12-04-2011, 09:52 AM
One thing I've been reflecting on for a while is how MR and RMC at one time provided a central focus for the model railroading hobby as a community. To some extent, the editors probably built this up out of less than it actually was, but it was a product people consumed. The way MR in particular related the hobby to the war effort is reflective of that overall approach. I remember even in the early 1970s energy crisis, Linn Westcott had at least one similar editorial, pointing out that your average DC power pack didn't actually use much electricity, and anyhow, it also gave off heat!
Somehow, much of the hobby has lost this atmosphere, but then, the national culture has changed as well.
Somehow, much of the hobby has lost this atmosphere, but then, the national culture has changed as well.