It might be a good idea to build your clientele while continuing your 9-5 job until you get a decent business started. Or maybe you are ready to retire and have some cash flow from retirement savings.
I think there is an opportunity there because a lot of people who buy new stuff and collect old stuff don't have much interest in restoration and repair, or don't have the skills and tools. So once you got a reputation you could probaly build a decent business.
In 2 rail there are a couple of guys that are doing custom work and seem to be doing it full time successfully. I have a friend who specializes in painting and customizing models to specific prototypes. he started doing it while working and then the company shut down and he became full time. the last time I talked to him before the lockdown, he had over a year backlog working full time. And Joe Forhkolb ? spelling, seemed to have a good business doing mechanical repair work and machining on both 2 and 3 rail product.
A big caution however, once it becomes a job, it may not be a hobby anymore and may not be as much fun.
