Budget Model Railroading: Choosing an Era.

1959 EMD SD9

So, you've picked HO as your scale for model railroading, now it's time to choose an era.    If you don't have any idea what the given eras of railroading are, I highly recommend this quick overview from The Spruce.

As a reminder from the first "Budget Model Railroading"  post, here's the super-low budget prices we're shooting for:

Freight rolling stock: $3-10 each

Passenger Rolling stock: $5-15 each

DC locomotives: $10-$40 each

DCC Locomotives: $30-$70 each

It is possible to do virtually any era in a somewhat affordable manner, but there are some years that are far easier to model affordably.  For deciding which eras are most affordable I  take into consideration the availability of the following:

1-Affordable New Locomotives.
While the best prices can be gotten by shopping for used locomotives, the beginning model railroader may want to save themselves some hassle and purchase a new locomotive for easy operation and a warranty.

The goal of $40 for DC and $70 for DCC  (DC and DCC will be discussed in a later post) is a hard goal to hit in new locomotives, but there is a small selection of locomotives from Mantua, Model Power and -if you shop online sales such as Trainworld- Bachmann.  For diesel locomotives these are almost always "F" series locomotives from the 50's,  Switchers from the 30's-60's, and a few "GPs" from the 60's.

Model Power brand Plymouth Industrial Switcher Typically retailing for $20-30

A Bachman DCC equipped, GE 70 ton Switcher.  Found on sale for $50 at Trainworld.

For super-cheap steam the selection of new locomotives is limited to two fairly basic locomotives from Model Power.  I don't consider this enough of a selection to be worthy of looking exclusively at the steam era if one desires to build an affordable layout around new locomotives.

2-Affordable Used locomotives.
The used market is awash with budget locomotives but buyer beware is the order of the day.  For the purposes of this post I'm assuming you are looking to purchase reliably running locomotives with no repair required.  To that end I recommend purchasing from a train show (if they have a test track), local hobby shop or -if you're feeling daring- from the highest rated ebay dealers with the best return polices.   If you have a trustworthy online group or forum you may be able to acquire affordable locomotives that way.  I have built a good collection of bargain motive power, largely with the help of my friends on the Tyco Depot Train Collectors and Model Railroading Forum.

Two nice-running locomotives I picked up for $25 and $18 at the Great Midwest Train show.

The most common locomotives you will find in good running condition and at affordable prices are going to be diesel locomotives from the 40's-70's.    These models may have been initially released in the 60's but many have been kept in production for many decades, often with the tooling for them changing hands across multiple companies.  The result is a used market packed with F Units, GP's (aka "Geeps"), Switchers.  and other diesel locomotives from the 40's-70's and less than $40

Steam is available too but be more careful as steam locomotives have lots more parts and things to go wrong.  The test track is your friend!


3-Affordable Rolling stock.
This is an easy one.    At the prices listed above, you can find railcars from the early steam era all the way through the 1970's, possibly even a bit into the 80's.  You may be able to scrounge up deals on more modern rolling stock but it's going to be much harder.   As with locomotives, much vintage tooling is still in production today at affordable prices.

A variety of $1-5 train cars also from the GMT show.  This is the stuff that budget railroading is made of!

Useful Life of Railway Equipment
Before we narrow down the best era for budget railroading, it's very useful to remember that the useful life of much railroad equipment is measured in decades.  There are GP series locomotives built in the 50's that are still in service today and 30+ year old rolling stock is common.   The same holds true for structure kits. Most buildings built in one era survive for many decades with little change beyond a coat of paint and some minor mechanical upgrades.  

So which Eras are cheapest?
The limiting factor of affordability mostly revolves around purchasing reliable locomotives.  For the best variety of locomotives and rolling stock it's very hard to beat these the eras below.

-Transition Era. 1940-60
The Transition era is by far the most affordable to model. It also allows you the widest range of motive power.  You can base your collection around affordable early diesels while still having the ability to run a variety of steam.  Appropriate rolling stock and structure kits abound at great prices.

-60's and 70's
For those not interested in Steam, the 60's and 70's offers larger and more impressive diesels and larger and more interesting types of rolling stock but all much more affordable than  contemporary equipment.

Honorable Mentions...
With limitations or cleverness the two eras below may be possible on a budget.

-80's and 90's
By using a fair amount of earlier equipment, this era can still be affordable, however some of the most notable equipment of the 90's (and through today) such as large autoracks, intermodal container cars, modern tankers and "Safety Cab" locomotives just don't have many bargain options.

-Early 20th Century. 1900-WW2
Here the challenge is building a roster of steam locomotives affordably, but with patience it is possible.  Rolling stock and structures for this period are extremely easy to acquire.  If one models the last years leading up to WW2, there are even diesel locomotives to be had.

My Choice
 For my layout I have chosen an 80's and 90's layout based around a Chicago area short-line of my own invention.  The setting will reflect the era of my childhood but as a short line, the equipment will mostly be a heavily weathered mix of 60's and 70's equipment with a few modern pieces mixed as bargains present themselves.

I hope this has given you some assistance in choosing your own era.  Feel free to combine era, setting and type of railroad to accommodate your ideal layout.