I was just thinking about how exciting it is to be a model railroader right now. Anyone who has been in the hobby over 40 years like myself, or even ten for that matter, can testify to the great advancements in the quality and technology of what we enjoy. Heck, I couldn’t even type this message several years ago, or at least have a large number of people able to read it and respond if they choose. And I find this forum is one of the best sources of information regarding the hobby that I know.
I look at the difference in the quality of locomotives, rolling stock, track, power equipment, structures, etc. over the years. Compare my first loco, an Athearn C&O F7 that I purchased in the mid 1960s to the Genesis F7 I bought a year ago. What an improvement. Also, we now have a enormously greater selection from which to choose. I remember the combination of brass track and composite pick-up wheels on engines made for a sparky, jittery show, that often stopped short.
Yes, I pay a lot more for these products than I used to (even in 1960s and 70s dollars); but to me, it is well worth the money…just a comment.
Yes, the hobby sure has come a long way in the past 50 years. I got started in the early 1970’s and have been back stronger than ever before. Many, many options available today!
It’s interesting that you would post this topic. Having the winning bid on E-Bay, todays mail brought an Intermountain “Railbox” with the early logo. I was just sitting here looking at it, and thinking how beautifully detailed it was, with see thru stands, crisp lettering, etc. All the time thinking about what was available in the fifties and early sixties. Yes, today’s products might cost more, but they are sure worth it.