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*** I think that modelling is evolving positively: Sure there may be fewer and fewer who model what could be termed "classic era" pre BR but there are very many newish modellers who have a more eclectic approach, mixing both period and prototype.... There is also a really heartening trend which has a much younger set of modellers who are D&E/Electric oriented and very focussed on what they do, including operations , model quality and detail - so at all levels, I don't see a decline, only a change in modelling era dominance.
I think its simply evolution - when steam era modelling was at its peak Steam was still there or perhaps only just dying in the real world... Then layouts abounded with LMS/LNER/GWR/SR/early BR focus etc... because that was within the "living memory" of the modellers - this has since steadily translated to a core of BR transition, early diesel and now modern layouts because, now, THAT is the "living memory" of the average new modeller.
Have you ever noticed that those who worry at the passing of the hobby are always the older modellers - I really think what they are seeing is adecline in their style / prototype modelling, not the hobby! ...and I also think that is the area where some clubs miss out on growth and new member interest, as their executives are almost inevitably older or of another era, and they simply miss seeing the possibility of modelling a more modern era.
If evidence of the health and age of our hobby is needed MRF wise - look back to a 2006 or 2007 Warley thread - and look at the group photo - MOST of those in it are much younger than you may expect - and I think that is the fantastically positive reality.
Richard
I think its simply evolution - when steam era modelling was at its peak Steam was still there or perhaps only just dying in the real world... Then layouts abounded with LMS/LNER/GWR/SR/early BR focus etc... because that was within the "living memory" of the modellers - this has since steadily translated to a core of BR transition, early diesel and now modern layouts because, now, THAT is the "living memory" of the average new modeller.
Have you ever noticed that those who worry at the passing of the hobby are always the older modellers - I really think what they are seeing is adecline in their style / prototype modelling, not the hobby! ...and I also think that is the area where some clubs miss out on growth and new member interest, as their executives are almost inevitably older or of another era, and they simply miss seeing the possibility of modelling a more modern era.
If evidence of the health and age of our hobby is needed MRF wise - look back to a 2006 or 2007 Warley thread - and look at the group photo - MOST of those in it are much younger than you may expect - and I think that is the fantastically positive reality.
Richard
