QUOTE: Originally posted by MAbruce Many are quick to start arguing that MRR prices are keeping pace with inflation, introduction of new technology, more details, etc. Others will argue that things in the hobby are actually more expensive. Who is right? Time to take a big step back because I’m not sure the right question is being asked. Instead of asking if this hobby is being priced out of reach (which it may have always been), I wonder if the question should be “Is this hobby being priced to deal with its competition?” So if you argue that the increase in prices is in line with the general cost of things over the years, is that really good? I think not. I think that if this hobby is to survive and grow in the long term against its newer (and powerful) competition, it must at least win on low cost. A long while ago it was the advent of TV that people thought would fini***he hobby. Now its video games. Who knows what’s next? I don’t think any of these by themselves will finish us off, but they have each taken their toll. Sure the hobby has endured, and has even maybe grown a bit recently. But if you take a hard look at the overall history of MRR’ing, I’m sure you will see an overall decline. So do you think keeping prices in pace with inflation (at the least) will help?
QUOTE: Originally posted by selector "Other half-dozen locos"? I have exactly two (2), and they will remain my only two locos for quite some time (just did my income tax). I would love to have an early diesel (I'm in the transition era), and an all-metal K4. They will be my dream for a time to come, but the thoughts of ever having so many that I could contentedly leave a half-dozen sitting in a drawer are beyond me.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
"Being misunderstood is the fate of all true geniuses"
EXPERIMENTATION TO BRING INNOVATION
http://community.webshots.com/album/288541251nntnEK?start=588
QUOTE: Originally posted by AggroJones [The 'hobby' isn't 100% out of reach now. You just probably will not be able to afford modeling the era/equiptment you want or be able to have a layout anywhere near the size you would like.
QUOTE: Originally posted by whitman500 One point that no one seems to have raised on this thread is that the biggest cost increase in model railroading is actually the cost of housing which has skyrocketed in many parts of the country over the last several years. Ultimately, we all need space to build our layouts in and as I look at my own situation, affording a house with enough room for a layout is the biggest barrier. Living on the East Coast near a major city, you can't get anything for less than $500K that has a basement, family room or garage. Compared to that cost, the cost of buying actual modeling supplies is quite modest.
QUOTE: Considering that model railroading has generally been considered largely a blue collar hobby in the past, I do not see many of these sorts of folk purchasing houses in the urban East in the future.
QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock [ Really? When was model railroading considered a blue-collar sort of hobby?