My biggest concern is for newcomers to the hobby, particularly kids.
While those of us that have been modeling awhile can add an item here
and there, someone just starting out is probably looking at a
substantial outlay for locomotives and rolling stock, not to mention
track, power pack, etc. As a kid, I remember relying heavily on Athearn
locos and rolling stock, as it was reliable and inexpensive, even if not
terribly accurate in the details. We are truly fortunate to have the
availability of quality scale models that now exist, but to remain a
viable and flourishing hobby we obviously need to encourage newcomers to
our hobby to survive in the long run. I don't know the answer to this
dilemma, but as I say, it does concern me for the future of our hobby.
Scott Myers
________________________________
From: CBQ@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CBQ@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of Paul K.
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2005 12:44 AM
To: CBQ@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [CBQ] There must be a better way...
At 06:29 AM 7/16/2005, you wrote:
>> We are indeed in the Golden Age of Model Railroading.
````````
Yes, indeed we are . . . You need either a pile of gold or at
least a gold credit card to afford the stuff anymore! :-D I'm just
glad I have purchased the bulk of my needed rolling stock and locos in
past years, mostly before the sky rocketing prices, and buy it now or
you won't be able to get it later "marketing strategy" became de rigeur.
By the way, it seems that even *reserving* a model by placing an order
with your local supplier doesn't automatically guarantee you will be
able to receive it. Which, by the way, I think is deplorable.
Something to do with bigger fish buying up the items in such quantity
that the LHS can't get ANY, based on what I've heard. Have also heard
that by the time an ad appears in the model press and you tell your LHS
to order for you, the item is already sold out. What's that all about?!
I think there is something broke in the system!
Of course, I am one of those low-life "good enough" modelers, so
if a consist of freight cars in a train appear to be a boxcar, reefer,
gon, flat, etc., well that's good enough for me. That's what I see when
I look at the prototype passing by and that's all I need to see in my
modeling on the layout. Those of you who demand more are certainly
within your right to do so, but *you* pay the increased costs. Don't
stick the rest of us with the bill for your obsession.
If I wanted to start in the hobby today I think I would, at
best, have to think hard on it considering what it would end up costing
me. My basement filling layout might shrink to a room filling if not a
couple sheets of plywood filling layout, and I might just end up
deciding to heck with it. The point being it may be hurting the hobby
rather than bringing more people into it, at least those who want a
really large layout or nothing.
Of course, this is all just MY opinion, and that's all it is.
I'm sure many will disagree and that's fine. That's *your* opinion and
we're all allowed to have one.
'Nuff said.
--
"Paul (Kossart) - The CB&Q Guy"
Peru, IL *USA*
(Modeling 1960's in HO.)
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