Hello,
I work at a hobby shop on weekends to help the owner, to sell and support customers that come into the shop, and to keep my personal layout running. I have a pretty large HO layout which I have stuck with DC operated and is Computer software controlled by Bruce Chubbs electronics.
I am glad I have my layout built, cause lately I have been watching the pricing on new Engines, Cars, and Buildings that are being listed on the market and I feel it is slowly getting way out a hand. Sure you get more detail, sound if you are into DCC, but for 30-40 dollars for a car, and 300-500 dollars for an engine is a bit extreme I feel. Some of the cars now days are more expensive than Kadee cars which used to top end pricing. I just saw tonight the latest price for a Bowser GP30 Milw engine, DC version which I run, now lists for 200 dollars. Buildings are not too bad but they are gradually going up in pricing - but they have great detail compared to long ago. I would be interested in how many are buying these items above at these prices.
Another thing is track availability from Atlas, we have been out of Atlas flex track and allot of switches and accessories for the past 6-9 months. Atlas keeps producing cars and engines, but there is no Atlas track for the customers to run it on if they are starting out new. So who knows when this will change.
Also I watch what people that come into the shop and I dont see much in the younger generation coming into our shop to buy model railroad items like we used to do when I was younger. Not saying there isnt any, but with the high pricing it sure makes it much more difficult to get into the hobby and create a professional type layout when the starter HO sets run for 150.00 dollars for a good set and the pricing of many items as mentioned above.
My model railroading is doing good and hope things are going good in the sales market for these new products coming out at what they are asking for them.
just my opinions,
Milwdt
I work at a hobby shop on weekends to help the owner, to sell and support customers that come into the shop, and to keep my personal layout running. I have a pretty large HO layout which I have stuck with DC operated and is Computer software controlled by Bruce Chubbs electronics.
I am glad I have my layout built, cause lately I have been watching the pricing on new Engines, Cars, and Buildings that are being listed on the market and I feel it is slowly getting way out a hand. Sure you get more detail, sound if you are into DCC, but for 30-40 dollars for a car, and 300-500 dollars for an engine is a bit extreme I feel. Some of the cars now days are more expensive than Kadee cars which used to top end pricing. I just saw tonight the latest price for a Bowser GP30 Milw engine, DC version which I run, now lists for 200 dollars. Buildings are not too bad but they are gradually going up in pricing - but they have great detail compared to long ago. I would be interested in how many are buying these items above at these prices.
Another thing is track availability from Atlas, we have been out of Atlas flex track and allot of switches and accessories for the past 6-9 months. Atlas keeps producing cars and engines, but there is no Atlas track for the customers to run it on if they are starting out new. So who knows when this will change.
Also I watch what people that come into the shop and I dont see much in the younger generation coming into our shop to buy model railroad items like we used to do when I was younger. Not saying there isnt any, but with the high pricing it sure makes it much more difficult to get into the hobby and create a professional type layout when the starter HO sets run for 150.00 dollars for a good set and the pricing of many items as mentioned above.
My model railroading is doing good and hope things are going good in the sales market for these new products coming out at what they are asking for them.
just my opinions,
Milwdt