Where does model railroading rank among Americans' favorite hobbies? "It depends on whom you ask and how you define `hobby,' " says Jim Slocum, editor and publisher of Model Retailer magazine in Waukesha, Wis. But this much is true, according to Slocum and other sources:
- Among traditional hobbies -- radio-controlled vehicles, rocketry, plastic models, miniatures -- model railroading is far and away the most popular.
- The bible of the industry, Model Railroader magazine, has a circulation of 210,000. Nine other magazines serve the hobby, including specialty publications Garden Railways and O Gauge Railroading.
- Americans spend more than $897 million a year on model trains and accessories.
- Americans lead the pack in model railroad purchases. Other countries where the hobby is hot include Germany, France and England.
- HO scale trains are the top-selling trains, with 82 percent of the market. Next in popularity are the smaller N and O scales.
- The U.S. Postal Service recognized the hobby last year by issuing a stamp with artwork from the 1929 Lionel train catalog. The boy in the illustration is Joe Adda, now a 75-year-old New Jersey dairy farmer who still collects trains.
- The average model railroader, according to the latest (1993) Model Railroader poll, is male, age 47, married with children, a homeowner with a household income of $51,909, college educated, lives in the Northeast or Midwest, has an average layout of 215 square feet and attends three train shows a year. He usually has his train layout in the basem*nt, unless he lives on the Pacific Coast. Then it's most likely in the garage.
FAQs
– Among traditional hobbies — radio-controlled vehicles, rocketry, plastic models, miniatures — model railroading is far and away the most popular. – The bible of the industry, Model Railroader magazine, has a circulation of 210,000.
Is model railroading a good hobby? ›
Model Railroading has been called “The world's greatest hobby.” We agree!
Is model railroading still popular? ›
I think the railroad hobby is going to see a fair amount of growth over the next 20 years. We're already seeing increased interest from younger generations. There are almost always groups of teens and young adults with cameras and tripods when I go trackside, which definitely wasn't as much the case even a decade ago.
Why do people like model railroading? ›
Growing a model rail train can help people bond, grow social skills and get a form of comradery that helps relationships. Plus, it's just cool to get into something different and invite someone else. Oh, and if you want to build one solo then you can do that as well.
What is the average age of model railroaders? ›
Both reported that the average age of a model railroader was 56, and that few young people were getting involved. “If new people hadn't been entering into the hobby, the average age should have gone from 56 to 66, but it didn't.
Is model railroading in decline? ›
An ageing population, rising prices and shrinking living spaces have all been blamed for a downturn in the model railway industry. This week, a historic shop announced plans to cease trading, while a national convention revealed that its 2023 meetup would be its last.
What do you call someone who likes model trains? ›
Railfans taking photos and videos of rolling stock Bill Nye looks over the model railroad display at the Pasadena, California model train club. The hobby extends to all aspects of rail transport systems. Railfans may have one or more particular concentrations of interest, such as: Railway locomotives and rolling stock.
How many people do model railroading? ›
I have researched the numbers online and it appears to be around 500,000 people that feed a market of about $450 million per year. If the number is actually that high, then model railroading is still a significant hobby but the total market includes all gauges (O, HO, N, TT, ON3 HON3).
What is the most popular model railroad size? ›
With a track gauge of 16.5 mm and a scale of 1:87, HO is the most common model train size today. Lionel has manufactured HO trains several times in its history. Today, we offer The Polar Express™ locomotive and train cars.
Why do men like model railways? ›
"Model train building is a nostalgia thing," a spokesman for the company said. "Dads and grandads alike are introducing their kids to it because it's what they themselves grew up with – they either collected Hornby as a kid or they were around for genuine old steam trains."
Many people in the hobby started when they were kids and it stayed with them. Railroads reflect the times they operated in, and vice versa. Building a model railroad leads to learning about prototype railroads, their times and their settings.
Are model trains for adults? ›
Think of it this way: model trains tend to be made for and marketed toward adults or older youth.
What ages do models retire? ›
Comparatively, Male models have a longer career path and have offers coming in even at the age of 60. While most female models can be ready for retirement by the time they turn 25, males tend to start later and are more likely to make modeling a long-term career.
How old should you be to be a model? ›
Fashion models have very particular age, height, and measurement standards. The typical age is 16-21. Models can be younger than this, but many agencies will require models to be at least 16. Likewise, models can be older but agencies and clients tend to like their models looking younger and more youthful.
How long does it take to build a model railroad? ›
Somewhere between weeks and a lifetime. While not really a complete railroad, you could build a pretty decent N-track module in a week or three. You could build a 4x8 HO oval with sidings and spurs in months. A basem*nt empire can take a lifetime or more.
Is model building a good hobby? ›
Model building is more than just a fun hobby; it's a comprehensive developmental tool that can shape a child's future in many positive ways. From unleashing their creative potential to introducing them to the fascinating world of STEM, it is clear why model building is a great hobby for kids.
Why are model trains a hobby? ›
As with any hobby, the obvious answer is because it's fun! If you've made it this far, you're probably already interested in building a model railroad for some reason. But maybe you're still on the fence. After all, a model railroad requires an investment in time, money, and energy.
