More then a prayer, but a lot less then hanging out at a bar.
If I know the person and his or her interests, I usually say, "Less than if I spent my time skiing....golfing at my country club.....boating.....RVing......antique car restoring...etc, etc, based on to whom I'm talking. Always aggravates them, which is exactly what they deserve for prying! 
Jim
Originally Posted by Texas Pete:
I can't help but wonder... Why dodge the issue?
It's normal that people are curious, just like they might be about golf clubs, a hot-rod, a boat, an airplane, or whatever, and I bet if they were asking about those types of things most of you would be more forthcoming.
"How much did it cost?" is a legitimate question. Why all the evasiveness when it comes to trains?
Pete
I pretty much agree Pete.......I really don't associate with anyone that would have a clue as to what Model Trains cost today. Most of course would be staggered by what they do cost today, because they are still thinking about that $89.95 train set they had, or bought their kids 20 or so years ago.
I think most people are just curious and don't have a "secret agenda" when they start asking the value, it's just that they really have no idea, and a $ value sort of puts it into perspective for them. I don't feel offended if asked, so I usually give them a value of a particular engine, or accessory. They can usually do their own math, from there.
REV
Hi REV, I disagree. Asking someone how much they spend on their hobby is like asking them how much they make, it's simply bad manners. They put us in the position to be criticized for being a self centered and wasteful person, or worst yet a bragger.
These are the same types that will be driving home in their 60K Lincoln, decked out in mink and gold, all the while talking about what a dumb waste of time and money your hobby is.
A question that shows true interest in the hobby is; how much time and money do you think a starter layout, of lets say 4 X 8 foot would cost. Or; how long did it take you to collect all of this. The truely heart felt statement that comes from most wives is, "boy your wife is a saint".
i don't think i have ever gotten that question. the one i get is "how long did it take to build?"
I might point to a Legacy steamer and relate the cost to my first Dodge Dart...right out of the showroom. Then again, it might just give a hint as to just how friggn old I am. 
Emily Post would never even think of asking such an intrusive and bold question.
When I was running the hobby shop, I would get this question mostly from novice HO customers, but sometimes from others. “How much track do I need for a 4 X 8 layout?” My standard answer was “How many angles fit on the head of a pin? There is no way I can know the answer.” I then would show them an Atlas HO or N or a Lionel FasTrack plan book and suggest they purchase one and pick a track plan from it as they include a complete list of materials
