"The hobby can be so negative" "people are so mean to me" says the youtuber. The youtuber then goes full doomer at the drop of a hat. Which of course isn't negative. Hattons shutting no great loss. Their particular brand of stack em high sell em cheap amazon style shopping experience destroyed so so many smaller model shops, they were a huge part of why models became harder to find locally. You might say they contributed towards the very "death of the hobby" thing these same youtubers are in full panic mode about. The price has always been high for nice things, the people with money like buying nonsense things, model railways are nonsense things. The hobby will always have an audience and customer base. If you want it, you save you work hard. Always had to. The entitled attitude of many is a huge drag on the atmosphere of the hobby.
@digbymodelrailway2929 people who don't use much ready to run stuff face issues of the one man shows that make products actually dying and leading to supply issues because dead men can't cast parts or order etches. Yet they somehow manage to be infinitely less dramatic about it than people are when one retailer out of thousands closes it's doors 😅 Makes you think.
I was at a Rapido Q&A last year and someone brought this up and they guys went "We're gonna stop you right there. It's not dying, it's going through a transition and it always will." Not another peep about the subject was brought up for the rest of the night.
It's important to view things from the outside. As a model ship enthusiast, we haven't had any new large plastic sailing ship kits in 30 years in the UK and the hobby is still going strong. The main manufacturers are mostly just re-releasing things from the 50s-70s and we've complained for decades about the quality but it's still going. So it'll take a lot to end model railways, which relatively compared to most hobbies- has a lot of innovation and value.
I'm glad you mentioned TT:120 - it brought me back to British outline modelling. I'm a massive fan of the scale and think Hornby are doing a really good job with it.
Ill Be honest about this. The prices and inflation, the quality of model trains and just bad marketing is what's ending them. But there are good models out there and always improving new ones every day.
@@Matts_Creations the price of the models isn't that bad in real terms, price of other things in life is an issue but this is hardly the fault or responsibility of model companies and impacts them as well. The quality, about were it's always been, the new players all have issues, the fidelity of detail is up that is one aspect of quality the rest is about where it ever was. The 'golden age' of Margate is a myth, the product back then was just as flawed and assembly just as hit and miss. We have a very short memory and a skewed view of it because we see some things from back the still working now and think "they were made to last" when the majority of them ended up in the bin or cannibalised to keep others going. It's a nonsense cooked up to attract viewers to people's media output and fund their lives.
"a brand new scale in TT120" Except it's not a new scale, but rather a revival of the old TT scale that was first created in 1945, and died in the mid 60s due to N scale overtaking it. Seeing as Hornby is literally the only manufacturer of TT scale products at the moment and literally everyone else who tried to jump in basically backed out not long after in favor of sticking to established scales, I don't see TT lasting.
@@drewsmodelrailwayworld4856 Correct (although I believe that many people use TT 120 on the continent, for continental prototypes). There are people who scratch-build models in 3mm to the foot scale, but I understand they tend to use a different gauge.
@@drewsmodelrailwayworld4856 Triang didn't invent TT, the scale was first created by H. P. Products in 1945 and was defined as 1:120. Triang's "TT" scale, or 3mm scale as it's referred to outside the UK, is similar to UK N in that it's upscaled compared to international standards in order to be able to fit running gear inside models of equipment built to a smaller loading gauge (this is also the same reason why OO scale exists, even though HO is more closely proportioned). Hornby's TT120 scale is a revival of the original H. P. Products version of TT scale, not Triang's version.
TT120 was perfect for us to start in the hobby as it's a lovely size and was cheaper. We got two sets and a load of track to build our first layout, but the price is now up to OO so... Idk how much we will be able to get.
@@Benjamin.Jamin. It's disheartening, the same with me in OO, however, keep your eye out for manufacturers (sadly only Hornby atm, or Tillig?), and retailers for discounts, or sales for overstocks, particular liveries etc., also should see growth in the pre-owned market going forward. ...Drew
Problem is for me is still the price, I've moved from British to Japanese modelling, recently bought a Kato Kiha 110 2 car DMU brand new from a Japanese model shop for about £35 (about the RRP) Or a Graham Farish 158 for at least £210... very similar detail and running characteristics.
I've done the same. 4 car, detailed units for under £100... Sign me up! I understand though that the Japanese companies have a much higher demand and manufacture in greater numbers.
When I was a kid I had a huge layout, in a dedicated room in the pub we lived in. A depot, a big station, gradients and a girder bridge going across the back. I had models ranging from Thomas to high end Hornby stuff that broke as soon as it went around a corner. I even had an entirely separate Tomy Thomas layout on the floor underneath. I was *obsessed.* Now, though, I feel like if I had absolutely nothing, no layout, no models, no cabinets, nothing - I wouldn't want any. I simply don't see the point in investing in models now. Probably because I sit at my PC, and am able to drive a realistic Large Prairie along an 8 mile heritage railway with 5 Mk1s, with realistic sounds, particles, and toggleable lamps and train reporting numbers, in Train Simulator, for less than it would cost just to buy a model of the Prairie on its own. It's just not cost effective. A good PC with Train Simulator or Train Sim World if you're so inclined is simply cheaper and more efficient to build a collection for than spending thousands and thousands of pounds on a board, cork, track, scenery, people, buildings, vehicles, sheds, platforms, pins, paint, engines and coaches that vary wildly in quality based on manufacturer and age, lamps/discs and tail lamps to put on them, glue to put them on with, and finding space to put it all which is dependent entirely on where you live, only to have to rip it all back up again when you move elsewhere. It's a nice set piece to show off to people, sure, but something I could only justify if you built the layout around something you couldn't do in a game, like collecting Bachmann Thomas. Maybe I'm overthinking this, and the vast majority would be perfectly content with simply having a train and some coaches around a lightly laid oval. And in that regard, yeah, it's great, cheap and simple to achieve. But if you want to model with any degree of detail or accuracy, you're fighting a losing battle.
We have a model of a Leader, a British market Big Boy, a locomotion number 1 and hell even a model of Ivor the engine, I’d say the hobby is as healthy as ever.
In the small town I live in, I build lightweight, portable Lionel O gauge layouts to loan to the mom and pop stores downtown during the Christmas season. I loaned out fifteen last year, and so far I got 20 signed up for this year. Each layout has prewar and early postwar Lionel with plenty of accessories. Crossing gates, signals, things like that. In the postwar days, it was fairly common to see stores, particularly department stores, have a nice train running in the window, weaving its way through merchandise. This has been good for businesses downtown, as its another reason to shop locally, but the reaction from everyone is incredibly positive. Kids still love this stuff, the accessories make it even more fun. Some layouts I install buttons to activate accessories, the logic being, if kids are controlling the gates and signals, they're not grabbing at the train. Worked like a treat. The displays were a surprising hit with teenagers and young adults too. Anyone who says this hobby is doomed, that kids don't care about trains, come to Hartford Wisconsin during the Christmas season.
My take is that the hobby is “de-industrialising” somewhat, easing back to a high tech echo of the ‘50s or ‘60s. MCUs, electronics, CAD and 3D printers are abundant and actually “cheap”, unlike nearly everything else. And as you mention, the industry-scale actors are embracing this, albeit slowly. There are a multitude of “parts” we’ll need going forward, from rail profiles & wheel sets to couplers & “greenery stuff”. I haven’t practiced the hobby myself since early 80s, but as an audio engineer I’m a tinkerer, IT & electronics solver by trade. I’m sure I’ll fall back into making dioramas again - evolving from delightfully watching really good YT creators doing so. 😊
I wouldn’t say the hobby’s dying in the slightest. I got three 00 models for Christmas, with the Accurascale Buckjumper on pre-order. There are several local model fairs coming up, and given how channels like Sam’s Trains and Adi Pullen are still thriving, so the hobby is still going strong.
@@ChristheXelent as far as this goes in terms of being a kinda retrospective mention of models made while they were under the Hornby umbrella it's fine. They haven't actually put anything out since going back to being independent. There are samples to show but no product sent yet.
I really enjoyed this video-very well said, Chris! As someone who only started their TH-cam channel properly in the last year, I can say from the rapid growth of my channel and analytics alone that the hobby is far from dying. My stats show that people aged 30-40 far outweigh the 50+ demographic that many might assume dominates the hobby. It’s clear that the hobby is just gearing up for a new era, and I’m here for it!
The other thing to remember about Hornby is that they seem to be the only major manufacturer operating in the 'train set' space these days, at least when it comes to OO. That greatly helps get new people into the hobby
That's more just a UK thing. In the US, we've got quite a few brands that have continuously played in the 'train set' (or as we call it, 'starter set') space in pretty much every major scale and even a couple niche ones. There's KATO and Bachmann in N, Kato, Bachmann, Walthers and Lionel in HO, Lionel and Menards (yes, the hardware store Menards) in O, Bachmann Spectrum in On30, and LGB, PIKO and USA Trains in G.
Hey Chris, some questions for the Q&A: - If you could resurrect one locomotive that doesn’t have a new build planned , which would it be? - Which of the locomotives that was planned for preservation are you most upset by the loss of (Midlothian, Ben Alder, NLR 4-4-0T, Midland Railway No. 6, etc)? - What type of carriages do you think are the comfiest to travel in?
Hey Chris, First of all, I've really enjoy Gauge the Issue over the years, even walking away with new perspectives on certain topics you've covered. What would you say was your favourite GTI topic you have covered?
I was just at the Amherst train show in us, Massachusetts. and it had way more people at it than last year. And even some new stuff in the booths. Was a blast.
When it comes to Hornby schlock, I actually enjoy the Beatles themed sets. If only because it means we might get something themed to AC/DC, and I can marry my two great loves of Rock and Roll and Locomotives.
6:22 Same with Lionel which is basically USA Hornby in terms of living on a legacy while producing overpriced turds on wheels and licensed items no one wants/buys.
Yeah, Lionel is NOWHERE near as good as they were in the 90s/2000s. Now, people are turning to ScaleTrains and Rapido for buying model trains and not Lionel.
@@gamerfan8445 even then, O Scale is becoming more and more niche as time goes on. Really, it’s their Polar Express license that keeps the lights on there.
@@gamerfan8445 indeed, Don’t get me wrong, I like Polar Express, I remember seeing it in theaters when it was new. However, I’m not gonna drop several hundred dollars on their low quality HO PE setup, Eventually I’ll get a model of PM 1225 and some nice coaches, that’ll probably cost less and be better quality.
I do agree with the video about the hobby wise and such, i was disappointed about the news of hattons (especially when i was AT THE STORE HOURS before they announced they were shutting down.) and the Warley show was more the club which runs it was more the members were getting too old to run the event. (was fortunate to go especially when they clash it with Black Friday weekend). I do however there is one aspect which does need some work with. Its trying the bring the younger generation into model railway clubs to keep them going. I am a member of the Manchester Model Railway Society (which this year in 2025 its celebrating its 100th anniversary) cos its mainly the clubs which host the model railway shows, and they need people who can share certain techniques and keep the history going. I do feel the clubs need to work more on attracting younger people to come down and interact with. As for new models and TH-cam wise, that keep going and more new people will come in.
Hey Chris A couple questions I would like to ask are: 1. What is your most treasured memory from filming? 2. Are there any filming techniques and tips you've picked up over the years you can pass on? Hope to see you again sometime and that you're doing well Sparrow
The hobby isn't dying, but I can't say it's healthy either. But the problem doesn't have anything to do with the hobby, and everything to do with the overarching economy. People just don't have the spending money they used to, and on top of that a lot of hobby industries in general have geared themselves more towards low-volume, high-value business models.
All hobbies are evolving and the last five years have brought us many models we never thought would be done, however the melancholic ending theme is always good marketing for social media. Jouef are owned by Hornby and last year the released the superb SNCF 140C with Rivarossi tackling the DB Br55 and Br56 series with diecast bodies and tenders and great running mechanisms. Just to say Trix is part of Maerklin group.
I got back into 00 gauge railways last year, the year everyone claimed the hobby is dying. I can confirm it isn’t. I certainly won’t be leaving the 00 gauge fandom anytime soon anyway. The model railway hobby is as strong as it’s ever been.
Hi Chris, have followed your channel for a good while now and im glad you have produced this video. I have been a railway modeller for most of my life, and am now part of the "Railnuts" team that have produced the "Making Tracks" series. As you probably know, Pete himself was vocal about the percieved "death" of the hobby and heres hoping we are living proof this is not the case. I can categorically say that I had never imagined the popularity the hobby has seen within the last 4 to 5 years. Its been on internet, tv, and even radio. The main stream railway magazines have model sections and through these elements of media output, layouts now have worldwide recognition. Thats without the leaps in technology and detail that have modellers putting pre-orders in years in advance. I think quite the opposite to the death of the hobby..... I think its an absolutely wonderful time from old to young to be involved!
@@DangerAngelous You liberty wanting one of the top manufacturers to die and pushing a negative narrative. Just as bad as the people saying that the hobby is dying.
@@DangerAngelous It’s best to just ignore him…He’s a well-known Hornby simp who thinks they can do no wrong and tells off anyone who dares to say anything negative about them
Where I did say “I want Hornby to die”? Of course I don’t want Hornby to die out, but look at all the financial reports and all sorts of things that consumers see Hornby is not doing well at and should be trying to fix but instead keeps out-running and out-cheaping models announced by other brands for (in 80% of cases) no reason when they could have made something else that’s never been seen before or retooled ancient but massively price-gouged models that aren’t worth those prices
Membership in the “Association of 16mm narrow gauge modellers” gets larger every year. And that’s the live steam garden scale type of model train. I would say model railways are still very popular.
There are changes, and there will continue to be changes. I think people building brass kits (which I have not been successful at) are losing ground, but a lot of people are getting into 3D printing. I tend to agree with what you say about Hornby. (I wasn't aware that their new Terrier started as an Oxford Rail project, though.) Size of modern houses and hence home layouts has been decreasing; perhaps Hornby spotted a decent long-term opportunity with their TT 120? Pre-grouping (albeit with generic coaches that purists don't agree with) is much easier for a novice, which allows shorter trains to run. I have a book with pictures of Isle of Wight Central Railway trains consisting of a small tank loco and 2 or 3 4-wheeled coaches, taken outside the summer holiday season, of course. Edit: There is a lot more narrow gauge RTR as well. It seems to me that narrow gauge has a lot to be said for it, for a modeller. Short trains permissible, tight curves looking less toy-like, reasonable scale for buildings and figures, being able to get away with freelance more easily, what is there not to like?
I don't think the hobby is ever gonna die properly. There's still hundreds of shows every year, and thanks to Key Model World Live, there's gonna be a show at Warley for hopefully a good while 😊
I say, Chris! I've been designing steam locomotives for modern-day railway companies by giving it a classic Pre-Grouping Steam-era feel. Can you imagine modern-day railway companies like that with steam locomotives? I certainly can because I've designed a few for the West Midlands Railway (WMR), the South Western Railway (SWR), the London & South Eastern Railway (L&SER), the Great North Eastern Railway (GNER), the East Midlands Railway (EMR), the Devonshire and Cornwall Railway (D&CR) and the London Midland and Great Central Joint Railway (LMGC) as well as the Merseyside Railway (MR). Each and every one of them has a nice ring to it.
I model European HO here in the U.K. and when people tell me it’s dying etc, I just think of the massive shows I go to in Germany that make Warley seems like a church hall show. I’m off to intermodellbau in Dortmund in. April and that place is massive . All types of modelling is present, but the railway stuff still fills out the main halls. It does have to compete and it’s never been cool, but you show good stuff and people love it. Some folks like the train sims but tbh since I started to work on the real thing I’ve lost interest, roughly doing my real job for free. But on my model layout I can be god and run and do what I want, plus make it how I want it.
The hobby across both sides of the pond is going through a rough transition; prices going up and local stores closing, a lack of decent quality 'starter sets', manufacturers starting up or closing down (or merging in some cases). Just my own observations as a 30+ year N-Scale modeler.
I went to the latest Birmingham NEC show end of last year and while it was a smaller show it still had plenty going on. The new announcements and prototype models on show definitely stoked my interest. The Ivor the Engine and USA S160 models definitely are on my wishlist to buy.
Hey, Chris! First of all, thanks for all the entertainment, your informative videos are simply second to none 🙂 I wanted to ask: what's the best way to get about when visiting railways to film trains? Do you often travel between locations using the train itself or just follow it in a car? Thanks 😄
I used to work at a model train store over here in the states and I must agree with the other folks here saying that the hobby is going through a transformation. While we are spoiled by the abundance of top quality RTR models what I have noticed is that nearly all of the more basic 'entry level' models have pretty much gone extinct. However, I have also noticed an absolute explosion in 3D printing and I myself plan to get in on it. For the sake of building a unit train of ore cars or 2-bay 55 ton coal hoppers I would be perfectly fine taking a lower level of detail for the sake of actually being able to afford a whole fleet of cars as opposed to have to pay $25 or maybe even more per car. My ideal situation would be if manufacturers like Kato and Bachmann would offer up just steam locomotive chassis so that we the modelers could put the exact boiler on it that we want to. I've even purchased a lot of parts from Bachmann's parts store with the purpose of kitbashing/scratchbuilding the locomotives that I want. I just deeply wish that Bachmann would do another run of their 2-6-6-2, 2-10-2, Alco 2-6-0, and 4-6-0. And their 44 ton and 70 switchers as well since I also want to do some small steeplecab electrics as well
Hey Chris got 3 questions I'll put here 1 what's one class of engine you haven't done for slips that you want to but probably won't be able to? 2 would a narrow gauge compilation of slips be possible for the future? 3 if it was possible (e.g. unlimited money extra extra) what loco would you have made as a new build?
Like has been said billions of times- they’ll always be people who want to model railways! I think it roles so much into one: Arts & crafts/modelling Railway history Social history Local history & a chance not to be in front of a screen! Although I believe TH-cam and Instagram are very important for the organic growth of the hobby A road bowling show would be incredibly funny
over here in America people thought by the mid 1960s that the toy train interest was gone especially with Lionel since they slowly started to lose sales by the late 1950s as kids were more interested in slot car racing, robots, western era toys, etc but after they sold their rights and train products to General Mills in 1969 they slowly came back throughout the 1970s, had a hiccup in Mexico in 1982 or 1983, and by late 80s came out with railsounds and then command control in 1994 which no doubt was helped by Richard P Kughn's leadership along with Neil Young resulting in Lionel's boom years of the 1990s. Any toy train company can bounce back just gotta have the right people. Fun Fact Lionel was the company that invented slot car racing in 1912 with a small oval and 2 racing cars, one orange and one a maroon red kind of color.
Hey Chris! Congrats on all these great years of GTI, SLIP, and all of your wonderful railway content. You're a master and a gentleman. Just as you always tell us, don't you ever stop being awesome either. This is probably bending the rules, but I've got a few questions to ask. If that's too much, feel free to just pick one from the lot. 1. Model railway enthusiasts have always had a reputation for preferring realism to whimsy; even when a layout doesn't stick perfectly to an actual place or prototype, you generally see a more positive response if it at least *feels* like it could be real. That said, do you think there may be room for breaking this mold, for starting modelers and even manufacturers to embrace themes outside of real history as long as they're done well and passionately? Hornby rightly got a lot of stink for their half-arsed "steampunk" line, but Rapido have gained a lot of attention for things like their upcoming Ivor the Engine. Could a fantasy pivot even save some struggling production lines? Hornby's Era 1 series may not be accurate to the real Liverpool & Manchester, but could they be redeemed as a tribute to Sir Terry Pratchett's penultimate book "Raising Steam" by being rebranded as his Ankh-Morpork & Sto Plains Hygienic Railway? Would their inaccurate Rocket sell better if it was covered in goblins and renamed Iron Girder? 2. While there's been great leaps and bounds in model railway manufacturing in recent years, there's also been some names that have been garnering more than their share of a bad reputation. KR Models may have carved a niche for obscure and unique locomotives, but they're also becoming known for shoddy workmanship, such as their latest Leader models with coal loads made of muck and wheels that fall off. And after a number of Sam's Trains reviews I don't think I'll ever buy anything touched by Heljian, and Dapol seems about 50/50 brilliant or naff. And the less said about Hornby's pricing practices the better. Could this rash of poor quality management and anticonsumerist trends come back to bite the model railway industry as a whole? 3. (Related to #2, but I'll try to phrase it so it could be answered independently) With consumer-grade 3D printers rising in speed and quality while becoming more affordable, could this mean a sea-change in the model railway business? Will a day soon come when rather than going to Bachmann or Rapido for a particular loco or coach, more modelers will be turning to Etsy or 3DPTrain for an item created by an individual skilled in Blender who can sell them a pre-printed vehicle, or even an .stl file so you can print as many as you want yourself? Should big manufacturers be keeping an eye on 3D printing in the hobby? Perhaps even a worried eye, knowing that if there's a gap they fail to capitalize on, the modelers can now fill it ourselves? 4. Going back to real life railway preservation, are there approaches that heritage railways could look at to help with their visitor and volunteer crisis that may be a bit more out of the box? For instance, a railway partnering with a nearby university to offer a semester-long living history or mechanical engineering course (perhaps even in hospitality or other less obvious curriculums) that could see students working part-time on the railway, learning what it takes to keep these antique beasts running and what life for a Victorian railwayman was really like, all while earning course credit? After all, it's one thing to read or watch documentaries or be lectured to about these things. But nothing conveys the true feel of the lesson like actually experiencing it yourself and getting your hands dirty just as your ancestors did. Plus, seeing what railway preservation is really like for a full term may be enough to plant the seed that might keep some of those students coming back for more.
Hey Chris Have you ever thought about making a series called "Crane tanks in profile" it would be like steam locos in profile but just for crane tanks.
The Australian industry hasn't really modernised. A large portion is still a cottage industry where your are often ordering by snail mail & checks. Yes they have websites, but I can count on one hand websites that have a web shop instead of a mailable order PDF. Sure some states do better than others but if you want to model something out side of NSW & VIC you are in for a really rough time.
Yeah model railways in Australia really sucks, although with the models we do have they are very high quality. However that does mean they are expensive usually 300-500 dollars
Here in NZ pretty similar but to a greater extreme; it's entirely a cottage industry except for the random mediocre (but good-running) Fratesci things. Then again, due to the import costs, any foreign thing ends up costing similar to NZR stuff nowadays. RTR has always been virtually nonexistent but the concept of kits when starting off is scarier than actually making them lol
Hey Chris, Loved watching GTI over the years and am looking forward to further episodes. my question is how do you think Heritage Railways, if at all, should adapt to modern climates to increase people through the gates and get gold in the bank?
I'm old enough to remember the doomsayers in the 1970s that these hobbies are on the way out, it has not happened. (I'm sure this has been mentioned already but Trix is owned by Marklin not Hornby.) As someone who also makes plastic kits, Airfix produce some fantastic stuff in the last few years as well as re-introduction of some of their slightly less good, but nostalgic items. And Scalextric new items look to be really first class. I have models by DAPOL in gauge 0 that are excellent quality and value. I welcome this more balanced point of view.
Hey Chris, What do you think of how the mainline charter scene has changed in the past 10 years, with the meteoric rise of LSL, and charter train operators shifting from affordable all-steam trips to expensive luxury trips with more than half the tour diesel/electric hauled? Are things better now than they were 10-15 years ago?
as much as i want a big model railway that requires more money than i have just for the trains but with the rise of 3d printing i am likely to get hold of the motor and wheel bases and go down that route
Hey Chris 1. Have you ever considered reviewing a railway company from before the grouping ? 2. Does anyone else in your family share the passion for railways like you do ? 3. Have you ever considered reviewing a mountain engine, like the Snowden ? 4. When will draw my engine come back ? (I frankly enjoy hearing about obscure and forgotten engines.) 5. Would you ever want to redo any of your older videos ? 6. I swear this is the last one, because there is no reason for number 6, but anyways, would you ever make a episode on the Duke of Gloucester ? (Hey Chris, firstly I want to thank you for the many fond memories from watching your content, I have seen your content evolve for over a decade and hope there is more to come in the future).
Hey Chris, This is probably a long shot, but... If you were to step into the shoes of any Chief Mechanical Engineer from the 'Big Four' (LMS, LNER, GWR and SR) for a month, who would you choose to be and why?
Hey Chris, for Railway 200 (of which I’ll be coming to the UK from Aus!), what’s your top 5 engines, railways, and/or museums you would want to see or be at on the anniversary?
Hey Chris Where do you see preservation in 50 years? With the expense and complexity of contemporary stock and electrification, is traction availability going to be an issue? Will we see an OHLE equipped preserved line?
Great video. Hornby are by and large a force for good in the hobby, especially under the new management. Who else produce the cheaper 'railroad' models beyond wagons where most of us started? The only thing I will say is they often seem to do 95% of the work and leave the last 5% which can often be the easy part. When they've got the hard part right, being let down by QA or something ever so slight is a little galling. As you say though, when they get it right, my goodness they really do. The plethora of reasonable second hand models from the 'super-detail' era is great too. I'm currently selling on a decent mid-2000's Black 5 on eBay for £65 because I wanted the latest and greatest and I'm at a time in my life where I can do so but it's nice to pass this on to someone who can get use out of this who maybe can't or doesn't need the latest and greatest and at the end of the day if you want something that runs well, looks a lot like a decent detailed Black 5 then it's not going to break the bank. I was particularly encouraged by the number of younger people (under 40) at the NEC in November.
Hey Chris, midland here. Question, what kind of unique locomotives would you like to see in the world of model railways? such like a unique model of Big Bertha was to be released either by Hornby, Bachmann or a new manufacturer.
Hey Chris, if you could set up your own weekend gala with current available equipment, what would you schedule for the event and what railroad would it be at?
Hey, Chris. If you could revive any extinct British steam locomotive (that isn't already being worked on) as a new build, which class would you choose and why?
Hey Chris, what are your general thoughts on the Australian railway scene? Additionally, do you have any favourite locomotives over here, either preserved or long gone?
Hey Chris, do you think that alot of heritage railways have reached a tipping point. We're its more about consolidating what they have instead of clamouring to a long held ambition that may never come to fruition. Extension ambitions for example some lines own miles of trackbed but are deciding instead to improve current facilities and improve the visitor experience
Hey, Chris. If you had to make a list off the top of your head of your favorite steam locomotives outside of the UK, what would be on the list and why? And if you don't mind me asking a second question, what are your thoughts on the musical Starlight Express?
Hey Chris. You ever thought of using Gouache paint ? It’s much thicker than watercolours and say if you did paint with watercolours and wanted to add some touches of white, for say reflections etc the gouache really stands out. Just some ideas for your next painting video. I also find using different papers changes the painting as well, from hot press to textured. Always enjoy your videos and what you have to say. Keep well Jon.
I have an 8 year old nephew who is absolutely desperate to get started on a TT120 layout I have in mind, his older brother totally loves sailing R/C model ships and has started building his first model Shannon Class Lifeboat. So I'd say no the hobby isn't ending , give the younger generation a chance to get involved and they'll grab it. PS it was Bob Symes show that really got me involved in modelling , I'm giving away my age aren't I LOL
Hey Chris! With it being 200 years since the Stockton & Darlington opened, if money no object what way would you add to the Pioneering era of the heritage scene, be it a newbuild, route, set scene, etc.
My view of the hobby, from north America, is it is shrinking and consolidating. Not failing or disappearing, but like mention it is certainly becoming more niche and that has lead to less demand meaning some companies are closing. But wich less competition the companies that stay gain more market share thus securing them even further. Im not saying this is optimal from a consumer or competitive stand point, but it does mean the hobby isn't going to disappear due to no manufacturers. Another thing to consider is technology has grown so much we can now buy consumer machines to print our own simple models, there for the need for companies that produced simple kits is definitely growing smaller. But that is just the hobby evolving and modernizing. But there is fact that we need to face, less and less people are entering the hobby, thats not entirely due to the high cost of entry though, its just a lot fewer people like trains. Many people still enjoy modeling, war dioramas, game displays, and just general scenery modeling has actually grown in popularity. So the hobby will continue for at least a while longer for sure, but im still going to complain about rolling stock prices.
Hey Chris, Do you know about any of the narrow gauge tourist railroads in America, if so, which one would be your personal favorite if you had a favorite?
Hey Chris 1. Will you talk about railroad songs and themes (music compositions without singers/lyrics, unless it’s a choir)? I’ve been wanting to hear your thoughts since C W McCall passed away. 2. Why didn’t you mention the late great Tom McComas Sr. here? His TM Books and Videos was my introduction to model railroading.
Been hearing "the end of the hobby" since the late 70s.
same with miniature railways all over the country "oh there's another closing". Stock and people don't just combust when these things happen....
"The hobby can be so negative" "people are so mean to me" says the youtuber.
The youtuber then goes full doomer at the drop of a hat. Which of course isn't negative.
Hattons shutting no great loss. Their particular brand of stack em high sell em cheap amazon style shopping experience destroyed so so many smaller model shops, they were a huge part of why models became harder to find locally. You might say they contributed towards the very "death of the hobby" thing these same youtubers are in full panic mode about.
The price has always been high for nice things, the people with money like buying nonsense things, model railways are nonsense things. The hobby will always have an audience and customer base. If you want it, you save you work hard. Always had to. The entitled attitude of many is a huge drag on the atmosphere of the hobby.
You have been into the hobby for over 50 years like most other boys...
No 10 year olds dream of a new Märklin engine for christmas.
And we’ll hear it into the 70’s lol
@digbymodelrailway2929 people who don't use much ready to run stuff face issues of the one man shows that make products actually dying and leading to supply issues because dead men can't cast parts or order etches. Yet they somehow manage to be infinitely less dramatic about it than people are when one retailer out of thousands closes it's doors 😅
Makes you think.
I was at a Rapido Q&A last year and someone brought this up and they guys went "We're gonna stop you right there. It's not dying, it's going through a transition and it always will."
Not another peep about the subject was brought up for the rest of the night.
´going through a transition and it always will´ applies to everything. Greta.
It's important to view things from the outside. As a model ship enthusiast, we haven't had any new large plastic sailing ship kits in 30 years in the UK and the hobby is still going strong. The main manufacturers are mostly just re-releasing things from the 50s-70s and we've complained for decades about the quality but it's still going. So it'll take a lot to end model railways, which relatively compared to most hobbies- has a lot of innovation and value.
I'm glad you mentioned TT:120 - it brought me back to British outline modelling. I'm a massive fan of the scale and think Hornby are doing a really good job with it.
Ill Be honest about this. The prices and inflation, the quality of model trains and just bad marketing is what's ending them. But there are good models out there and always improving new ones every day.
@@Matts_Creations the price of the models isn't that bad in real terms, price of other things in life is an issue but this is hardly the fault or responsibility of model companies and impacts them as well.
The quality, about were it's always been, the new players all have issues, the fidelity of detail is up that is one aspect of quality the rest is about where it ever was. The 'golden age' of Margate is a myth, the product back then was just as flawed and assembly just as hit and miss. We have a very short memory and a skewed view of it because we see some things from back the still working now and think "they were made to last" when the majority of them ended up in the bin or cannibalised to keep others going.
It's a nonsense cooked up to attract viewers to people's media output and fund their lives.
We're in a golden age of RTR for sure.
Plenty of pre-grouping, 009 AND NG7 Hunslets, a brand new scale in TT120, its awesome!
"a brand new scale in TT120"
Except it's not a new scale, but rather a revival of the old TT scale that was first created in 1945, and died in the mid 60s due to N scale overtaking it. Seeing as Hornby is literally the only manufacturer of TT scale products at the moment and literally everyone else who tried to jump in basically backed out not long after in favor of sticking to established scales, I don't see TT lasting.
@@drewsmodelrailwayworld4856 Correct (although I believe that many people use TT 120 on the continent, for continental prototypes). There are people who scratch-build models in 3mm to the foot scale, but I understand they tend to use a different gauge.
@@drewsmodelrailwayworld4856
Triang didn't invent TT, the scale was first created by H. P. Products in 1945 and was defined as 1:120. Triang's "TT" scale, or 3mm scale as it's referred to outside the UK, is similar to UK N in that it's upscaled compared to international standards in order to be able to fit running gear inside models of equipment built to a smaller loading gauge (this is also the same reason why OO scale exists, even though HO is more closely proportioned).
Hornby's TT120 scale is a revival of the original H. P. Products version of TT scale, not Triang's version.
TT120 was perfect for us to start in the hobby as it's a lovely size and was cheaper.
We got two sets and a load of track to build our first layout, but the price is now up to OO so... Idk how much we will be able to get.
@@Benjamin.Jamin. It's disheartening, the same with me in OO, however, keep your eye out for manufacturers (sadly only Hornby atm, or Tillig?), and retailers for discounts, or sales for overstocks, particular liveries etc., also should see growth in the pre-owned market going forward. ...Drew
Problem is for me is still the price, I've moved from British to Japanese modelling, recently bought a Kato Kiha 110 2 car DMU brand new from a Japanese model shop for about £35 (about the RRP) Or a Graham Farish 158 for at least £210... very similar detail and running characteristics.
Hell's teeth, sounds like a steal! Hope you enjoy modelling a Japan layout 😁
I’ve gone to a German theme, and feel rather smug about getting even better detailed locos for less than the cost of UK ones 🤷🏼♂️
I've done the same. 4 car, detailed units for under £100... Sign me up! I understand though that the Japanese companies have a much higher demand and manufacture in greater numbers.
When I was a kid I had a huge layout, in a dedicated room in the pub we lived in. A depot, a big station, gradients and a girder bridge going across the back. I had models ranging from Thomas to high end Hornby stuff that broke as soon as it went around a corner. I even had an entirely separate Tomy Thomas layout on the floor underneath. I was *obsessed.*
Now, though, I feel like if I had absolutely nothing, no layout, no models, no cabinets, nothing - I wouldn't want any. I simply don't see the point in investing in models now. Probably because I sit at my PC, and am able to drive a realistic Large Prairie along an 8 mile heritage railway with 5 Mk1s, with realistic sounds, particles, and toggleable lamps and train reporting numbers, in Train Simulator, for less than it would cost just to buy a model of the Prairie on its own. It's just not cost effective. A good PC with Train Simulator or Train Sim World if you're so inclined is simply cheaper and more efficient to build a collection for than spending thousands and thousands of pounds on a board, cork, track, scenery, people, buildings, vehicles, sheds, platforms, pins, paint, engines and coaches that vary wildly in quality based on manufacturer and age, lamps/discs and tail lamps to put on them, glue to put them on with, and finding space to put it all which is dependent entirely on where you live, only to have to rip it all back up again when you move elsewhere. It's a nice set piece to show off to people, sure, but something I could only justify if you built the layout around something you couldn't do in a game, like collecting Bachmann Thomas.
Maybe I'm overthinking this, and the vast majority would be perfectly content with simply having a train and some coaches around a lightly laid oval. And in that regard, yeah, it's great, cheap and simple to achieve. But if you want to model with any degree of detail or accuracy, you're fighting a losing battle.
As someone who sell models 2nd hand online sales haven’t slowed down
We have a model of a Leader, a British market Big Boy, a locomotion number 1 and hell even a model of Ivor the engine, I’d say the hobby is as healthy as ever.
Just the Leader is being beyond useless.
@@ethmister Sounds like an accurate model then
In the small town I live in, I build lightweight, portable Lionel O gauge layouts to loan to the mom and pop stores downtown during the Christmas season. I loaned out fifteen last year, and so far I got 20 signed up for this year. Each layout has prewar and early postwar Lionel with plenty of accessories. Crossing gates, signals, things like that. In the postwar days, it was fairly common to see stores, particularly department stores, have a nice train running in the window, weaving its way through merchandise. This has been good for businesses downtown, as its another reason to shop locally, but the reaction from everyone is incredibly positive. Kids still love this stuff, the accessories make it even more fun. Some layouts I install buttons to activate accessories, the logic being, if kids are controlling the gates and signals, they're not grabbing at the train. Worked like a treat. The displays were a surprising hit with teenagers and young adults too. Anyone who says this hobby is doomed, that kids don't care about trains, come to Hartford Wisconsin during the Christmas season.
My take is that the hobby is “de-industrialising” somewhat, easing back to a high tech echo of the ‘50s or ‘60s. MCUs, electronics, CAD and 3D printers are abundant and actually “cheap”, unlike nearly everything else.
And as you mention, the industry-scale actors are embracing this, albeit slowly. There are a multitude of “parts” we’ll need going forward, from rail profiles & wheel sets to couplers & “greenery stuff”.
I haven’t practiced the hobby myself since early 80s, but as an audio engineer I’m a tinkerer, IT & electronics solver by trade. I’m sure I’ll fall back into making dioramas again - evolving from delightfully watching really good YT creators doing so. 😊
I wouldn’t say the hobby’s dying in the slightest. I got three 00 models for Christmas, with the Accurascale Buckjumper on pre-order. There are several local model fairs coming up, and given how channels like Sam’s Trains and Adi Pullen are still thriving, so the hobby is still going strong.
I through Oxford was not part of hornby no more due to hornby selling them bk to the previous owner
Quick re-browse through the news and I stand corrected. My bad. I think I got them mixed up with another brand listed under them
@@ChristheXelent as far as this goes in terms of being a kinda retrospective mention of models made while they were under the Hornby umbrella it's fine. They haven't actually put anything out since going back to being independent. There are samples to show but no product sent yet.
Hey Chris!
Thanks for being you and doing all of this. Is always a pleasure to watch.
I really enjoyed this video-very well said, Chris! As someone who only started their TH-cam channel properly in the last year, I can say from the rapid growth of my channel and analytics alone that the hobby is far from dying. My stats show that people aged 30-40 far outweigh the 50+ demographic that many might assume dominates the hobby. It’s clear that the hobby is just gearing up for a new era, and I’m here for it!
I genuinely find Hornby to be my favorite model brand, and tbh, my go to.
I just wish the prices stopped being so staggering
The other thing to remember about Hornby is that they seem to be the only major manufacturer operating in the 'train set' space these days, at least when it comes to OO. That greatly helps get new people into the hobby
Or it would if the train sets themselves didn't cost upwards of £150
That's more just a UK thing. In the US, we've got quite a few brands that have continuously played in the 'train set' (or as we call it, 'starter set') space in pretty much every major scale and even a couple niche ones. There's KATO and Bachmann in N, Kato, Bachmann, Walthers and Lionel in HO, Lionel and Menards (yes, the hardware store Menards) in O, Bachmann Spectrum in On30, and LGB, PIKO and USA Trains in G.
Hey Chris, some questions for the Q&A:
- If you could resurrect one locomotive that doesn’t have a new build planned , which would it be?
- Which of the locomotives that was planned for preservation are you most upset by the loss of (Midlothian, Ben Alder, NLR 4-4-0T, Midland Railway No. 6, etc)?
- What type of carriages do you think are the comfiest to travel in?
Hey Chris,
First of all, I've really enjoy Gauge the Issue over the years, even walking away with new perspectives on certain topics you've covered.
What would you say was your favourite GTI topic you have covered?
Hooray! He’s back!
I was just at the Amherst train show in us, Massachusetts. and it had way more people at it than last year. And even some new stuff in the booths. Was a blast.
Hornby doesnt own the rights to Trix, Trix is owned by Marklin.
I stand corrected. Sorry, my bad.
When it comes to Hornby schlock, I actually enjoy the Beatles themed sets. If only because it means we might get something themed to AC/DC, and I can marry my two great loves of Rock and Roll and Locomotives.
6:22
Same with Lionel which is basically USA Hornby in terms of living on a legacy while producing overpriced turds on wheels and licensed items no one wants/buys.
Yeah, Lionel is NOWHERE near as good as they were in the 90s/2000s. Now, people are turning to ScaleTrains and Rapido for buying model trains and not Lionel.
@@harrisonofcolorado8886the only thing keeping them safe is the O gauge market. Other than that their Ho scale is going to crash & Burned.
@@gamerfan8445 even then, O Scale is becoming more and more niche as time goes on.
Really, it’s their Polar Express license that keeps the lights on there.
@@bladeobrian2144 which is 100% true
@@gamerfan8445 indeed,
Don’t get me wrong, I like Polar Express, I remember seeing it in theaters when it was new.
However, I’m not gonna drop several hundred dollars on their low quality HO PE setup,
Eventually I’ll get a model of PM 1225 and some nice coaches, that’ll probably cost less and be better quality.
I do agree with the video about the hobby wise and such, i was disappointed about the news of hattons (especially when i was AT THE STORE HOURS before they announced they were shutting down.) and the Warley show was more the club which runs it was more the members were getting too old to run the event. (was fortunate to go especially when they clash it with Black Friday weekend).
I do however there is one aspect which does need some work with. Its trying the bring the younger generation into model railway clubs to keep them going. I am a member of the Manchester Model Railway Society (which this year in 2025 its celebrating its 100th anniversary) cos its mainly the clubs which host the model railway shows, and they need people who can share certain techniques and keep the history going. I do feel the clubs need to work more on attracting younger people to come down and interact with. As for new models and TH-cam wise, that keep going and more new people will come in.
Hey Chris
A couple questions I would like to ask are:
1. What is your most treasured memory from filming?
2. Are there any filming techniques and tips you've picked up over the years you can pass on?
Hope to see you again sometime and that you're doing well
Sparrow
The hobby isn't dying, but I can't say it's healthy either. But the problem doesn't have anything to do with the hobby, and everything to do with the overarching economy. People just don't have the spending money they used to, and on top of that a lot of hobby industries in general have geared themselves more towards low-volume, high-value business models.
Or the space. Or the time. Computer games scratch the itch for many. Transport Fever is basically a 3D train set and costs £20.
All hobbies are evolving and the last five years have brought us many models we never thought would be done, however the melancholic ending theme is always good marketing for social media. Jouef are owned by Hornby and last year the released the superb SNCF 140C with Rivarossi tackling the DB Br55 and Br56 series with diecast bodies and tenders and great running mechanisms. Just to say Trix is part of Maerklin group.
I got back into 00 gauge railways last year, the year everyone claimed the hobby is dying. I can confirm it isn’t. I certainly won’t be leaving the 00 gauge fandom anytime soon anyway. The model railway hobby is as strong as it’s ever been.
Hi Chris, have followed your channel for a good while now and im glad you have produced this video. I have been a railway modeller for most of my life, and am now part of the "Railnuts" team that have produced the "Making Tracks" series. As you probably know, Pete himself was vocal about the percieved "death" of the hobby and heres hoping we are living proof this is not the case. I can categorically say that I had never imagined the popularity the hobby has seen within the last 4 to 5 years. Its been on internet, tv, and even radio. The main stream railway magazines have model sections and through these elements of media output, layouts now have worldwide recognition. Thats without the leaps in technology and detail that have modellers putting pre-orders in years in advance. I think quite the opposite to the death of the hobby..... I think its an absolutely wonderful time from old to young to be involved!
The hobby isn’t dying, Hornby specifically is
Hornby isn't dying, you are just blinded by your ego.
@@LNER985 I don't think millions of pounds in losses is ego mate
@@DangerAngelous You liberty wanting one of the top manufacturers to die and pushing a negative narrative. Just as bad as the people saying that the hobby is dying.
@@DangerAngelous It’s best to just ignore him…He’s a well-known Hornby simp who thinks they can do no wrong and tells off anyone who dares to say anything negative about them
Where I did say “I want Hornby to die”? Of course I don’t want Hornby to die out, but look at all the financial reports and all sorts of things that consumers see Hornby is not doing well at and should be trying to fix but instead keeps out-running and out-cheaping models announced by other brands for (in 80% of cases) no reason when they could have made something else that’s never been seen before or retooled ancient but massively price-gouged models that aren’t worth those prices
Hey Chris, what inspired you to start “Gauge the issue” and what topics do you like/look forward to covering?
Membership in the “Association of 16mm narrow gauge modellers” gets larger every year. And that’s the live steam garden scale type of model train. I would say model railways are still very popular.
There are changes, and there will continue to be changes. I think people building brass kits (which I have not been successful at) are losing ground, but a lot of people are getting into 3D printing. I tend to agree with what you say about Hornby. (I wasn't aware that their new Terrier started as an Oxford Rail project, though.)
Size of modern houses and hence home layouts has been decreasing; perhaps Hornby spotted a decent long-term opportunity with their TT 120? Pre-grouping (albeit with generic coaches that purists don't agree with) is much easier for a novice, which allows shorter trains to run. I have a book with pictures of Isle of Wight Central Railway trains consisting of a small tank loco and 2 or 3 4-wheeled coaches, taken outside the summer holiday season, of course.
Edit: There is a lot more narrow gauge RTR as well. It seems to me that narrow gauge has a lot to be said for it, for a modeller. Short trains permissible, tight curves looking less toy-like, reasonable scale for buildings and figures, being able to get away with freelance more easily, what is there not to like?
I don't think the hobby is ever gonna die properly. There's still hundreds of shows every year, and thanks to Key Model World Live, there's gonna be a show at Warley for hopefully a good while 😊
I say, Chris!
I've been designing steam locomotives for modern-day railway companies by giving it a classic Pre-Grouping Steam-era feel. Can you imagine modern-day railway companies like that with steam locomotives? I certainly can because I've designed a few for the West Midlands Railway (WMR), the South Western Railway (SWR), the London & South Eastern Railway (L&SER), the Great North Eastern Railway (GNER), the East Midlands Railway (EMR), the Devonshire and Cornwall Railway (D&CR) and the London Midland and Great Central Joint Railway (LMGC) as well as the Merseyside Railway (MR). Each and every one of them has a nice ring to it.
The Warley show moved to statfold and a new show started at the nec. So I make that a net increase in shows, not a decline.
I model European HO here in the U.K. and when people tell me it’s dying etc, I just think of the massive shows I go to in Germany that make Warley seems like a church hall show. I’m off to intermodellbau in Dortmund in. April and that place is massive . All types of modelling is present, but the railway stuff still fills out the main halls. It does have to compete and it’s never been cool, but you show good stuff and people love it. Some folks like the train sims but tbh since I started to work on the real thing I’ve lost interest, roughly doing my real job for free. But on my model layout I can be god and run and do what I want, plus make it how I want it.
The hobby across both sides of the pond is going through a rough transition; prices going up and local stores closing, a lack of decent quality 'starter sets', manufacturers starting up or closing down (or merging in some cases). Just my own observations as a 30+ year N-Scale modeler.
Hey Chris, two questions
1. do you like any artist or artwork that depicts trains?
2.have you played any train themed board games?
I went to the latest Birmingham NEC show end of last year and while it was a smaller show it still had plenty going on. The new announcements and prototype models on show definitely stoked my interest. The Ivor the Engine and USA S160 models definitely are on my wishlist to buy.
Hey, Chris!
First of all, thanks for all the entertainment, your informative videos are simply second to none 🙂
I wanted to ask: what's the best way to get about when visiting railways to film trains? Do you often travel between locations using the train itself or just follow it in a car?
Thanks 😄
2:49 I got one of these for that exact price last year at model rail Scotland
Hey Chris, what were your feelings when Brit Allcroft passed away and do you have any plans for the RWS 80th anniversary?
I used to work at a model train store over here in the states and I must agree with the other folks here saying that the hobby is going through a transformation. While we are spoiled by the abundance of top quality RTR models what I have noticed is that nearly all of the more basic 'entry level' models have pretty much gone extinct. However, I have also noticed an absolute explosion in 3D printing and I myself plan to get in on it. For the sake of building a unit train of ore cars or 2-bay 55 ton coal hoppers I would be perfectly fine taking a lower level of detail for the sake of actually being able to afford a whole fleet of cars as opposed to have to pay $25 or maybe even more per car.
My ideal situation would be if manufacturers like Kato and Bachmann would offer up just steam locomotive chassis so that we the modelers could put the exact boiler on it that we want to. I've even purchased a lot of parts from Bachmann's parts store with the purpose of kitbashing/scratchbuilding the locomotives that I want. I just deeply wish that Bachmann would do another run of their 2-6-6-2, 2-10-2, Alco 2-6-0, and 4-6-0. And their 44 ton and 70 switchers as well since I also want to do some small steeplecab electrics as well
Wow, when model railways finally dies, I can rest assured in that I will always be able to take up soap carving!
Soap carving? Seems a bit expensive for us members of the great unwashed. 😢
Hey Chris got 3 questions I'll put here
1 what's one class of engine you haven't done for slips that you want to but probably won't be able to?
2 would a narrow gauge compilation of slips be possible for the future?
3 if it was possible (e.g. unlimited money extra extra) what loco would you have made as a new build?
Hey Chris, do you think you will ever come down under to do SLIPS¿ As a person who lives in Victoria it would be great to see videos on our engines.
Second this
As long as there is even a single person still doing it, modelling never dies
Like has been said billions of times- they’ll always be people who want to model railways!
I think it roles so much into one:
Arts & crafts/modelling
Railway history
Social history
Local history
& a chance not to be in front of a screen!
Although I believe TH-cam and Instagram are very important for the organic growth of the hobby
A road bowling show would be incredibly funny
Hey Chris!
Given how most people tend to focus on just locomotives, is there any piece of coaching stock that catches your fancy?
Hey Chris, since your last Q&A which subject on Gauge The Issue have you found to be the most fascinating to talk about, and why?
over here in America people thought by the mid 1960s that the toy train interest was gone especially with Lionel since they slowly started to lose sales by the late 1950s as kids were more interested in slot car racing, robots, western era toys, etc but after they sold their rights and train products to General Mills in 1969 they slowly came back throughout the 1970s, had a hiccup in Mexico in 1982 or 1983, and by late 80s came out with railsounds and then command control in 1994 which no doubt was helped by Richard P Kughn's leadership along with Neil Young resulting in Lionel's boom years of the 1990s. Any toy train company can bounce back just gotta have the right people. Fun Fact Lionel was the company that invented slot car racing in 1912 with a small oval and 2 racing cars, one orange and one a maroon red kind of color.
Hey Chris, will you ever film SLIPS abroad again? And if so, where would you want to go to film?
Hey Chris!
Congrats on all these great years of GTI, SLIP, and all of your wonderful railway content. You're a master and a gentleman. Just as you always tell us, don't you ever stop being awesome either.
This is probably bending the rules, but I've got a few questions to ask. If that's too much, feel free to just pick one from the lot.
1. Model railway enthusiasts have always had a reputation for preferring realism to whimsy; even when a layout doesn't stick perfectly to an actual place or prototype, you generally see a more positive response if it at least *feels* like it could be real. That said, do you think there may be room for breaking this mold, for starting modelers and even manufacturers to embrace themes outside of real history as long as they're done well and passionately? Hornby rightly got a lot of stink for their half-arsed "steampunk" line, but Rapido have gained a lot of attention for things like their upcoming Ivor the Engine. Could a fantasy pivot even save some struggling production lines? Hornby's Era 1 series may not be accurate to the real Liverpool & Manchester, but could they be redeemed as a tribute to Sir Terry Pratchett's penultimate book "Raising Steam" by being rebranded as his Ankh-Morpork & Sto Plains Hygienic Railway? Would their inaccurate Rocket sell better if it was covered in goblins and renamed Iron Girder?
2. While there's been great leaps and bounds in model railway manufacturing in recent years, there's also been some names that have been garnering more than their share of a bad reputation. KR Models may have carved a niche for obscure and unique locomotives, but they're also becoming known for shoddy workmanship, such as their latest Leader models with coal loads made of muck and wheels that fall off. And after a number of Sam's Trains reviews I don't think I'll ever buy anything touched by Heljian, and Dapol seems about 50/50 brilliant or naff. And the less said about Hornby's pricing practices the better. Could this rash of poor quality management and anticonsumerist trends come back to bite the model railway industry as a whole?
3. (Related to #2, but I'll try to phrase it so it could be answered independently) With consumer-grade 3D printers rising in speed and quality while becoming more affordable, could this mean a sea-change in the model railway business? Will a day soon come when rather than going to Bachmann or Rapido for a particular loco or coach, more modelers will be turning to Etsy or 3DPTrain for an item created by an individual skilled in Blender who can sell them a pre-printed vehicle, or even an .stl file so you can print as many as you want yourself? Should big manufacturers be keeping an eye on 3D printing in the hobby? Perhaps even a worried eye, knowing that if there's a gap they fail to capitalize on, the modelers can now fill it ourselves?
4. Going back to real life railway preservation, are there approaches that heritage railways could look at to help with their visitor and volunteer crisis that may be a bit more out of the box? For instance, a railway partnering with a nearby university to offer a semester-long living history or mechanical engineering course (perhaps even in hospitality or other less obvious curriculums) that could see students working part-time on the railway, learning what it takes to keep these antique beasts running and what life for a Victorian railwayman was really like, all while earning course credit? After all, it's one thing to read or watch documentaries or be lectured to about these things. But nothing conveys the true feel of the lesson like actually experiencing it yourself and getting your hands dirty just as your ancestors did. Plus, seeing what railway preservation is really like for a full term may be enough to plant the seed that might keep some of those students coming back for more.
I planning to open my own studio, model railway, and model train shop since some shops are getting hard to own one
yeah the prices are nuts especially if you live in the us
Hey Chris
Have you ever thought about making a series called "Crane tanks in profile" it would be like steam locos in profile but just for crane tanks.
Hey Chris, what is your favorite part about the Railway Series books?
The Australian industry hasn't really modernised. A large portion is still a cottage industry where your are often ordering by snail mail & checks. Yes they have websites, but I can count on one hand websites that have a web shop instead of a mailable order PDF. Sure some states do better than others but if you want to model something out side of NSW & VIC you are in for a really rough time.
Yeah model railways in Australia really sucks, although with the models we do have they are very high quality. However that does mean they are expensive usually 300-500 dollars
Here in NZ pretty similar but to a greater extreme; it's entirely a cottage industry except for the random mediocre (but good-running) Fratesci things. Then again, due to the import costs, any foreign thing ends up costing similar to NZR stuff nowadays. RTR has always been virtually nonexistent but the concept of kits when starting off is scarier than actually making them lol
Hey, Chris.
Have any plans for another bunch of SLIPs specials on German locomotives?
Hey Chris, great new video :)
One question I’d like to ask is do you have a favourite non-train related hobby, and if so, what is it?
Hey Chris,
Loved watching GTI over the years and am looking forward to further episodes. my question is how do you think Heritage Railways, if at all, should adapt to modern climates to increase people through the gates and get gold in the bank?
I'm old enough to remember the doomsayers in the 1970s that these hobbies are on the way out, it has not happened. (I'm sure this has been mentioned already but Trix is owned by Marklin not Hornby.) As someone who also makes plastic kits, Airfix produce some fantastic stuff in the last few years as well as re-introduction of some of their slightly less good, but nostalgic items. And Scalextric new items look to be really first class. I have models by DAPOL in gauge 0 that are excellent quality and value. I welcome this more balanced point of view.
Hey Chris,
What do you think of how the mainline charter scene has changed in the past 10 years, with the meteoric rise of LSL, and charter train operators shifting from affordable all-steam trips to expensive luxury trips with more than half the tour diesel/electric hauled? Are things better now than they were 10-15 years ago?
as much as i want a big model railway that requires more money than i have just for the trains
but with the rise of 3d printing i am likely to get hold of the motor and wheel bases and go down that route
Hey Chris, Thank you and what is your favorite locomotive
Hey Chris.
What is your opinion on scandinavian steam locomotives like from Denmark or norway and would they be interesting to do a SLIP on?
I never believed the model railway hobby was dead at all, I find it very hard to trust the media to get many things right these days to be honest.
Hey Chris, are you excited for the Railway 200 events this year? Any plans? Which ones are you excited about the most?
Hey Chris, will you do a GTI on the best and the worst modern TV programmes about trains and railways?
Hey Chris
1. Have you ever considered reviewing a railway company from before the grouping ?
2. Does anyone else in your family share the passion for railways like you do ?
3. Have you ever considered reviewing a mountain engine, like the Snowden ?
4. When will draw my engine come back ? (I frankly enjoy hearing about obscure and forgotten engines.)
5. Would you ever want to redo any of your older videos ?
6. I swear this is the last one, because there is no reason for number 6, but anyways, would you ever make a episode on the Duke of Gloucester ?
(Hey Chris, firstly I want to thank you for the many fond memories from watching your content, I have seen your content evolve for over a decade and hope there is more to come in the future).
Hey Chris,
This is probably a long shot, but... If you were to step into the shoes of any Chief Mechanical Engineer from the 'Big Four' (LMS, LNER, GWR and SR) for a month, who would you choose to be and why?
Hey Chris, for Railway 200 (of which I’ll be coming to the UK from Aus!), what’s your top 5 engines, railways, and/or museums you would want to see or be at on the anniversary?
Hey Chris
Where do you see preservation in 50 years? With the expense and complexity of contemporary stock and electrification, is traction availability going to be an issue? Will we see an OHLE equipped preserved line?
Hey Chris. Can we expect the 2020’s reviewed in 2030?
Hey Chris. What was your favourite railway related story that you heard or read whilst filming SLIPS?
Great video.
Hornby are by and large a force for good in the hobby, especially under the new management. Who else produce the cheaper 'railroad' models beyond wagons where most of us started? The only thing I will say is they often seem to do 95% of the work and leave the last 5% which can often be the easy part. When they've got the hard part right, being let down by QA or something ever so slight is a little galling. As you say though, when they get it right, my goodness they really do.
The plethora of reasonable second hand models from the 'super-detail' era is great too. I'm currently selling on a decent mid-2000's Black 5 on eBay for £65 because I wanted the latest and greatest and I'm at a time in my life where I can do so but it's nice to pass this on to someone who can get use out of this who maybe can't or doesn't need the latest and greatest and at the end of the day if you want something that runs well, looks a lot like a decent detailed Black 5 then it's not going to break the bank.
I was particularly encouraged by the number of younger people (under 40) at the NEC in November.
I’m still waiting for Cardiff Railway’s 1338 model to be manufactured.
The things I've heard people say about Wizards of the Coast with regards to how they handle D&D and Magic makes teh Hornby-hate seem mild at times. :D
Hey Chris,
What are you looking forward to celebrate for Railway 200?
Hey Chris, what are your thoughts on LBSCR No.39 "La France"?
Hey Chris, midland here.
Question, what kind of unique locomotives would you like to see in the world of model railways? such like a unique model of Big Bertha was to be released either by Hornby, Bachmann or a new manufacturer.
Hey Chris, if you could set up your own weekend gala with current available equipment, what would you schedule for the event and what railroad would it be at?
Hey Chris, how's your day going?
Hey, Chris.
If you could revive any extinct British steam locomotive (that isn't already being worked on) as a new build, which class would you choose and why?
Hey Chris, what are your general thoughts on the Australian railway scene? Additionally, do you have any favourite locomotives over here, either preserved or long gone?
This seriously cannot be the end of the hobby.
Hey Chris, do you think that alot of heritage railways have reached a tipping point. We're its more about consolidating what they have instead of clamouring to a long held ambition that may never come to fruition. Extension ambitions for example some lines own miles of trackbed but are deciding instead to improve current facilities and improve the visitor experience
Hey Chris.
What is your most anticipated restoration or rebuild project that has recently been announced? Or is currently ongoing?
Hey Chris, what's been your favorite SLIP or GTI to make from both a topical and production standpoint?
Hey, Chris.
If you had to make a list off the top of your head of your favorite steam locomotives outside of the UK, what would be on the list and why? And if you don't mind me asking a second question, what are your thoughts on the musical Starlight Express?
Hey Chris. You ever thought of using Gouache paint ? It’s much thicker than watercolours and say if you did paint with watercolours and wanted to add some touches of white, for say reflections etc the gouache really stands out. Just some ideas for your next painting video. I also find using different papers changes the painting as well, from hot press to textured. Always enjoy your videos and what you have to say. Keep well Jon.
I have an 8 year old nephew who is absolutely desperate to get started on a TT120 layout I have in mind, his older brother totally loves sailing R/C model ships and has started building his first model Shannon Class Lifeboat. So I'd say no the hobby isn't ending , give the younger generation a chance to get involved and they'll grab it.
PS it was Bob Symes show that really got me involved in modelling , I'm giving away my age aren't I LOL
Hey Chris! With it being 200 years since the Stockton & Darlington opened, if money no object what way would you add to the Pioneering era of the heritage scene, be it a newbuild, route, set scene, etc.
My view of the hobby, from north America, is it is shrinking and consolidating. Not failing or disappearing, but like mention it is certainly becoming more niche and that has lead to less demand meaning some companies are closing. But wich less competition the companies that stay gain more market share thus securing them even further. Im not saying this is optimal from a consumer or competitive stand point, but it does mean the hobby isn't going to disappear due to no manufacturers. Another thing to consider is technology has grown so much we can now buy consumer machines to print our own simple models, there for the need for companies that produced simple kits is definitely growing smaller. But that is just the hobby evolving and modernizing. But there is fact that we need to face, less and less people are entering the hobby, thats not entirely due to the high cost of entry though, its just a lot fewer people like trains. Many people still enjoy modeling, war dioramas, game displays, and just general scenery modeling has actually grown in popularity. So the hobby will continue for at least a while longer for sure, but im still going to complain about rolling stock prices.
Hey Chris,
Do you know about any of the narrow gauge tourist railroads in America, if so, which one would be your personal favorite if you had a favorite?
Hey Chris
1. Will you talk about railroad songs and themes (music compositions without singers/lyrics, unless it’s a choir)? I’ve been wanting to hear your thoughts since C W McCall passed away.
2. Why didn’t you mention the late great Tom McComas Sr. here? His TM Books and Videos was my introduction to model railroading.
Hey Chris!
How are you?