Rick Bell

I started in this hobby back in 1953 when my Dad worked at MDC. When I had my tonsils out I was in the hospital for two weeks. He brought me a few car kits to assemble. They were pretty crude by today’s standard but I slogged away at them. Wish I still had them.
The hobby may have shifted but we are now in a new and exciting era with 3D printing and more folks rediscovering the fun of building. If you pursue the various social media groups you will see more folks posting their work every day. The methods may have changed since the demise of your “era” but the hobby is growing every day. Just look at sales of kits and parts from places like Lambert Locomotive Works and NGMC to name a few.
No, the hobby is not dying but merely shifting.
It truly is a great time to be a model railroader!

Link