The loss of local hobby shops is hurting the hobby.
.
Whether or not on line auctions are contributing to the loss of local hobby shop or not, I am not really sure.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I did not single out eBay as there are several other on-line auctions with model trains including both Sotheby's and Christies, although not as frequent as Stout, Maurer and of course...eBay.
For years I was against these auctions as I thought not only was time being robbed from working on the railroad, but spending well-earned dollars on items not really needed, but pursued due to the thrill of the auction....and of course coming out as the high bidder. I was also concerned about the future of the LHS...now mostly reduced to supplying staples, whereas the big ticket models are mostly being purchased on-line, be it auction or web site. Now smart LHS owners are going on-line and being competitive again rather than crying foul.
I could not go on being a critic of on-line auctions as I find myself also in the game.
I'd be interested in how you folks may feel how on-line activity and auctions are affecting our hobby. I'm just not sure now if it is positive or negative.
HZ