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Post by josef on Oct 18, 2023 12:53:30 GMT
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Post by keithb on Oct 18, 2023 21:41:06 GMT
Good stuff.
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Post by david1 on Oct 19, 2023 2:50:54 GMT
I have heard its been dying since 1970 when I bought my first train. For the hundredth time the hobby is not dying!!!!!!! Changing yes.
Nice video btw.
Dave
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Post by runamuckchuck on Oct 21, 2023 13:42:34 GMT
The sentiment expressed in the video title has been visited recently on line by others and historically as Dave has said. Trains were a visible and integral part of many lives prior to the rise of the automobile, other forms of public transportation, and airplane travel. While trains (not mass transit) still move an abundance of freight and some passengers unless you live near an active RR track I suspect the thought of a train is not top of your list. Most folks believe that all the stuff that ends up on store shelves or in fulfillment centers got there solely by tractor trailer. Trains are largely invisible. Most folks today have never ridden on a train let alone seen a real one in operation. The train hobby has many competitors in terms of other entertainment and past time options however I believe the disappearance of trains from the collective consciousness has more to do with the decline of the hobby than we acknowledge. But if you are not buying that opinion, how about the role of organized youth sports as the real culprit in the decline the train hobby rather than cell phones or video games?!  Heck if you get right down to it the decline of the train hobby actually began in the early/mid sixties with the introduction of slot cars by Aurora. If I was any indication, the trains rarely if ever came out of the box except for a few days around Christmas once I got my first slot car set. While the train hobby is now more of a niche than widespread, the practitioners are still as passionate/rabid as ever. For something that has been in decline since the 60's that is a long time to be on life support. Other factors are in pay as well, cost and space not being the least of those. With all the headwind the hobby faces it is a wonder that the hobby even exists! |
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Post by dlagrua on Oct 21, 2023 20:39:58 GMT
The model train hobby isn't dying but it is shrinking and getting more specialized. The hobby now appeals to a smaller clique of older dedicated deep pocket hobbyists.
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Post by runamuckchuck on Oct 21, 2023 21:19:30 GMT
As an elderly customer of mine once said "Money is conspicuous by its' absence". Sooner than later this older deep pocket clientele will be gone or find other interests to spend their disposable income on and then we shall see what type of business plan of what's left of the O/O27/Scale train manufacturers will adopt to survive.
In the meantime the rest of us can just follow the wake of these nouveau riche' and buy their slightly used cast off engines and rolling stock as they ride the upgrade feature train treadmill and we can buy some real bargains/gems that actually work the way they are supposed to.
Breaking News!
The depleting bank account/growing credit card balance is the next Vision Line upgrade.
Oops it's already here.
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Post by dennym57 on Oct 23, 2023 13:57:51 GMT
I saw it and talked with him at York along with Jason Stucks (JDStucks).
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Post by atsda on Oct 23, 2023 18:58:19 GMT
Walt, thank you for posting this. It is a well done, well reasoned explanation of the state of O gauge model railroading. I would agree with all of the points made in it. There may be some evidence that the hobby is faltering; however, all of that evidence may not have been presented - in any case, I don't think it would be strong enough to suggest that the hobby is dying. Alfred
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