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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by CNJ831 Over the past 10-15 years we have seen a progressive alteration in the way the hobby is constituted and as a result it is self destructing from both ends. Many of the newer hobbyists lack the time and skills always taken for granted by those who built layouts, structures, cars, and motive power in the past. The new hobbyist's cry is, "Give it all to me RTR!" In doing so the prices absolutely have to rise, often dramatically. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the manufacturers have realized that there is a small but moneyed fraction of hobbyists that will pay almost any price for their toys. The manufacturers have aimed limited runs of RTR items so as to sell them out immediately to these folks and maximize profits. Good for the company's bottom line but not for hobbyists. In doing so, they progressive force out those who can not afford the new ever higher prices...currently, or at least soon to be, the majority of today's model railroaders. This situation is, I'm afraid, very much hastening the ultimate demise of our hobby. CNJ831 [/quote]Once again, CNJ, you've hit a home run - you've summed up the situation perfectly. The manufacturers are increasingly catering to a small number of people with deep pockets who want the latest limited-run RTR thing NOW - while forgetting the average hobbyist. This may gain them large profits in the short term, but in the long run, it will not be healthy for the hobby if they continue to price people out of the market and shrink their customer base.
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