Join the discussion on the following article:
Roundhouse episode 9 with Steve Haynes
Another fantastic video, but I’m the exception to prove the rule. I live in the UK but model Norfolk Southern (modern) in HO simply because I see too many UP & ATSF layouts etc. at shows. I also model German HO but choose the Deutsche Reichbahn (East) over Deutsche Bundesbahn (West).
As an added reason that the hobby remains compelling, I would argue that it serves an inherent need to control and define a corner of the world. In a society in which actions and decisions seem forever constrained by work, family, or government, the model railroad layout provides escape and the opportunity to create an idealized world in every detail from terrain to positions of figures–on our own. This power is so profound that in some it causes decision paralysis, hence an unfinished layout. The challenge is to imagine the satisfaction of creating one’s own ideal in a few square feet, and then execute on it and achieve that peace.
I’m from Luxembourg/Europe and I model the American west, because
- I’m member of the FREMO. The theme of the FREMO modules is the west, and
- Because the scenery is different. The east has nearly the same scenery as in Europe, and I want to make something different.
If you ask an European modeler to enumerate a few US railways, the answer is surely the Santa Fe, Union Pacific and Rio Grande, and all these railways are associated with the American west
The demise of the hobby has been greatly exaggerated in the forums. Mole people stuck in there basement without any data tend to pull a chicken little. 
Ask any manufacturer about the “decline” and you will find a much different answer. A parallel reason the hobby remains compelling is how strong the Class I railroads are today, their role into advertising, and reinventing themselves. When were the railroads ever this strong since the 1940s and “transition era”? Double tracking Cajon, moth balled rail lines being reborn for freight or passenger usage. It is a VERY interesting time for American railroads. Such that I’m sure has helped stir interest into the hobby itself.
I have read about the demise of the hobby lately as well, and I do not see it. Yeah there are some differences. You hear people complain that there is too many pre orders or limited runs vs. always available. Blue box vs. ready to run and costs. And the demise of the hobby shop. Limited runs give mfg’s better feel for the marketplace. Why over produce if you are not going to sell them. Sure blue box was nice and cheap, and some of the other companies are definitely not, but many companies have lesser expensive models available (Athearn RTR, Atlas Tainman, Walthers Mainline, ect). And they come with metal wheels, kadee couplers, and are arguably better looking. The only real point I actually believe and miss is the local hobby shop, but I can tell you with over 10 years of retail management experience, the internet has effected everyone. Even Wal-mart has to change with the times. Unfortunately we do not help the situation by trying to find the best deal online vs. the LHS. Oh their prices are too high, well that is the price you have to pay to keep them around. Some have survived by adaptability and great customer bases. There are almost no music stores around anymore (although I did see a CD Warehouse in Grapevine Mills Mall over the weekend), yet musicians are still making music, and you get to hear them in different formats now.
I guess I’m one of those modellers who models where they grew up, but I’m transporting myself 110 years back in time! Vaguely familiar, but nothing like it was when I was growing up. And as a twist, I live in the American southwest, but am modeling the northeast!
As for the demise? I think things are cyclical. I modeled when I was younger and with less responsibilities and came back to it just a year ago as I was looking for a hobby that wasn’t staring at computer screens. While many familiar and favorite companies didn’t make it through the economic downturn, I have been amazed at the diversity of products available now, not to mention how detailed they are right out of the box!
As always the future of the hobby is in today’s youth. I make sure to pass on every issue of Model Railroader to a friend’s young sons as soon as I am finished with it.
Direct customer interaction? Would be a great technique for Congress and Parliament to take on. The American West? Great landscape, big, fast trains, international railroad interaction (not modeled greatly unfortunately). In fact, have never seen a model railroad with a international “port of entry”. Keep these discussions comping.
I am still having trouble watching MR Video Plus, and am wondering if you have a “mirror site”, as an alternative.(Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine has such an alternative, and it is very useful when I have a problem such as occurring on this site.)
I am downloading @ + 5 Mb/s. I don’t have any problem on the MR home page site, only on the HD site.
The episode, Roundhouse Ep 9 with Steve Hayes took about 40 minutes to watch. The cacheing is extremely slow,and it was still fragmented.
I don’t seem to have this problem with any other sites I visit.
I can put up with it but it very annoying.
Any comments please ?
I think people model the WEstern states too because of the scenery. Beautiful scenery out there.
I think there should be a consortium between MR, the large and smalls railroad PR departments, and local railroad museums to develop programs for kids. In Spain were I often travel, the Delicias Station in Madrid, old station no longer being used, has exhibits of old railroad cars and steam locomotives and the second floor is reserved for model railroad clubs. Meets and bazaars are held each month which have a very high attendance draw. You can have snacks next to Orient Express dining car too!! Kids love it…