WestStandRam

Following this with great interest, starting to collect n gauge stock myself soon…

Ahh I see, that’s fair.

There could be a lot of operational potential if you use ‘modeller’s licence’ a little bit. Have the tunnel from the station as the scenic break, with 3/4 sidings modelled as described, and maybe also include the coaling/watering towers if you don’t want to include the main shed. Wouldn’t be strictly as it is in real life but provides operational interest. 

Why just model the single lane shed? With a bit more track and a few points you could model an entire MPD inspired by the Grosmont MPD, and probably not need much more space? 

2 hours ago, HonestTom said:

See, people say things like this and then they wonder why it's so hard to attract young people to the hobby. I see this condescending attitude all over the place. The self-identified "real enthusiasts" and "serious modellers" patronising newcomers and younger enthusiasts, then blaming them when they decide they don't want to get involved in clubs and societies where they're clearly not wanted.

 

If that's the prevailing attitude among "real enthusiasts," then I think we have an answer to the question posed in the thread title. Yes, YouTubers, and social media in general, do contribute positively to the hobby. Because if the "real enthusiasts" don't want new blood, where else are the upcoming hobbyists to go?

I’d go one step further and argue that this attitude is one of the main reasons why model railways has such a stigma amongst younger audiences. Unless you’re a ‘rivet counter’, you aren’t a modeller.

Sam’s Trains makes model railways accessible to the average younger person, unlike the original poster’s attitude.  

12 minutes ago, Steamport Southport said:

 

I'm saying he's using statistics to push an agenda. "54% of my viewers like the LNER therefore Hornby should make more LNER". I take it that's the gist, otherwise why bring it up? Just a meaningless statistic.

 

I wonder how many of his viewers could name more than two LNER locomotives? How many other railway engines do they know which aren't Flying Scotsman? I would hazard a guess very few.

 

Let's face facts here, most of his viewers if asked what their favourite locomotive was would probably say Thomas.

 

I doubt any of them are exactly debating the differences between a J39/1 and a J39/2. They would know that if they are real enthusiasts of the LNER.

 

I thought this was a serious railway modelling forum.

 

 

Jason

What exactly is the issue with that? Does it matter if the average railway enthusiast/modeller only knows a few engines?

When you first got into the hobby, and many of us, I bet you didn’t know all the different variants of a J39 either. I don’t see why that discredits or renders ‘entry level’ enthusiasts as irrelevant. Sam has a particular audience, and he’s more than entitled to produce content for that audience. 

Again, i’ll reiterate, the majority of ‘train people’ are likely more casual. This is not an issue, and to argue otherwise is sheer arrogance. 

As someone who is currently buying NYMR locomotives in preparation for a layout, I will follow with great interest! 

I have to say, having read this topic from the outside for a while, I think many comments are a bit unfair. Everyone who produces railway/railway modelling content has their own interpretation and reasons for doing so, and I don’t see any of them doing any harm. Don’t like it, don’t watch it. 
 

I for one think we’re very lucky to have such a wide range of channels and individuals who are willing to publish content for what is in reality quite a niche (although brilliant) hobby