions to time periods, any loco that does not get run, are sold on, always keeping 25 units per layout...
When I first got back into model railways in the early 2ks I also suffered from magpie syndrome!!! I was also modelling the southern region at the time as I lived on the south coast. So I had lots of merchant navys, battle of Britain, 4 ceps etc as well as suff that would never have visited the region.
I lost my job and sadly had to sell a lot of southern steam stuff to pay bills etc.
Nowadays I only buy what I know ran on my particular section of the modern west coast mainline (Wolverton) and have sold much of the out of region stuff to fund what I needed.
My current layout is quite large and I have scenic trains which run around whilst i happily play shunting in the centre sidings.
I haven't bough anything rolling stock wise for my layout in over a year!!!
Love the rants.
If you get a chance check out my layout on UA-cam..
Cheers
Steve
Be here too , and a very good video and a question we should all be aking ourselves, and now trying to slow down and just buy the odd loco or rolling stock , but have cut down alot , and with the current prices of new locos has made it much easier to ask my self ' do i really need it ' and the answer is no i dont.
I also find that, with too many to choose from I end up just not bothering 😂
Which is Terrible!
@@IronHorseRailways too much choices doesn't help 🤣
Great advice Craig!
Hi Craig, I think I may have finally cracked it! All my layouts over the years have been based on a regional location in a specific time period with a relatively restricted roster of specific stock.
However, at 81, I have just commenced my final (?) layout, to run whatever I want, whenever I want, and have sidings full of locos and rolling stock. And where do you find a place such as this? On a preservation line! Mine is to be based on a might-have-been colliery branch from a separate junction on a secondary main line.
I shall model just the old colliery and terminus station along with many sidings and workshops etc added by the preservation society. I can run a simple schedule using any loco from a Jinty to a Pacific on a short passenger train, the occasional "demonstration" goods train and admire all the restored stock next to the items bought spares or repair, all awaiting my attention.
There, a railway with space for loads of dead stock and the excuse to run anything you like. I currently have locos and stock from the Big Four and their pre-group companies plus a couple of diesels.
Keep it going as long as you can my friend 🙂
I had fleeting thoughts of buying Bachmann's recently released 4TEP EMU at over £500. I have absolutely no usd for it whatsoever and I've given my head a wobble, it's not going to happen! 😂
I'm not as bad as I used to be, I went through a 10 year phase of buying North American outline stuff, bought and resold thousands of pounds worth over the last few years and probably lost a fortune, too! I've now gone back to UK outline and I'm abit more sensible- or try to be! Cheers, Gary.
Any chance to get a link to ebay listings for the ews wagons?
They're not on eBay at the moment, I've yet to fully organise and photograph etc
But if you're interested please feel free to contact me either on the Iron Horse Railways Facebook page, or via email here
Ironhorserailways@gmail.com
Cheers!
I had a quick look through my collection list and I have approx 40 locos I will never run again since I switched to DCC. This video was a bit of a kick up the arse for me, cheers, Craig :)
My apologies mate, there's absolutely nothing wrong with having an historical collection!
I'm the same. I race rc cars too, and I know so many people who buy cars just as "shelf queens". They're racing models! They're supposed to be raced! My only cars that I'd display like that are the older ones that don't race anymore or aren't as competitive, or as with the Tamiya F201, which is an engineering marvel to look at, it flimsy af and breaks as soon as look at it. Due to it being a heavy 4wd car, it just doesn't compete with its 2wd siblings.
I have actually started buying second hand locos etc from fleabay and shows, toy fairs.
Recently I have picked up 5 locos for less than a Bachmann 37. They are not the most detailed but they run fantastically. I am going to post another video at the weekend about the last 2 I have purchased
They absolutely have their place!😍
Same here, I prefer to buy from toy fairs and the like these days. They might not be the latest all bells and whistles models but I want something I can actually use/superdetail etc. etc. My partner calls me tight, but I don't care!
@@vickielawless efficient with funds!🙂
@@IronHorseRailways Ha ha Craig, thanks for the compliment!
I agree with you ,I have bought after seeing a loco at a shop what ever ,then it stays in its box ,run for a while ,back in its box then next please .Yes we are all guilty of this ,as regards wagons ,I like making the dapol ex airfix it’s more satisfying & it’s your own efforts .😊
Absolutely 😁 I may have just done that same thing again 🤣
There has always been an element of collection in model railway hobbying and frankly its a hobby for people with some spare cash. But if you are on a budget it pays to focus on a specific period and region. I am about to sell off surplus rolling stock and locos on eBay as I cant justify having unused locos and stock lying around.
Same here mate, although, that absolutely won't stop me from doing it again 🙈🙈🙈
Depending on your layout, perhaps it's only possible to run one loco at a time. This topic has been on my mind for a long time, I'm definitely being more conservative with my spending as prices increase, particularly as a lot of stuff is in boxes! Maybe only limiting yourself to one loco per year? Chris
Some folks don't have a choice if they want to buy brand new, these days!😕
@IronHorseRailways Maybe that's the way forward then, buying 2nd hand locos and spending the time weathering and detailing them - rather than a one hit wonder with a box fresh brand new model? Look at the Hornby 60's - still can be picked up cheap, a solid model and looks great after some further detailing and weathering..
@@tail_lamp7538 second hand is a tricky one, some of it is absolute gold! But there's a lot of dross :(
I currently have a bit of a similar issue here. My favourite model, which at the same time is the model I run the least is my Hornby Dublo Flying Scotsman in the USA Tour condition. It's absolutely stunning in detail, weight and it's presence. For a short time it had the HM7000 decoder in it with sound and I absolutely loved it (until the decoder blew up). I love it was it's my only modern Flying Scotsman besides the old Tri-ang one. But for some reason when I decide to build a weekend layout, as I can't keep a huge layout when I'm working under the week, I take a different locomotive to run as it's so fragile I'm scared of breaking it. I almost broke the headlamp once because my shirt caught it when I wasn't too careful. Since then, I run more basic stuff like the Railroad Patriot or the Hornby S&DJR 2P which I detailed up myself by painting the cab and adding a fall plate. I took Scotsman out for today, but it is an engine I like to not handle a lot as last month I had my first loco accidentally falling off the cabinet. Since then I touched the Scotsman even less. I do have some locos which I don't run as often anymore. Those being the old Hornby N15, Tri-ang Scotsman and most recently, the Kerr Sutart Victory from Planet Industrials. I bought it when I was still in training at work when I didn't have too much money and was really excited for it, It's in the WD grey livery (I collect locos from all eras and liveries so I don't mind inaccuracies). When it arrived I fitted all the little accessories, but about a month later, I got my hands on an old Hornby E2 which suddenly I run a lot more now than the Victory. Since then I can't actually remember the last time it ran. I still like it tho, metal boiler and a good motor makes it extremely nice to run, but that's the only model I can think of which sat for longer than two months. Glad to see I'm not alone with this ussue.
Not alone at all mate 😁 Join us in the madness!
My wife told me not to sell or swap any rolling stock or locomotives, etc until I've finished building my layout. She's right but any stock that won't fit I'll sell or swap. I buy what fits into my period ooorr if I like it. I've been collecting for some time now so I'm pretty good with locomotives, wagons, structures, etc so I don't really need many more. I think track is my priority. My older locomotives I'm going to create a scrap yard so that'll fill a corner space.
Been there got that t-shirt! & Hattons have had most of the models I’ve traded in for cash! I drive round in a 13 year old car, I think I’d have a newer car with the value I’ve lost….. & yet still I have too much stick for my garage layout! Great Vid with some sensible commentary, that seems to be sadly lacking in the hobby at the moment…
Careful calling me sensible old chap 😁😂
Thanks for watching, nothing wrong with an old motor 👍👍😍
Great video, honestly enjoyed it, wouldn't mind seeing the US Dromara layout but end of the day it depends when you get a chance to do it
I'd have to choose 😂 but yes, a few have messaged in about the US stock, and it's a gorgeous loco and runs well, so.. perhaps if I can get.my arse into gear
Same but my issue is my layout is barely finished and i have loads of locomotives to run but that are still awaiting to run. Now due to moving into my first property i may have to either downsize to a smaller scale or join a club to give my 00 scale models a chance to run. After helping run a N gauge layout at shows I am seeing the advantage of a smaller scale and equally 009 narrow gauge is also a great option judging by layouts at shows.
However the bottom floor maisonette I will be moving into does have a garden, hmmm ideas might be afoot 🤔
Yeah absolutely mate, I've opted for several shelf Layouts, different scene in each that I can connect together at a exhibition should I ever get the chance - for for home life it's shunting galore 🙂
I think a USA diorama with that american loco you brought would be good. :)
That's another vote! Blimey! Looks like I'm going to have to make use of it after all!!
Actually I think you did really well. A lot seem to have been brought during the scenic layout period. Now that layout is dead and your priorities have changed then yep some of these models suddenly become redundant.
As I've been in the hobby since the early 80s (the worst period to be a model train enthusiast as everyone treated you as being sad because you supposed to get into games on commodores or sinclairs instead!). I still have the bulk of items I've brought over the years (about 25% has moved on). I brought spares for the older items (easy as most Hornby models shared common parts). But I don't run any of the 80s (and before) stuff anymore, nor the better 1990s stuff (Yeah Bachmann 1990s does not run as well, nor look as good as today's stuff but, at least they looked reasonable like the locos).
In fact now, only NEM pocketed, metal wheeled, DCC compatible models run. So that gives me 100s of locos and rolling stock that are in the "reserve fleet". Meaning not likely to run again.
In 2023, I brought 99 pieces of rolling stock (a record for me!), 67 last year and 55 the year before. This will calm down this year I hope! Locos are similar story....
I'm restricting myself to just the essential (but even that is huge LOL).
It's certainly more acceptable these days lol 😜
Know this problem well over the years have been buying stock for a layout I haven't got to a stage I can run trains yet. As I Was going through the boxes that were stored here and there only to find I have 3 intercity class 43. I only need 1, 6. class08 only need 3. Think shiny thing syndrome should be an official illness lol. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe.
Can't say I'm much better at it Mike 😂 cheers mate!
Hi Craig Yes you are quite right, I think most of us suffer from that "must have that" syndrone at some point. I'm trying to stick to loco's and rolling stock from the era I want to model, although I have in the past bought stuff which in that era and I'm considering selling certain items to recoup some money. But its a difficult line to tread when there is so much temptation from the manufactuers...lol. Thanks
Yeah unfortunately you're right mate, time to recoup! 😉
Your Right.... Ive got a TMD so, very few wagons. My solution is a Wagon Repair Works and they repair anything. so all good now {Gulp } I did do some work as a contractor { Apprentice } at Stourton Wagon Repair shops in Leeds , it was interesting to see the wagons come in broken and go out like new, it was very satisfying to work there for the staff, the Locos in the nearby shed were mostly WD 2 8 0s in a really mucky state. you need one for your railway... its only money LOL.
Stourton is huge, all freightliner now if I recall (Leeds lad by birth right)
But yes, have to agree, a repair depot is a great way to cheat it!😉
@@IronHorseRailways I was there in 1964 doing electrical repairs as a contractor, it was great to see what they made to repair the wagons, they were very good, I got the impression the could have handled anything, that means you are safe to use a bit of Modellers Licence, private firms will take on contracts from all over the network, and at Stourton, Hunslet Engineering on Jack Lane was only 10mins away so collaboration was easy. my layout is Jack lane TMD { eventually }
@@rogerwolstenholme2710 sounds excellent for modelling mate!
Having just put my model railway hobby 'on ice' for the time being, I can understand your position, also having just got a pair of pre-ordered accurascale class 37's, these to go with my KFA transporters. My eventual plan is to display these in a long cabinet, along with 68's and flask wagons, as per yours, 56,s with RHTT set, a 68 and MK 5 TPE set, plus one or two others. I too have a DCC fitted small diesel depot, primarily Colas all set up, but rarely used.... and as for the 12 foot long snow scene steam shed.... well, if some-one wants to give me 5K I'll sell you it lock, STOCK and barrel, ( stock is about 50 locomotives by the way.)
Time to defrost it mate 😄
those ews wagons would look great on my layout - is there an ebay link?
Not yet but if you're genuinely interested mate drop me a line at
IronHorseRailways@gmail.com
They have their charm but I have two class 24s that were bought because it'd make sense to see them on the layout, rather than being excited to own and run the models. Probably the least exciting of all the pilot scheme locomotive classes!
That's the opposite really but also similar to what I was ranting about - almost like you've bought them as a scenic 'must have' - interesting!🙂
Good point well made. I recently had the Cavalex Class 60 on pre order……. Because it was new and looked nice and shiny!! But at £300 for the sound version I ordered I thought…….. hmmmm do I actually really want and need this!!! It’s been cancelled. I have some really nice models and wagons they bring me a tremendous amount of joy and I currently haven’t bought anything for ages…… and there isn’t really anything I want. My bank account is all the better for it!!!
Good point to make mate, whenever I get some spare cash my head goes "quick we need to buy something, anything!" And I'll buy something I've absolutely no use for or intention of running !🤣
Totally agree!!!! 👍
Well said !
good vid on channel thanks lee
I'll be honest I'm just getting back into the hobby after nearly 15 years, but I'm starting again with N gauge as i simply don't have the space for all my OO stuff and I've been a bastard on Ebay for rolling stock I've only just started and already have about 25-30 wagons and spent a couple hundred quid 😂😂
😂 keep it up then! Well begun and all that!😁
I’ve about 50 dcc locos never run since 2018 , many with sound so well over £10k in value , and over £2k easily in rolling stock coaches wagons etc not run since then . No finished layout since dismantling Notlobia and moving house . I’ve all the dcc control stuff which I’m probably going to sell as well as many of the locos if as I think I’m going to do is to move over to dead rail running .
Ouch!😁
I think we are all guilty of that Craig. A new loco comes out gets rave reviews and we open our wallets and pile in without thinking how they actually fit in with what we are doing. Sometimes some stock needs to make room for new arrivals. Ps dont mention all the wagons I have collected its a pile of shame and yes I still buy more. Hope you get good prices for yours.
Oh don't let me even mention MY pile of shame!!🤐🤐🤐🤐🤐😂
Done this myself in the past I realised I was just buying on impulse instead of thinking it though not good ended up selling a lot off far too much . I now have a smaller layout and a smaller collection which is mostly second hand which I use regularly plus money not their to buy the latest models ( Bachmann £600 EMU anyone?) I have Limas, Hornby Railroad items not really into super detail trains.
Lots to be said for just taking a moment and thinking before buying!
Ultimately it will end with remorse and selling, and usually a loss!
this has kinda happened with me and model kits, though i'd rather call it "Loot Goblin Syndrome" or "LGS" for short.
Loot goblin 🤣🤣 excellent!
Bro…. I can’t iron to lounge jazz!!! 😮😮
You'll do it and like it!🤣🤣
@@IronHorseRailways😢😂
You can always sell them
Aye and usually at a loss, so I've found 🤣
Literally paying for the mistakes mate!
£350 for your American stock? Oh yeah, Robbers of Sheffield! 😂😂
Speaking with my American hat on I'd say keep it. The American layout I'd still do. You can get REALLY CHEAP stock if you know where to go. And that's not Rails!!!
I could buy three good quality cars for less than the price of the Flask wagons, and still have change.
I know what you mean about buying shiny new stuff as soon as it appears, that's why I went American. Smallish layout and a few cars that get used plus a few locos. Nintey per cent of my stuff is second-hand.
I'm not saying abandon your Britsh layouts, but more come and give the dark side a try. We have such sights to show you! 😂😂
I must be honest I've never had issue with Rails! But anyway, I think you might be right... I should take a second look at the US stock I have... Maybe get my Harris into gear an whip something up... We shall see;😜
65 bullied Pacifics tell you my problem 😂
😂😂😂 Christ man!!
49 Class 37s …. Are we related 😅
@@dougalmcdougal8682 oh brilliant good man
Did you describe yourself as a magpie, or a mad-pie? 🙂 - - Re the American stock, modeling U.S is not easy, as they are either found in really crowded 'yards', or out in the vast expanses of nothing much! - - My solution to heritage vs modern was - and I repeat was - to have two parallel continuous runners, one of each, with a transfer station, so the 'branch line/bypass had the modern image dmu's, freights, etc, But it proved to be impractical, and ended up just being a big flat surface for storing 'stuff' because it was TOO flat, and looked ridiculous. Thus nothing moved for over year, it just sat there, being sat on by the cat! It is now partly dismantled, as I contemplate rebuilding the 'modern' line passing over the 'heritage', on an embankment with bridges. I'm trying to work ot how to incorporate an interconnection, so 'visiting trains' can transfer from one to the other, without too much of a gradient! - - I daren't think how much 'tied up' money there is, just gathering dust!
Don't think it over too much, it'll drive you batty mate 🙂😂
@@IronHorseRailways Some would say that I already am! 🙂
@@hamshackleton join us at the table mate 😜🤪