ISLs ..Coming Of Age?

[nachoman]

I posted earlier that I thought trackplans have changed due to the advent of walkaround throttles - from a "table top" to an "around the walls". I think that an "around the walls" concept was less feasible with a stationary throttle. Likewise, perhaps ISLs have become more popular because of DCC and sound? It is relatively easy to wire and control a large mainline layout for DC cab control, but wit a switching layout and multiple locomotives, designing the "blocks" and throwing switches all the time could be a pain for more than one operator. Another advantage of DCC on smaller switching layouts: Sound. If the layout is smaller, one can hear the sound better, and can make use of all the "other" sounds that one does not hear when mainline running. I wonder if DCC has made switching layouts simply more appealing.

Cost probably has something to do with it, but I would venture hobby time is more important. People fill up the leisure days with tons of activities now. I don't see where people have less room than before, since house size has gone up and family size has gone down.