the equipment move, and what better way than the wonder-
ful movement of the side rods and mechanism of the steam
locomotive?
Finding materials
Working on a budget means I have to be a good shopper, and
manage and prioritize my purchases, not unlike the real IRM.
See the sidebar for my proposed budget table. The prices
shown are based upon two sources for simplicity, and reflect
dependable prices and availability. I prefer to look at the possi-
bility of used material and equipment, which saves me money
for additional purchases.
Track switches are the single most expensive items, as there
are so many. I do not expect to purchase all of them in the
beginning, but I want enough to establish the key wye track
configuration and trolley loop, and to minimize the need
to later pull up the wye or loop tracks to install additional
switches to connect the storage stub tracks. The additional
switches will complete the sidings on the mainline straight run
and the second stub track in the storage and display tracks.
My budget table shows the full retail price at Menards for a
36”-wide hardwood hollow-core door; however, this is an area
to look for savings. Every shipment has a damaged door from
packing or handling, which might be purchased at a discount.
But my real savings came at the local ReStore, which had a
large number of used suitable doors at $5 each.
The budget does include sufficient 2x3s and plywood to build
and fasten legs to support the door, as the layout without the
initial inclusion of the work desk or chest or bookcase.
Look for useful pieces of wood or structural items there, along
with desk-top lights or surface-mount florescent lights. ReStore
