Has anyone else seen the objectionable email in Model Rail? " Snobby mugs get ripped off" is the heading on P19 of the mag.
I really wonder why this email has been published as it is objectionable and frankly you don't usually see emails of this type in Model Rail. The editor asks " what do readers think of Mr Stansfields views". Now in model railway forums this would be described as trolling. I'm not sure what the equivalent is in railway mags. I suspect this is an attempt at sensationalism and to get a bulging mailbag for the next issue.
However despite being so objectionable there is an underlying argument in Mr Stanfields email which should be discussed. Unfortunately the way he has gone about it will tend to make people rubbish the content without due consideration.
His central point is complaining about the cost of new models and accusing "journos" (I take it he means the Model Railway Press) of being in the manufacturers pocket. " Why don't you look into how much models cost to make" he further asserts. I disassociate myself with the "in their pockets "comment , but I do feel manufacturers get an easy ride on their pricing. It seems that if people complain there is a stigma involved, you are an underclass because you dare to question why a model should be £50 more - can you not afford to pay for more detail? I think manufacturers exploit this position amongst enthusiasts.
I have long thought that there is a cosy relationship between the manufacturers and railway press in this country. Most are on first name terms. Maybe this stems from the old Triang days when we were just so happy to get any type of model ,even if it was on a generic chassis. We became so thankfull for the odd crumb or morcel from our manufacturers. Quite often the mags toe the manufacturers line, simply trotting out their press releases without any attempt to investigate or enquire into the background, despite the fact the mags are given some time before information is released to the public, in the case of Hornby. But times have changed . There is more competition for our hard earned cash than ever before. There is new information on line. If you look at a Digital Camera magazines or websites you will see very critical reviews, quite often along the lines of "not worth the money". You will look in vain for any such review in our press. Perhaps Rail Express comes closeset to real reviews, but even there you get the feeling that its wrong to quibble about paying more for more detail.
Why is this important? Well as time goes on this hobby is becoming progressively more expensive to the new entrant. Increasingly this cost will put people off and they will go and do something else instead. Ultimately a declining market will be bad for us all as prices will increase and so begins the vicious cycle.Yes ,there are welcome developments like "Railroad" but this is still a relatively small part of the market. Questions do need to be asked. Exactly why does track cost so much? Why is ViTrains able to produce a chassis drive diesel for £50, but Hornby do it for £100 (yes I know there are differences in detail - but are they really worth £50?). Why do some coaches retail at £17 but others £25-£30. Now there maybe reasons for this, but the question remains unasked in our media. Unchecked , all that will happen is that prices will go up and up.
I do wish one of our mags would take a more active stand on the question of price, rather than just accepting increases without question.
Russell
I really wonder why this email has been published as it is objectionable and frankly you don't usually see emails of this type in Model Rail. The editor asks " what do readers think of Mr Stansfields views". Now in model railway forums this would be described as trolling. I'm not sure what the equivalent is in railway mags. I suspect this is an attempt at sensationalism and to get a bulging mailbag for the next issue.
However despite being so objectionable there is an underlying argument in Mr Stanfields email which should be discussed. Unfortunately the way he has gone about it will tend to make people rubbish the content without due consideration.
His central point is complaining about the cost of new models and accusing "journos" (I take it he means the Model Railway Press) of being in the manufacturers pocket. " Why don't you look into how much models cost to make" he further asserts. I disassociate myself with the "in their pockets "comment , but I do feel manufacturers get an easy ride on their pricing. It seems that if people complain there is a stigma involved, you are an underclass because you dare to question why a model should be £50 more - can you not afford to pay for more detail? I think manufacturers exploit this position amongst enthusiasts.
I have long thought that there is a cosy relationship between the manufacturers and railway press in this country. Most are on first name terms. Maybe this stems from the old Triang days when we were just so happy to get any type of model ,even if it was on a generic chassis. We became so thankfull for the odd crumb or morcel from our manufacturers. Quite often the mags toe the manufacturers line, simply trotting out their press releases without any attempt to investigate or enquire into the background, despite the fact the mags are given some time before information is released to the public, in the case of Hornby. But times have changed . There is more competition for our hard earned cash than ever before. There is new information on line. If you look at a Digital Camera magazines or websites you will see very critical reviews, quite often along the lines of "not worth the money". You will look in vain for any such review in our press. Perhaps Rail Express comes closeset to real reviews, but even there you get the feeling that its wrong to quibble about paying more for more detail.
Why is this important? Well as time goes on this hobby is becoming progressively more expensive to the new entrant. Increasingly this cost will put people off and they will go and do something else instead. Ultimately a declining market will be bad for us all as prices will increase and so begins the vicious cycle.Yes ,there are welcome developments like "Railroad" but this is still a relatively small part of the market. Questions do need to be asked. Exactly why does track cost so much? Why is ViTrains able to produce a chassis drive diesel for £50, but Hornby do it for £100 (yes I know there are differences in detail - but are they really worth £50?). Why do some coaches retail at £17 but others £25-£30. Now there maybe reasons for this, but the question remains unasked in our media. Unchecked , all that will happen is that prices will go up and up.
I do wish one of our mags would take a more active stand on the question of price, rather than just accepting increases without question.
Russell
