Not sure why everyone thinks labor is the cost driver, it is the cost of distribution and mark ups.
Factory builds the unit, marks up and sells to the importer/model train company, they markup and sell in some cases a distributor, who marks up and sells to a dealer, who marks up and sells to the end user. By my count that is 4 levels of mark up. I would be surprised if labor was more that 5% of the end customer price.
if you really want lower cost, you have to change the outdated distribution model. Just look at menards, they have a supplier build the models, and sell direct to consumers, 2 less mark ups. Amazon does the same along with most major retailers. The days of needing multi level distribution have passed.
