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Where are we heading?

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Posted by riogrande5761 on Sunday, January 26, 2014 11:16 AM

It's kinda like some folks like to toss a rotten piece of meat into a pool of sharks and watch the frenzy. 

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

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Posted by NittanyLion on Sunday, January 26, 2014 11:23 AM

The cost-as-a-barrier-to-entry thing is hilarious to me.

Price out getting going with any hobby.


A couple years ago, I got hired at my first real grown up job (I was 29 at the time) and I decided I could finally afford more than one hobby.  I'd always wanted to play hockey so I started to get equipment.  I knew it was pretty expensive.  I never finished getting all my equipment together because it was even more expensive than I'd estimated and I'd significantly under estimated the cost of ice time.  In theory, you can reach a point where your layout is done and you have no additional expenses to reach a usable point.  You don't have constant costs that you are always being obligated to pay in order to keep going.  My brother shoots competitively.  His hobby requires him to pay for going to the range and pay for ammo.  He has no choice in that matter.  He has few one-time costs.  Model railroad has plenty of one time costs.  

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Posted by BRAKIE on Sunday, January 26, 2014 11:23 AM

Soo Line fan
Lets get ready to rumble

Sorry! You don't sound like Mike Buffer..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpFITa9eYoQ

 

LaughLaugh

 

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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Posted by richhotrain on Sunday, January 26, 2014 11:23 AM

Soo Line fan

Lets get ready to rumble...............Super Angry

DCC vs DC: Flat line or ride the wave.

LHS vs Online Shopping: I want to save a buck-No I want to save my LHS.

RTR vs Kit Built: So many choices, so much bickering.

Ebay: I just got ripped off, cheated, burned, screwed over, disrespected, violated, etc, etc, etc by (insert ebayer here).

State of the Hobby: It is dying, thriving or static.

It's the weekend!!!! Big Al, AKA Parker Legend, returns: Chapter 1,876

 

LaughLaughLaugh

Alton Junction

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Posted by tstage on Sunday, January 26, 2014 11:36 AM

richhotrain
Tom, which is better, DC or DCC?  Laugh

To the moon, Rich!...To the moon!

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by JoeinPA on Sunday, January 26, 2014 12:02 PM

Tom:

Loved the cartoon. I wonder how many of us remeber Jackie Gleason and the "Honeymooners".

Joe

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Posted by tstage on Sunday, January 26, 2014 12:08 PM

Yea, we're dying out, Joe.  (Doh! - Sorry!  I had to bring it up, didn't I?)...

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by richhotrain on Sunday, January 26, 2014 12:11 PM

JoeinPA

Tom:

Loved the cartoon. I wonder how many of us remeber Jackie Gleason and the "Honeymooners".

Joe

 

Probably everyone on this thread who thinks the hobby is dying.   Laugh

As for you Tom, one of these days, POW, right in the kisser!   Super Angry

Rich

 

Alton Junction

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Posted by rrebell on Sunday, January 26, 2014 12:59 PM

The hobby is fine and there are more serious hobbyist than ever before. We are shrinking as a percentage of population but the numbers of us keep going up. The hobby shop is pretty much dead in most parts of the country but then that is true of a lot of retail types. True I miss the hanging arround the hobby shop chats but I can chat online, not the same but what can you do. The products available are amazing now but how much have prices really gone up, if you are careful and patient, the hobby can be quite cheap, if you pay retail, quite expencive.

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Posted by Burlington Northern #24 on Sunday, January 26, 2014 1:21 PM

well at least this one didn't start off with bashing the young people, anywho the hobby is not dying. 

on any given day I'd take my trains over my xbox, in fact I'm gonna get one of those AMB GN cabeese kits so I have something to do. 

 

SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide 

Gary DuPrey

N scale model railroader 

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Posted by csxns on Sunday, January 26, 2014 1:26 PM

Soo Line fan
It's the weekend!!!! Big Al, AKA Parker Legend, returns: Chapter 1,876

Did he start this.

Russell

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Posted by ONR FAN on Sunday, January 26, 2014 1:30 PM
Just an observation. You long time forum members are constantly bringing up that threads like these cause grief on the forum. Sure they can but so far the posts have been informative. The only people complaining are the long time members who are on this forum everyday. Don't forget that not everyone has the time to be here everyday. I'm lucky if I have the time to surf the forum once every few weeks. Between running a business, the house, the wife and kids there really isn't much time left. Maybe easy up on the HERE WE GO AGAIN type posts? Not everyone was here the last time a thread like this was brought up.
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Posted by bigpianoguy on Sunday, January 26, 2014 1:45 PM

Well, my LHS just moved - into expanded quarters. So someone's buying this stuff! 

But to echo other comments - they also carry a lot of RC stuff and model airplane supplies, so I've got a steady source of scale basswood & balsa...

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Posted by rrebell on Sunday, January 26, 2014 1:46 PM

ONR FAN
Just an observation. You long time forum members are constantly bringing up that threads like these cause grief on the forum. Sure they can but so far the posts have been informative. The only people complaining are the long time members who are on this forum everyday. Don't forget that not everyone has the time to be here everyday. I'm lucky if I have the time to surf the forum once every few weeks. Between running a business, the house, the wife and kids there really isn't much time left. Maybe easy up on the HERE WE GO AGAIN type posts? Not everyone was here the last time a thread like this was brought up.
 

I am here alot! The reason some think the hobby is dying is there are a lot of people in the hobby that never say anything, in fact I am the only one I know of in person in the hobby that goes on the forums and that includes a few clubs. Used to be you would see people when they made purchaces at the hobby shop, but now you may never see them at all!!!!!!!!

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Posted by richhotrain on Sunday, January 26, 2014 1:53 PM

ONR FAN
Just an observation. You long time forum members are constantly bringing up that threads like these cause grief on the forum. Sure they can but so far the posts have been informative. The only people complaining are the long time members who are on this forum everyday. Don't forget that not everyone has the time to be here everyday. I'm lucky if I have the time to surf the forum once every few weeks. Between running a business, the house, the wife and kids there really isn't much time left. Maybe easy up on the HERE WE GO AGAIN type posts? Not everyone was here the last time a thread like this was brought up.
 

Now it sounds like you're complaining, newer member.   Zip it!

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by BRAKIE on Sunday, January 26, 2014 2:06 PM

richhotrain
Now it sounds like you're complaining, newer member. Rich

He may have a just complaint..

Is there any real need for "here we go again" type posts from the usual suspects?

The solution is simple..Don't like the topic? Move on to other topics..Seems easy enough to me.

Let MR moderators decide what is and what isn't necessary.

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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Posted by richg1998 on Sunday, January 26, 2014 2:10 PM

The hobby will continue to evolve. Might not be in the direction we want. Remember, change is a constant.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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Posted by richhotrain on Sunday, January 26, 2014 2:14 PM

BRAKIE

 

 
richhotrain
Now it sounds like you're complaining, newer member. Rich

 

He may have a just complaint..

Is there any real need for "here we go again" type posts from the usual suspects?

The solution is simple..Don't like the topic? Move on to other topics..Seems easy enough to me.

Let MR moderators decide what is and what isn't necessary.

 

Dunno.  Why not let someone say, Here we go again.  We do get the same issue repeatedly.  

Rich

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Posted by alco_fan on Sunday, January 26, 2014 2:18 PM

Poeple have been saying this hobby is dying since the slot car craze of the 1960s. So far all have been proven wrong. Dumb topic. Next.

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Posted by ONR FAN on Sunday, January 26, 2014 2:31 PM

richhotrain
 
BRAKIE

 

 
richhotrain
Now it sounds like you're complaining, newer member. Rich

 

He may have a just complaint..

Is there any real need for "here we go again" type posts from the usual suspects?

The solution is simple..Don't like the topic? Move on to other topics..Seems easy enough to me.

Let MR moderators decide what is and what isn't necessary.

 

 

 

Dunno.  Why not let someone say, Here we go again.  We do get the same issue repeatedly.  

Rich

 

Nope, I'm not complaining Rich.   I understand that yes the same type of topic gets brought up from time to time but like I said, not everyone lives on this forum like some of you guys do.  What might have been a hot or heated topic a month ago for you long time members wasn't for new members or members like myself that only visit a few times a month.  Thats all I'm saying.  Honestly, the way some of you guys respond to threads like this one turns off new members because its like we are getting spanked for bringing up a topic that you guys have already discussed a month or two ago.  Why do you guys care so much about old topics being brought up again? 

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Posted by Soo Line fan on Sunday, January 26, 2014 2:49 PM

csxns

 

 
Soo Line fan
It's the weekend!!!! Big Al, AKA Parker Legend, returns: Chapter 1,876

 

Did he start this.

 

 

No, I was referring to another individual who comes here and always manages to cause chaos. Not implying he is the op.

Jim

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Posted by richhotrain on Sunday, January 26, 2014 2:55 PM

Soo Line fan

 

 
csxns

 

 
Soo Line fan
It's the weekend!!!! Big Al, AKA Parker Legend, returns: Chapter 1,876

 

Did he start this.

 

 

 

 

No, I was referring to another individual who comes here and always manages to cause chaos. Not implying he is the op.

 

Jim, you must be talking about Frank.   Laugh

Rich

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Posted by Soo Line fan on Sunday, January 26, 2014 3:04 PM

Yep, he seems to be a magnet for trouble.

 

Just having some fun with you Frank  Smile, Wink & Grin Laugh Bow

Jim

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Posted by BRAKIE on Sunday, January 26, 2014 3:12 PM

richhotrain
 
BRAKIE

 

 
richhotrain
Now it sounds like you're complaining, newer member. Rich

 

He may have a just complaint..

Is there any real need for "here we go again" type posts from the usual suspects?

The solution is simple..Don't like the topic? Move on to other topics..Seems easy enough to me.

Let MR moderators decide what is and what isn't necessary.

 

 

 

Dunno.  Why not let someone say, Here we go again.  We do get the same issue repeatedly.  

Rich

 

Welll..Ok.

I guess you missed my reply when you stated the hobby was dying on page one..

That was just tooooo good to pass. Laugh

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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Posted by Tracklayer on Sunday, January 26, 2014 4:07 PM

HaroldA

A few days ago I got into a discussion about the future of model railroading.  There were several postions on the topic which ranged across a broad spectrum of opinion.  Now without revealing my take on the topic, I am interested in getting some feedback on what the forum thinks without getting into heated debate.  So my questions are, where are heading as a hobby? Are we healthy and growing or heading for life support? I would really like to hear what you think.

 

When I got into model railroading many years ago it wasn't because other people were into it but because I personally enjoyed it and had developed all of the crafts and skills that it takes to make it all work.

The hobby is dying way down from what it once was but that's because there's so much more variety in things to do today than there once was but there will still always be a few railroaders around even fifty years from now that will be fighting over the old engines and rolling stock on auction sites like ebay that we own and enjoy today that may no longer be made by then. Time will tell...

Tracklayer

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Posted by andrechapelon on Sunday, January 26, 2014 4:10 PM

Where are we heading?

If you're talking about the hobby, I don't know.

If you're talking about this thread, then here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfltikFvhWc

Andre

 

It's really kind of hard to support your local hobby shop when the nearest hobby shop that's worth the name is a 150 mile roundtrip.
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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Sunday, January 26, 2014 4:39 PM

Well, I only read a few of the responses, but I have long been of the opinion that the hobby of model railroading has evolved, splintered, diversified and expanded to the point that it really is not one hobby any more.

Maybe it never was, but it is even less so now.

And personally I only care about my version of it. I only have time for my version of it. 

That version includes building models, running trains, creating realistic looking scenery, simulating real railroad operations to some degree.

What the rest of you do, what you buy, how many young people get interested in it, what the manufacturers make next, is all of only passing interest to me. I have enough kits, and tools, and materials to keep me busy for quite a while yet. And I see no real shortages of any thing else I might need or want - so it's all good for me.

Sheldon

    

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Posted by mlehman on Sunday, January 26, 2014 4:52 PM

ONR FAN
Honestly, the way some of you guys respond to threads like this one turns off new members because its like we are getting spanked for bringing up a topic that you guys have already discussed a month or two ago. Why do you guys care so much about old topics being brought up again?

ONR FAN,

I don't care if you discuss it or not. Most of these I ignore, but sometimes I'll step in and say my peace. And it's kind of harsh, which i hope you don't mind, as it's nothing personal.

I do often wonder why this hobby seems to attract so many new folks who right off the bat start worrying if it's dying or it's just too darn expensive. I mean, pick a different hobby if you're worrried about it dying under you like an old and wheezy horse or if you've just started and your dreams are way bigger than your pocketbook.

It actually wouldn't be so bad if it happened just once a month, but it's probably more like one a week.Huh?

If it's because you're not around to notice, then it usually is a good idea to read into a forum on just about any issue before you start asking deep questions. You're joining a community, so assess what others have said and consider what you might say that's new and original. Because it really is about having at least some minimal respect for what's come before if you're new enough to need to worry about such things.

I will pass along one piece of advice that may help...Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither is a good layout. If it all seems overwhelming right now, cool your jets, buy what really matters and start planning. Even if you have the bucks, you can't buy it all at once -- and then you'd be like the 80 pound boa constrictor than ate the 200 pound sheep -- you'd be stuck for awhile anyway.

So what's that mean? If you're really wanting to go railroading, start at it now, little by little. Most of us could never afford our layouts if we worried about the total price. It might upset the spouse, to boot.Wink It's a long term endeavor, even if it's just a starter layout. Give it time. Your collection will grow. You'll eventually lay track, etc, etc.

Like everything really good in life, model railroading takes time and is not entirely defined by money. Education, marriage, a vlounteer commitment...all take time and effort. The money -- whether you're rich or poor -- should be somewhere further down that list of priorities. If it's not, rich or poor, you got into the hobby for the wrong reasons and should probably choose something else that suits you better.

Mike Lehman

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Posted by richhotrain on Sunday, January 26, 2014 5:10 PM

ONR FAN

Nope, I'm not complaining Rich.   I understand that yes the same type of topic gets brought up from time to time but like I said, not everyone lives on this forum like some of you guys do.  What might have been a hot or heated topic a month ago for you long time members wasn't for new members or members like myself that only visit a few times a month.  Thats all I'm saying.  Honestly, the way some of you guys respond to threads like this one turns off new members because its like we are getting spanked for bringing up a topic that you guys have already discussed a month or two ago.  Why do you guys care so much about old topics being brought up again? 

 

ONR, it is not, per se, that we object to bringing up a topic already discussed a month or two ago.  It is this specific topic, among a few others, that brings out the Here We Go Again replies.  It just comes up again and again and again.  And, you have been around here long enough yourself, so you know that.  

Be that as it may, the OP has every right to bring it up again and everyone else has the right to say, Here We Go Again.  So what?  Why object?  Why slam those of us who have been around long enough to see this topic come up again a dozen times?

Rich

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Posted by BRAKIE on Sunday, January 26, 2014 5:22 PM

mlehman
or if you've just started and your dreams are way bigger than your pocketbook.

Mike,I think a lot of modelers have champain taste with a beer pocketbook.

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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