Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
From: (Dave)fajoyce@bellsouth.net <br /> I don't know if they'll be any money spent this year; it depends on my health and interest. Last year I spent about a thousand including magazine subscriptions, etc., and I really don't have a lot to show for that amount. I started as a railfan probably near birth, but being more reasonable, it was probably about 5 years old. That's when I also got into model railroading. That hobby/passion continued unabated for 35 years, or Sept. 1987, <br />when I went out to my "Dream Layout" (15x25 feet with 36 " curves, etc..), and looked at it, and said, "Is this all there is?" I found another hobby (antique cars), which sustained me for 13-14 years. This last year I wanted to get back into Model Railroading, But was shocked at the prices now being charged, for even the simplest items, and boy was I shocked to see my favorite (Athearn) selling in the $150.-$200. range! How does anybody expect the youth of today to even consider this hobby! I know that things in perspective may have seemed expensive years ago, but not to this level! I personally feel that the manufacturers are out of control with their pricing. It wasn't that long ago that Atlas was the most expensive, except brass, and they were retailing for the formidable sum of $35- $40.. Athearn was always a good quality buy in the $15.-$25. range. I want kits to build, not ready to run, I passed that when I was 8 years old! If the prices don't come down to a more realistic level, I'll sell what I've bought so far, and look elsewhere for my interests. If things don't change, and the greed is allowed to continue, then I guess we'll be the last generation of model railroaders. As you remember, when the coffee and gas prices were artificially inflated, they stayed there, and are still high today. I think all modellers should voice their concerns and fears of these ridiculous price hikes. If Irv Athearn new his line was no longer in the financial reach of most new modellers, and some older ones, he'd certainly protest. He'd roll over in his grave if he knew that that his base unit, the F-7, with a little bit of detail, was selling in the $200.00 range!!!! Enough is enough, and I think Model Railroader Magazine needs to get involved here, or otherwise, there won't be any need for a 100th anniversary issue, if not sooner. Contact me if you agree!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community