Large Scale Central

Things Sure Change - An Obervation

General Discussion
#1

Cleaning up my stuff after moving I ran across some Garden Railways, so I took a few minutes and opened up an older one (Oct. 2008). Things sure have changed since then. First page was a full page Aristocraft ad. Bachmann had a full page ad on 1:20.3 cars. Smaller outfits like Bronson & Tate, Garden Metal Models and Barry’s Big Trains made an apperance. There is a ELEVEN PAGE ad from St. Aubins. There is even an article in this issue titled Corporate Identity for Garden Railroads, authored my Marty Cozad. I don’t have my last one around, but this edition was 114 pages, which I’m sure is much greater than the newest.

Chris

#2

Hey Chris I just fid the same thing, all of my old issues are from 2000-2003 the more recent ones are in the 40pg range, I believe, these oldies are 110+. I think the 20th Anniversary issue has 200+ pages! Still sad to think St. Aubins is no longer.

#3

I had an obervation once but I vaguely remember it

#4

Welcome Michael

#5

" Rooster " said:

I had an obervation once but I vaguely remember it

If you can remember having one, then it must have happened yesterday.

#6

Double Post

#7

Chris Kieffer said:

" Rooster " said:

I had an obervation once but I vaguely remember it

If you can remember having one, then it must have happened yesterday.

Nope yesterday was my birthday, turned 29 and don’t remember having one ¿

#8

Last June I was given a number of these magazines as I stared the process of determining the suitability of this hobby for myself. They were all older issues. I found a current issue on the newsstand and was bummed to see how many suppliers just were not around anymore. This is a concern for me going forward. Is this a hobby that is on its last legs? Will I get half way finished and be left with supply and/or selection issues? That would be some really bad luck and I wonder if I came into this 20 years too late?

Bart

#9

Bart Busse said:

Last June I was given a number of these magazines as I stared the process of determining the suitability of this hobby for myself. They were all older issues. I found a current issue on the newsstand and was bummed to see how many suppliers just were not around anymore. This is a concern for me going forward. Is this a hobby that is on its last legs? Will I get half way finished and be left with supply and/or selection issues? That would be some really bad luck and I wonder if I came into this 20 years too late?

Bart

I think you’re more than just fine, Bart…the secondary market is thriving; why, I’ll bet there isn’t hardly anyone on this forum who doesn’t have twice as much stuff as he or she needs or runs. (Not to mention the ones retiring from the hobby and the estates.) Whatever you want, you put out a call and you’ll find it.

One day I talked to a gal at St Aubins and asked her about how much money folks spent on g-scale trains there; she told me she had customers who spent sixty- seventy- THOUSAND dollars a year. A lot of that stuff is showing up in markets.

Actually, your biggest concern down the road may be whether or not you ever get “half way finished.” Hell, I wish I were half way finished!

#10

" Rooster " said:

Chris Kieffer said:

" Rooster " said:

I had an obervation once but I vaguely remember it

If you can remember having one, then it must have happened yesterday.

Nope yesterday was my birthday, turned 29 and don’t remember having one ¿

Happy Birthday! Which Anniversary of your 29th birthday was this? Hmmm?

#11

@BartBusse^

I thought the same when I really began getting into the large scale scene. I was collecting LGB track when available to me and then being told that LGB was going to be no more. I viewed it as a challenge, per-say, I was able to put together a definite list of items I wanted and now really really enjoy tracking some of these items down.

The secondary market is a great way to find and fund the hobby! Have fun and keep searching for those bits and pieces.

#12

Actually, the “heyday” was in the mid to late 90’s. Glad I got in then!

#13

Things have changed. I remember from older issues of GR when Trainword was clearing out Bachmann Heislers for $300. today they go for $400 and up for used. There are plenty more examples, track being the biggest when the spike in demand for brass doubled the prices overnight.

The preowned market is the great saviour and for me it made my RR possible with over 90% of my stuff being bought cheap from auction sites, train shows and the occasional yard sale or local craigslist ad.

Track can be a tough thing to make on your own and a train needs it to go somewhere but given a pair of powered trucks, and imagination and skill you can make your own engine and with a pair of trucks you can make your own rolling stock.

I wouldn’t worry about the future of garden railroading as a hobby but one might need to get creative.

#14

I don’t really think researching and finding the little treasures is my cup of tea though. I may want to buy some used rolling stock here and there, but generally I just want to go online and buy what I want to buy and, more importantly, feel the support will remain for a good number of years to come. That’s all a concern for me.

Bart

Michael Thoreson said:
@BartBusse^ I thought the same when I really began getting into the large scale scene. I was collecting LGB track when available to me and then being told that LGB was going to be no more. I viewed it as a challenge, per-say, I was able to put together a definite list of items I wanted and now really really enjoy tracking some of these items down. The secondary market is a great way to find and fund the hobby! Have fun and keep searching for those bits and pieces.

#15

I can completely agree with that. I think the majority of modelers prefer to purchase exactly as you put it. I tend to lean toward hunting which makes me think how I should have worded my last a bit different to include the more broad group of people, by saying ‘the hunt can be an enjoyable aspect of our hobby, if youre into it.’

Unfortunately there is alot of concern about where the hobby of model railroading is headded, so many retailers are gone and others are still there being manufactured under a parent company. Creativity is the best route when the things youre looking for are not available.

#16

Let’s say USA Trains is gone tomorrow. That would be an instant deal breaker for me since most of the engines and rolling stock I want they are the only people who have it. Is there another source for a CP Rail GP38-2 besides them? I’m not even close to buying one, but that’s what I want for a modern loco. Still want some kind of electric steam too but again, not there yet. Hoping things are still there when I am.

Bart

#17

If they were gone tomorrow, the used market and spare parts will support you fine. Many many people ONLY buy used!

Greg

#18

Lets say if we sit here on the internet and debate it all day long by the time were done debating it we might all be dead anyway and you can’t purchase and play with model trains if your dead?

#19

I’m somewhat shy to used for the power units. Ok with rolling stock. Have experience with neither so may be an unjustified fear.

Bart

Greg Elmassian said:

If they were gone tomorrow, the used market and spare parts will support you fine. Many many people ONLY buy used!

Greg

#20

True of course. I’m a year away from any kind of purchase and year one will be a loop on my patio. Hoping things do not go downhill in that year of research and drafting a long term plan. When I get organized enough to post some photos and ideas for my space you may all think I’m better off with Z scale!

Bart

" Rooster " said:

Lets say if we sit here on the internet and debate it all day long by the time were done debating it we might all be dead anyway and you can’t purchase and play with model trains if your dead?