I think the flow of information in the hobby has its place in the lessons learned. Y'all that run these channels expose folks like me to all the different resources out there. Y'all also make it possible for folks like me who have limited resources to be able to spend the extra money on x, y, and z with confidence.
Interesting synopsis Paul...nothing to disagree with here. Over the years I've dabbled in a number of scales including N, HON30, ON30, HO and Lionel/o-gauge and have made a similar decision: Lionel is best under the Christmas tree and anything smaller than HO is either too small or too limited in availability to keep me happy. So the sweet spot for me is a "reasonably prototypical" shelf switcher in HO using DCC/Protothrottle. Boomer's videos are fun to watch but I'll never have his modelling skills so have learned to not take him too seriously LOL. I also have a number of Mindheim's books but found it's best just to skim them to glean some basic principles, then set them aside and go freelance. There's no perfect layout, it's just about having fun. Anyway, I just wanted to say that like your style and have learned a lot from you -- thanks!
Sounds like we are aligned. I loved my Lionel train layouts. Still have the trains packed away. And N was fun. But the sweet spot for all the new tech and options is definitely HO. That said, I understand why O gaugers love their hobby. For me Lionel are too expensive and take up way too much space. I’ll take em out if I’m ever blessed with grandkids! Thanks for the comments and for watching.
The impression that the hobby is getting older - even inasmuch as that may be supported by statistics - is a function of three things. Firstly, as you point out, the hobby is more and more expensive so it is older people who can afford it. Secondly, the older people are more visible in the era of social media, compared to 30 years ago when the age profile of the hobby was harder to judge. Thirdly, younger hobbyists have many other demands on their time so they give less time to model railroading and their infrequent engagement is reflected in the stats.
I didn’t say it’s getting older…the average age is just not getting younger. My sense from what data is available is that the average age has been in that late 50s-mid 60s for a very long time. Very good point about younger modelers not having as much time to show up in the stats. Doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not into the hobby. Just not on RUclips as much as old guys like me. Appreciate the comments and thanks for watching!
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I think the flow of information in the hobby has its place in the lessons learned. Y'all that run these channels expose folks like me to all the different resources out there. Y'all also make it possible for folks like me who have limited resources to be able to spend the extra money on x, y, and z with confidence.
Thanks for the comments. Means a lot if we are helping you in the hobby! Thanks for watching.
@HartfordWhaler Thanks for taking the time to do what you do!
Hi Paul & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Paul & Friends Randy
Thank you Randy!!
Interesting synopsis Paul...nothing to disagree with here. Over the years I've dabbled in a number of scales including N, HON30, ON30, HO and Lionel/o-gauge and have made a similar decision: Lionel is best under the Christmas tree and anything smaller than HO is either too small or too limited in availability to keep me happy. So the sweet spot for me is a "reasonably prototypical" shelf switcher in HO using DCC/Protothrottle. Boomer's videos are fun to watch but I'll never have his modelling skills so have learned to not take him too seriously LOL. I also have a number of Mindheim's books but found it's best just to skim them to glean some basic principles, then set them aside and go freelance. There's no perfect layout, it's just about having fun. Anyway, I just wanted to say that like your style and have learned a lot from you -- thanks!
Sounds like we are aligned. I loved my Lionel train layouts. Still have the trains packed away. And N was fun. But the sweet spot for all the new tech and options is definitely HO. That said, I understand why O gaugers love their hobby. For me Lionel are too expensive and take up way too much space. I’ll take em out if I’m ever blessed with grandkids! Thanks for the comments and for watching.
trying to figure out how to comment on this 🤷🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️…the facts are the facts 😊…
Looks like you figured it out!
The impression that the hobby is getting older - even inasmuch as that may be supported by statistics - is a function of three things. Firstly, as you point out, the hobby is more and more expensive so it is older people who can afford it. Secondly, the older people are more visible in the era of social media, compared to 30 years ago when the age profile of the hobby was harder to judge. Thirdly, younger hobbyists have many other demands on their time so they give less time to model railroading and their infrequent engagement is reflected in the stats.
I didn’t say it’s getting older…the average age is just not getting younger. My sense from what data is available is that the average age has been in that late 50s-mid 60s for a very long time. Very good point about younger modelers not having as much time to show up in the stats. Doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not into the hobby. Just not on RUclips as much as old guys like me. Appreciate the comments and thanks for watching!