02-23-2012, 11:44 PM
Green_Elite_Cab Wrote:..... There is plenty of interest in niche history, but there is a LOT of niche history, and railroads don't necessarily make a large (or popular) part of that history.
I agree, and I think that the hobby may be at it's high-water mark right now, if it isn't already starting to fade. The advent of DCC and the internet brought a flood of renewed interest from both outside and within the hobby, but I don't see it being sustainable. Most of us who are already firmly established within our particular niche will likely persevere, as will some of the newcomers who have recognised the depth of skills and interests engendered by this hobby, but I think that there's a large group which will simply lose interest. The rush of instant gratification fades soon enough, and for many, whose most diligent participation in the hobby is flashing a credit card, other pleasures will beckon soon enough. I thank them for lighting a fire under the manufacturers, who've responded by offering so many great products recently, but when that group leaves, so will the industry's interest.
Leaving with that group will be those who were attracted, like moths to a flame, by, quite literally, the bells and whistles, along with today's version of the baggage handler tossing milk cans from the reefer or the giraffe ducking for the tunnel. How long can that hold ones attention, especially if that was the initial reason for the attraction? Certainly a few will stay, like hamsters on that wheel, but there are newer gadgets, far removed from trains, to draw the eye.
And, of course, those of us who stay will thin out, too, as we all must. I don't think that the hobby will die, but I do think that it will shrink severely in the coming years. Those of you who stay will be involved enough to pass on the skills which will keep this hobby going, albeit on a much smaller scale. This is the medium that will allow you to do so.
Wayne