Tom, Fred and others,
This discussion has been tossed around quite a bit as to why interest in
MRing is dying. I was a kid in the hay day of the 'train set' era like
lot's of us. In the 60's HO was having it's big run to the top even
though their couplers and rubber band drives were hardly desirable. I
believe it was the 3 magazines (Model Trains, RMC and MR) that brought
the hobby to me.
Fast forward to the present and we have a dozen magazines with a
total circulation that must be greater than the original three (even
with a great deal of overlap); we have train shows all over, all the
time, which I don't think was the norm back in the 60's.
Additionally, my area of the world (Houston) has three train only
stores and another 5 that are about half trains. We must have 10-15
clubs with modular layouts that will display at the drop of $20 in any
mall or event. Remember our area is also layout room impaired (no cool
attics, or basements) but the November tours had 70 layouts open!
I wonder if we are not saturating the public to a large degree--the
stuff is all over the place, why should they go through the trouble of
building a layout when they can 'just go look' anytime. Our hobby to
the general public is like a museum--something to see and admire but not
to build unless your a real 'train nut'!
Bob Werre
Thomas Baker wrote:
>Fred's comment reminds me that model railroading is an art form. Its fullest
>representation is in a completed, operating layout. Constructing a
>prototypical car with adequate detail, making buildings, and creating scenery
>are all parts of the whole. Those who have brought this off successfully
>probably never thought of themselves as artists, but they are. They are also
>craftsmen, but craftsmanship is part of the art. Just take one look at Ed's
>NYC layout, a group project or one built with help as I understand, but
>nonetheless a work of art. Many others visited at conventions and the like
>are also representative. A dying breed perhaps but not going gentle into that
>good night.
>
>One wonders what the teenagers of today will have to represent their
>interests, a video game collection, Grand Theft Auto?
>
>Tom
>
>
>Regarding the comment that model railroaders are dying faster than they're
>being created, there's no doubt it's true. Which in fact makes us much more
>than hobbyists--we are very important people, not just in our own circle, but
>to
>society as a whole, as we are truly the keepers of the flame when it comes to
>an important segment of history. Let's not shirk our responsibility.
>
>Fred Tolhurst
>
>Maryville, TN
>
>
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