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This is my first message posted on this site. I have wanted to address this for a long time, and hopefully some dialogue will take place on this subject. I am 39 and have been involved in Model Railroading since my Dad bought me my first HO train in 1969. Since then I have built numerous layouts and purchased many pieces of equipment. I know several of the model companies are pushing the World's Greatest Hobby theme to spark more interest in model railroading. But from what I am hearing from many other modelers, there isn't a lack of interest in the hobby, just a lack of money to purchase what you want to be actively involved in having your own layout. For example, a basic Athearn powered Engine now costs around $60. A freight car costs around $15. A 3' piece of Flex track costs $3.89. Who can afford this? When considering the value of one's entertainment dollar, why would you get involved in this hobby when there are so many other less expensive alternatives? Sure, you can go to some hobby store and purchase an oval all in one boxed set for about $50. But that gets boring rather quickly. Yes, you can add things over time, but let's face it...we all want something large and realistic rather than watch a train go round and round in a circle. In order for one to accomplish an average layout big enough for realism you would have to live to be 150 so you would have the time to purchase what you want. For example, if you want to buy track for a double track mainline to run around a basement in an area that is 20'X20', the track alone (without switches, etc) is going to cost around $200. Then to add a freight yard, engine terminal, etc... Again, I think model railroading is the world's greatest hobby. But myself and alot of other people have concluded it is just to expensive to actively engage in it anymore. Going out trackside with a camera or riding Amtrak is cheaper.
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