NP2626 Please, if you think I need some type of lecture on economics, consider that for 31 years I had been self employed. So, I'm pretty sure I've got a good grasp on how things work in the real world.
Please, if you think I need some type of lecture on economics, consider that for 31 years I had been self employed. So, I'm pretty sure I've got a good grasp on how things work in the real world.
Is it time for one of these threads already?
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
I left this hobby to return to building and flying R/C model airplanes in 2005. My interest in Model Railroading didn't cease, it just went dormant for a few years. I came back to the hobby around the end of last year. I have been very dismayed by how expensive this hobby has gotten in the 7 or so years since I set it aside. At the time I left it, it was shortly after Horizon Hobbies had bought out Athearn and MDC Roundhouse and I understood that this change was going to change their equipment to RTR. However, Horizon/Athearn still advertised that kits would remain available. If this was true, it had to have been only during the time I was away.
My critique of this hobby has more to do with what happened than just with Athearn/MDC. Across the board everything has gotten considerably higher priced! At the beginning of 2009, I was laid off from my job, like many people at that time. For a year and a month I worked diligently at trying to find work and eventually I was called back to my previous employer at the same time as my wife lost her job! So, my buying power (like for so many other people) has taken a real nose dive! Simply put, I can't afford $200.00 locomotives! I'm O.K., I guess as I have a good selection of locomotives, still I really enjoyed building them and there really isn't any kits for locos anymore!
I'm glad it appears the majority of Model Rails seem fine with $200.00-$400.00 locomotives! But, it seems that now when I'm getting close to retirement and could really devote time to this hobby, it is pricing itself out of my price range!
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/