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I think the hobby is getting to expensive. If it wasn't for Auctions, train shows and eBay, I would not have been able to afford to start my layout. Think about it for a minute. Most of the rolling stock and locomotives now are made in china, probably by child labor. The locomotive probably cost $10 to $20 to make and they are asking from $150 and up for them. Don't get me wrong I love this hobby but the prices for new stuff is ridicules. Just in the last 3 yrs I have seen 3 hobby store close in my area alone. When I first got interested in HO trains (late 60's) there were at least 6 or 7 hobby stores just in my home town of 40,000 alone. Now there is only one store left and they don't even sell trains. In my opinion, price is the biggest contributor of the downfall of the hobby. Originally posted by yardmaster54 - August 17 2016 :  9:42:16 PM

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I don't think that the hobby is too expensive if you take into consideration that the price has gone up on just about everything. I think the reason that stores are closing is that they just can't compete with the prices that are offered on line. I mean trainworld always has a specials section, you can preorder what you want and a quick internet search will get you exactly what you are looking for. Traditional brick and mortar stores can't compete with that. Originally posted by raysouthernpac - August 18 2016 :  1:03:04 PM

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Additionally, there is so much out there available at train shows, ebay, and the like. In the past 8 years I doubt I have purchased more than 2 brand new locos from a LHS, and that ws early on before I knew better - I can't justify their prices vs. what I can find elsewhere for far less. Do all your buying at the LHS than yes you will be hosing away some serious money. I hate to say that because I love walking into a great hobby shop. Originally posted by JNXT 7707 - August 18 2016 :  1:52:33 PM

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quote: I don't think that the hobby is too expensive if you take into consideration that the price has gone up on just about everything. I think the reason that stores are closing is that they just can't compete with the prices that are offered on line. I mean trainworld always has a specials section, you can preorder what you want and a quick internet search will get you exactly what you are looking for. Traditional brick and mortar stores can't compete with that. Originally posted by raysouthernpac - August 18 2016 :  1:03:04 PM Additionally, there is so much out there available at train shows, ebay, and the like. In the past 8 years I doubt I have purchased more than 2 brand new locos from a LHS, and that ws early on before I knew better - I can't justify their prices vs. what I can find elsewhere for far less. Do all your buying at the LHS than yes you will be hosing away some serious money. I hate to say that because I love walking into a great hobby shop. Originally posted by JNXT 7707 - August 18 2016 :  1:52:33 PM

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well its official Sept 2016 Model Railroader was the last time CH advertized there closest train stores are now in Colorado Springs Originally posted by microbusss - September 15 2016 :  4:15:19 PM

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How far is that from Scottsbluf? Originally posted by raysouthernpac - September 16 2016 :  12:38:20 PM

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Closest train stores are now in Colorado Springs Originally posted by microbusss - September 15 2016 :  4:15:19 PM

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quote: How far is that from Scottsbluf? Originally posted by raysouthernpac - September 16 2016 :  12:38:20 PM 271.5 miles 1 way Ironically there is a Scottsbluff Drive there Originally posted by microbusss - September 16 2016 :  1:25:48 PM

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Darn! I was complaining about Arine's trains being 35 miles away. Guess I should be greatful. Originally posted by raysouthernpac - September 16 2016 :  6:32:50 PM

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quote: Darn! I was complaining about Arine's trains being 35 miles away. Guess I should be greatful. Originally posted by raysouthernpac - September 16 2016 :  6:32:50 PM oh bleah on 35 miles out here I do that just to go see a movie in Wyoming ok technically its 32 but close enuff Anyway according to that site there are other train places in Denver & surrounding cities Originally posted by microbusss - September 16 2016 :  11:22:27 PM

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That is surprising news. I remember when "Pong" came out. Thought nothing much would become of it. Then "Asteroids and Pac Man." Big whoop. Railroads had their Waterloo with the Interstate Highway System, Model trains are having their Waterloo with video games. Originally posted by Chops124 - October 19 2016 :  09:55:38 AM