Page 21 - May June 2012

1) excluding the next generation by producing and de-skilling them from the market;
2) creating a collectors’ market by doing very limited runs, with not much chance of a re-run within a few years; and
3) making distribution a hit-and-miss affair with some hobby shops getting goods not ordered and others nothing at all. I understand production line time is expensive, but to create a few extra units would at least satisfy the impulse buyer and would reduce the final price ‘in the shop’.
I have touched on a few observations here but I am sure you can all add your own scenario in one way, shape or form.
The final segment involves image and advertising.
To dwell on the image of model railroads involves lots of embar- rassment to wives, girlfriends, sisters and some male relatives as well. The image conjured up is of nerds in a bedroom going woo-woo and loth as I am to say it – to a degree it’s true! We are viewed by the public at large and reinforced by the uneducated press as just one step above or on the same level as ‘window lickers’. The press are really the nerds here, as many a rail- related article is poorly written, edited, researched, and very little contact with rail professionals is made – hence duff articles by duff reporters, with duff information. But by then the damage is done and is irreversible. Thus a modeller is doubly condemned, by his own interest in the hobby/subject and the sword of Damocles of the press/public.
I am unable to think of anything that will reverse this line of thinking, and believe that because of this they are killing the hobby and it will eventually die.
But, and it is a big but, I think it will rise phoenix-like and will then transform into a collectors’ hobby with very superdetailed models being produced in very limited numbers, and prices charged will reflect this state of affairs. (The brass market comes to mind.)
The young will be excluded, books will be produced similar to the Brass Guide but will concentrate on super-accurate plastic items in mint/boxed/unused and number-certificated models. Items, after production has ceased, will change hands for hun- dreds if not thousands of dollars. Items will be stolen to order, and some will not see the light of day for many years (similar to paintings, jewellery, watches and so on), much to the detriment of the hobby as we know it today.
The hobby you enjoy today will not be the hobby you enjoy tomorrow – maybe I am part of the problem; yes, I collect and display my models, but I also build kits, paint, decal and weather (old items only), so my skills are OK. Not of the master level, but at least I am still in the hobby!
Time and, in my case, age is not on our side. Others may have the answer. I have ideas, but I am very much alone in the desert. Such suggestions/ideas I have are:
Local hobby shops to be located in major train stations in the UK/USA? (No, not Hobbytown, or Hobbycraft – for that read Toys R Us.)
A dedicated Freeview TV channel with advertising/sponsorship from the big manufacturers and rail-related magazine publica- tions, TV programmes, videos etc.
Advertising from all the major rail operators: First Great Western, Arriva, Virgin and rail tour operators etc. Also a news programme highlighting what is happening in the political world of rail transport, both here and overseas. For example: HS2, commuter rail in the USA, preservation lines etc. I am sure you can think of other ideas as well, such as club advertising, competitions, and so on.
I hope I have fired your imagination and indignation, and maybe irritated a few, but it’s good to share different thoughts and ideas and I hope you will respond to mine.
In the words of Morethan Freeman: Thank you for listening.
A photo of the very successful 3 March Exeter Modular meet, organised by the RS Tower boys. Well in excess of 20 attending, from quite far afield. Photo: Brian Moore
A reminder to members, wives and partners intending to submit a model, photograph or piece of craftwork that entry forms are available from me (address in the Directory) or download from the NMRA National website. Remember that in addition to the Model section there are the Photographic and Non-Rail sections.
I would appreciate it if entrants could notify me of their in- tention to submit an entry in the Model Contests so I can plan ahead and arrange in advance the judging teams. A phone call (before 8 pm) or email is OK. Also please advise me of any high-value entries for insurance purposes. The documentation is not needed in advance, it can be submitted when entries are brought to the convention Contest Room.
The times for models to be accepted for the Contests are Friday afternoon (times to be advised) and before 9.30 am on the Saturday. Judging will commence immediately at 10 am and continue until the exercise is complete. You are welcome to visit the judging room whilst judging is taking place, but you are asked not to distract the judges nor try to talk to them
during this time. They will gladly answer any questions after- wards. Collection of entries by their owners is from 4 pm on Saturday.
Your entry does not have to be totally scratchbuilt; an entry of a model that is kit-bashed or suitably modified from a proprietary kit using detail parts may be sufficient to gain an award – do try this time, you may be surprised at the results – give it a go, you have nothing to lose!
Tell your wife or partner about the Contests and encourage them to enter. Many sew, knit, crochet or are clever with their hands making things; perhaps their interests lie in photography, painting or pottery. Give them Roundhouse to read so they can make their own decision on whether they should submit an entry. After all, the Convention welcomes as much involvement as possible by everyone.
People presented with trophies last year at the Bournemouth Convention should return them before judging takes place this year. Thank you.
Terry Wynne, Contest Chairman
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