I have noticed many threads lately posting what I consider the premature demise of the hobby. I believe it is not dieing but changing and in many cases improving. I would like to hear from other modelers about the way the hobby is improving some suggestions on what might be done better. Please limit your comments to issues of :
craftmanship,
welcome novelty
advances in technology
advances in details
advances in community (How we are inviting and opening the door to potential modelers)
improvements you would like to see
If you do not have something positive to say please move on . THANK YOU AND LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL OF YOUR GREAT SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS ! [C):-)]
I built my last layout as a teenager, then discovered the usual stuff - cars and girls, and finally returned to the hobby as I approach retirement. So, the changes I’ve seen have all appeared very suddenly to me. It’s easy to see why I enjoy it now more than ever.
The locomotives are better, both in detail level and in smooth running. I went with DCC almost from the start this time around, and found that it brought back the fun I had as a kid. With my first sound engine, I re-activated all those long-dormant neural tracks that had been growing weeds ever since I packed up my original Lionels and switched to HO.
Availability is another big improvement. With the Internet, I can research all kinds of rolling stock, structures and detail parts. I can find them on line and have them appear at my door with a few keystrokes, either directly or through my LHS with a simple e-mail.
My timeline includes horn-hook couplers. I don’t think the change to Kadees needs any further explanation.
And then, there’s me. I have a good job, and I can buy what I want, when I want it, within reason. I don’t have to save my meager allowance all summer to buy that Tru-Line MOW train, or the Vollmer flood loader like I did back in the 60s.
Wireless DCC - I love it. Finally, the walk around control I have long wanted.
Plastics technology has improved giving the manufacturers the capability to produce better looking models/parts.
Internet has made research and information sharing very easy.
S scale has lots of models now - in the 70’s it was on the ropes.
The next major advance will be on demand models. The manufacturer does all the prep work in whatever scale he favors, but the manufacturing equipment produces the model/kit in whatever scale the buyer desires, but only when he orders it. There is some technology along this line, but it needs advances and cheaper costs.
Another nice advance would be wireless electricity on a commercial basis - no more wiring.
Every hobby DG/BB/forum has threads about their hobby dying. It’s getting really old.
Hobbies aren’t dying. They’re changing and evolving, but not dying. If I had a nickel for every thread started on all the web forums about whatever hobby is dying I’d be able to pay off the national debt.
Changing for the better? I would say that computer interfacing with DCC is a big part of it. Also being able to use your smart phone as a throttle. These two advances alone are not only advances but also selling points to bring new people in. Model Railroading isn’t stagnant but is moving forward hand in hand with technology, which can be really attractive to new people.
Craftsmanship - In this age of ‘RTR’, I still see lots of great scratchbuilt/kit-bashed models at shows. Someone still wants to ‘build’ stuff.
Welcome Novelty - Not sure where you are going with this one.
Advances in Technology - DCC/Computer Interface come to mind. But better drives in the engines, n/s wheels/all rail pickup make the new models run much better. And ‘Sound’ really has come of age.
Advances in Details - When P2K brought out their engines in the late 90’s with super paint jobs, it made it very easy to build up a correct roster. Now the ‘super’ freight cars are available as well. We just have to decide if a $30 RTR car is important to each of us.
Advances in Community - The Internet/Email/Cell Phones have changed they way we communicate. This is a fact of life - use them to attract new folks.
Improvements I want to see - Not sure, but I will go for the ‘ride’ with what-ever happens.
Myself, I still like to ‘build’ models. But I also use flex-track/commercial turnouts as I do not feel I need to ‘prove’ my skills. We each need to weigh what is important in this hobby for us. I have ‘scratch-built’ several depots because there was nothing commercially available. Most of my freight cars are painted/lettered/weathered by myself - good ‘layout quality’ models for operating/running. I buy ‘RTR’ freight cars when they are basically ‘correct’ - one less thing to have to paint. What I do miss is some of the decals - some of the cars I have could not be built now as the correct lettering is not available any more.
One of the things I really appreciate about model building today is the ability to make my own decals using computer grahics. All the other technical advancements are great, too.
An advancement that I’m looking forward to is DCC controlled couplers. I think it is already available but the cost is pretty steep. DCC actuated brakes for rolling stock would be nice, too (to keep spotted cars in place on inclines).
As usual, Mr. B has spoken for me as well. I started out with a Model Power F7 (SF Warbonnet scheme ). It had two speeds, fast enough to run it off the track and stopped. Oh, well, guess what I did most as a kid??? You know the rest of the story.
Well, it is changing, just like any other aspect of life. Whether this change is to the better or to worse is finally a matter of personal view. For me, the change is to the better.
Some reasons for my view:
My Kato N scale D51 498 Mikado has more and finer detail than those IHC or Rivarossi HO steamers of the 1960´s and 70´s.
It is a much smoother runner than most HO locos from that period.
Availability of kits, parts for scratchbuilding and R-R-R equipment has improved dramatically.
World-wide sourcing is no issue at all in these days.
Pricing has become very competitive.
The social side of our hobby has seen a step-up improvement through the Internet and forums like this one.
I have to admit that I have a very global view on this issue. I am not only looking into the US side of this hobby. 25 years ago, modeling any other prototype other than European required a fortune as you had to rely on only a handful of importers, carrying a very limited range of products. I can now order from any place in the world, look for bargains, compare prices and select the best source. For me the only way to stay in the hobby - I model Japanese prototype, as it is much, much cheaper than modeling European prototype.
Definitely the internet. I have been able to find all kinds of information on scenery, design, track laying, best buys, what to avoid, etc. without buying every book at the train store. I have particularly been impressed by the use of styrene foam for lightweight, realistic rockwork and scenery. Also, information on making realistic trees from commonly available materials. The artistry of building a layout is as interesting as the operation once completed.
I agree with many of the comments posted throughout here. I believe the internet has greatly improved the hobby. From research , ordering, community- like this forum…communication in clubs etc…
Compare today’s models with those of 20 years ago.
Then you judge.
As far as the other things you mention…That would fall under the way one chooses to model.
I care very little about DCC/Sound and computer interface but,many likes it…
I still like the old modeling ways but, embrace RTR and modern ISL designs…I built enough car kits over the years plus a few locomotive kits that I no longer care about building 'em.
I have much the same sentiment about kits. I’ve built many, loved the experience and for the most part still wish kits to be common, as they are fun to build.
I do agree about DCC and sound as though I love them, I’d like to be able to buy models without the added electronics as, speaking for myself, I hardly run my models and feel the extra expense is hard to justify though I have.
I have much the same sentiment about kits. I’ve built many, loved the experience and for the most part still wish kits to be common, as they are fun to build. OTOH, the RTR models available now are usually quite awesome.
I do agree about DCC and sound as though I love them, I’d like to be able to buy models without the added electronics as, speaking for myself, I hardly run my models and feel the extra expense is hard to justify though I have.
