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Post by jlwii2000 on Jul 29, 2016 16:13:54 GMT -8
While I was running around Indy, I kept hearing rumors of the National Train Show going to Birmingham, England in 2022. After I confirmed this, I started wondering how much of a show it would really be.
What do you guys think?
More specifically:
Do you think many manufacturers will go?
Are vendors all going to stay home?
Will the missing vendors/manufacturers get replaced with lots of European based vendors/manufacturers?
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Post by dharris on Jul 29, 2016 16:33:42 GMT -8
Is it the National Train Show or the NMRA convention only
To be in England ?
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Post by jlwii2000 on Jul 29, 2016 16:34:43 GMT -8
Is it the National Train Show or the NMRA convention only To be in England ? From my understanding, both the convention and the show will be in England. |
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Post by edwardsutorik on Jul 29, 2016 17:21:29 GMT -8
On the one hand, it could, and likely would, be great fun. The Brits love to party, and there's LOTS of neat things to see. Some of them even railroad related.
T'other hand: money. When the event is in the US, it's always a fast and cheap visit for someone. That's why it bounces back and forth around the country. I don't see it being a fast and cheap visit for ANYONE in England. Except for the English, of course.
My first reaction was that it was ridiculous. Now, it's intriguing.
But since I've never ever been to one of these events in my 60 some years of model railroading, I don't think it likely it will start with a trip across the pond.
Ed
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Post by TBird1958 on Jul 29, 2016 17:45:19 GMT -8
Seriously, were I going to visit England, about the last thing I'd want to do is look at model trains......
One word, Scotland.
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Post by Frank on Jul 29, 2016 18:01:19 GMT -8
I managed to visit a model railroad group in one of my many (but brief) trips to the UK. Those folks put some serious detail into their work, mostly on account of significantly less space to build layouts in than we have the luxury of here. One of their members was a hardcore fan of the Southern Railway, he liked it because it was "classy" to him (which, I would have to agree). Had never been to the US but he sure did love those trains.
That being said it would not surprise me if this show in England had a far greater attendance than any here in the US. It would likely benefit all those manufacturers to be there as well especially considering the large number of railfans and modelers alike over there.
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Post by valenciajim on Jul 29, 2016 18:47:43 GMT -8
I think they would have to rely on people from the UK attending. I doubt that there would be very many US modelers, let alone vendors in attendance.
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Post by dharris on Jul 29, 2016 19:49:03 GMT -8
While I was running around Indy, I kept hearing rumors of the National Train Show going to Birmingham, England in 2022. After I confirmed this, I started wondering how much of a show it would really be. What do you guys think? More specifically: Do you think many manufacturers will go? Are vendors all going to stay home? Will the missing vendors/manufacturers get replaced with lots of European based vendors/manufacturers? If the actual National Train Show will be in England (technically making it the International Train Show), the amount of USA based vendors will most certainly be much fewer. Some of the big players may send a small booth. Some already go to Nuremburg. I also think yes, many European based companies will take their place. There is a strong model train industry in Europe. Although, keep in mind Europe is not tiny so not all companies from Europe would pay to go to a show in England. |
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Post by Paul Cutler III on Jul 29, 2016 20:56:18 GMT -8
Yet another reason not to join the NMRA.
If they wanted to start a new show outside of North America, that's one thing, but the fact that they are taking the national train show to Europe is absurd. The Europeans have their own very successful shows over there. It's not like the NFL which is trying to spread into and tap a new market by playing games in England every year. This is going to be a European train show sponsored by a North American hobby group. How does this make any sense? Does anyone think that the MOROP (the European "NMRA") would hold their biggest event in the USA? Does the NMRA think that all the usual NTS-attending North American manufacturers will travel there? Seriously? What genius thought that this will be a good idea? Hey, in a hobby where there is a constant negative refrain about manufacturing overseas, let's take our highest visibility event and ship that overseas, too. Not like those North American dollars should go to North American hotels/convention centers/restaurants, right? What a great message from our hobby "leaders". Thhhbbbbt.
Personally, I think it's just an excuse for a vacation for the NMRA big wigs on the NMRA's dime. Why go to beautiful vacation spots like Cleveland, Philly, Indy, or Hartford in the middle of Summer when all the rest of the world awaits? Maybe the convention after England will be during the Winter...in the Bahamas. I've heard Southern France is nice, as well. Perhaps Aruba?
As far as I'm concerned, if the NMRA goes to Europe with the National Train Show and the National Convention, then they should keep the show overseas...permanently. They don't want our money? Then let them explore other parts of the world without it.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2016 21:13:19 GMT -8
Yet another reason not to join the NMRA. If they wanted to start a new show outside of North America, that's one thing, but the fact that they are taking the national train show to Europe is absurd. The Europeans have their own very successful shows over there. It's not like the NFL which is trying to spread into and tap a new market by playing games in England every year. This is going to be a European train show sponsored by a North American hobby group. How does this make any sense? Does anyone think that the MOROP (the European "NMRA") would hold their biggest event in the USA? Does the NMRA think that all the usual NTS-attending North American manufacturers will travel there? Seriously? What genius thought that this will be a good idea? Hey, in a hobby where there is a constant negative refrain about manufacturing overseas, let's take our highest visibility event and ship that overseas, too. Not like those North American dollars should go to North American hotels/convention centers/restaurants, right? What a great message from our hobby "leaders". Thhhbbbbt. Personally, I think it's just an excuse for a vacation for the NMRA big wigs on the NMRA's dime. Why go to beautiful vacation spots like Cleveland, Philly, Indy, or Hartford in the middle of Summer when all the rest of the world awaits? Maybe the convention after England will be during the Winter...in the Bahamas. I've heard Southern France is nice, as well. Perhaps Aruba? As far as I'm concerned, if the NMRA goes to Europe with the National Train Show and the National Convention, then they should keep the show overseas...permanently. They don't want our money? Then let them explore other parts of the world without it. Not a good idea...IMO. But, it's their club...after all. |
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Post by stottman on Jul 29, 2016 22:31:18 GMT -8
Seriously, were I going to visit England, about the last thing I'd want to do is look at model trains...... One word, Scotland. Scotland is overrated honestly. Only a small portion in the northwest looks like all the post cards; the rest looks iike a wet version of Nevada. And depending on WHEN the NTS is, it is not as expensive to travel to the UK as people think. As cheap as $500-600 round trip to London. And actual living expenses are similar to what they are in the US. |
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Post by mlehman on Jul 29, 2016 23:02:16 GMT -8
Model railroaders all over the world are probably thinking, "It's about time, again." Folks, before this sounds too scary, it's already been done...in 1971. Many people come form all over the world to the Convention and NTS. I had crew from Germany and Australia during my three ops sessions before and after Indy. It may cost them less to go to the UK...or whatever is left after Brexit. And immigration may not be as much hassle there to attend, depending on how our elections go...  Many of the big vendors already have some sort of association with overseas, owning or being owned in various ways and connections. And the English are just mad about trains and they do, really, speak English. Of course, if you're making the case for not attending, it's not too persuasive to say you wouldn't be there even if it was just around the corner from your place right here in the USA. |
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Post by bnsftcdiv on Jul 30, 2016 6:32:14 GMT -8
I volunteer as part of the staff for the NTS and currently am in the position that operates the logistical side of the show. Though we have heard no official word yet, we have heard possibilities that the show (or a second one) is likely to be somewhere here in the states, possibly in a locale that it may not be cost effective (major population center?) to run a on a full convention. I suspect near major airport and interstate transportation. Maybe even a different season...There will likely be a show in England, but it may be smaller and more locally focused. The event is still 5+years out so all this may change, Just what we heard for possibilities to start the thinking on planning and likely similar to what was in the mix with a cruise convention proposed earlier. Those decisions have yet to be made...and it's speculation until they are "contracted" into facilities and dates.
And the organization is truly a worldwide group...with member modelers around the world so it seems logical to look outside our borders.
Dave Burman
NMRA NTS Floor Manager
Modeling the modern Twin Cities
Trempealeau, Wi
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Post by carrman on Jul 30, 2016 8:00:46 GMT -8
I volunteer as part of the staff for the NTS and currently am in the position that operates the logistical side of the show. Though we have heard no official word yet, we have heard possibilities that the show (or a second one) is likely to be somewhere here in the states, possibly in a locale that it may not be cost effective (major population center?) to run a on a full convention. I suspect near major airport and interstate transportation. Maybe even a different season...There will likely be a show in England, but it may be smaller and more locally focused. The event is still 5+years out so all this may change, Just what we heard for possibilities to start the thinking on planning and likely similar to what was in the mix with a cruise convention proposed earlier. Those decisions have yet to be made...and it's speculation until they are "contracted" into facilities and dates. And the organization is truly a worldwide group...with member modelers around the world so it seems logical to look outside our borders. Dave Burman NMRA NTS Floor Manager Modeling the modern Twin Cities Trempealeau, Wi And you'll continue to look outside our borders without my money. Dave |
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Post by mlehman on Jul 30, 2016 9:02:07 GMT -8
And you'll continue to look outside our borders without my money. Dave Dave, Gosh, I sure didn't see other Dave kick your dog??? The NMRA is an organization made of up like-minded model rail enthusiasts from around the world. Mostly, foreign members have an interest in North American rail, but not always. Some do still model what we consider "foreign" subjects, but support the NMRA because they recognize its value, especially in the area of standards that are widely applicable, like track and DCC. Why do I say I even say "foreign"? Because those outside-the-US members I've interacted with generally model the prototypes we're familiar with. That's certainly the case for the largest group, Canadians, who often model what are technically non-US prototypes, yet those are ones we're intimately familiar with because the Canadian roads also operate so extensively in the US. Does it really make sense to implicitly write off people who tend to be strong enthusiasts for elements of our culture, especially ones like model railroading that reward wide knowledge of our culture and what and how our country looks, works, and relaxes? If some of us treat the people most likely to be our friends and supporters this way, no wonder we might make a few enemies? We are, for the most part, people whose families came from somewhere else. Running a convention overseas every once in awhile is simply a way to encourage the sort of connections that make us, our nation, and the NMRA stronger. They're not taking anything away from you, especially since it sounds like your dog was never in this fight to start with? You don't have to join the NMRA, but try not to be an ugly American. It doesn't help achieve goals I'd think are our common heritage and in our common interest. |
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Post by Brakie on Jul 30, 2016 10:17:34 GMT -8
Guys,I dunno..It seems blasphemous that the National Convention and Train Show would be held in England but,on the other hand the average English NMRA members will get a chance to attend the convention and train show.
OTOH,why should we none NMRA members care? I only been to the NTS 3 times in 60 years only because it was in Ohio and within reasonable driving distance..
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Post by hovehicle on Jul 30, 2016 10:48:15 GMT -8
The Nuremnberg Toy Fair is held every year in Germany and is one of the biggest hobby and toy shows in the WORLD. That would seem to be the show to go to in Europe, so this makes no sense to me. If England wants to host a show, that's fine, but the NTS should be in America, period.
Vito L.
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Post by theengineshed on Jul 30, 2016 11:20:13 GMT -8
NMRA conventions have been held in Canada five times (?) and England once before. Hardly seems like a topic to get all riled up about...
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Post by edwardsutorik on Jul 30, 2016 11:57:12 GMT -8
I would think that contemporaneous notes were taken concerning the first British NMRA convention. If it was noted as a success back then, it will likely be one again. And the same for failure. I DO hope someone did that. IF you can scrape up the bucks (pounds??), you will have only yourself to blame if you don't enjoy a convention in Britain. These are the folks who scratchbuilt a 1:1 Pacific, after all: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LNER_Peppercorn_Class_A1_60163_Tornado Oh, yeah. Note that they imported the axle bearings for the trailing truck. "Think nothing of it, mate." Ed |
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Post by nw611 on Jul 30, 2016 12:28:15 GMT -8
The Nuremnberg Toy Fair is held every year in Germany and is one of the biggest hobby and toy shows in the WORLD. That would seem to be the show to go to in Europe, s o this makes no sense to me. If England wants to host a show, that's fine, but the NTS should be in America, period. Vito L. Vito, the Nuremberg Show is mainly for business. The best show in Europe is the Dortmund Intermodellbau, normally held in April. A couple of years ago a Club from New England (Massachussets?) brought its modular layout there. Every two years there is also a US Model Railroad Convention near Frankfurt. The next one will be in October 2017. Ciao. RG |
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Post by dharris on Jul 30, 2016 12:29:34 GMT -8
And you'll continue to look outside our borders without my money. Dave Dave, Gosh, I sure didn't see other Dave kick your dog??? The NMRA is an organization made of up like-minded model rail enthusiasts from around the world. Mostly, foreign members have an interest in North American rail, but not always. Some do still model what we consider "foreign" subjects, but support the NMRA because they recognize its value, especially in the area of standards that are widely applicable, like track and DCC. Why do I say I even say "foreign"? Because those outside-the-US members I've interacted with generally model the prototypes we're familiar with. That's certainly the case for the largest group, Canadians, who often model what are technically non-US prototypes, yet those are ones we're intimately familiar with because the Canadian roads also operate so extensively in the US. Does it really make sense to implicitly write off people who tend to be strong enthusiasts for elements of our culture, especially ones like model railroading that reward wide knowledge of our culture and what and how our country looks, works, and relaxes? If some of us treat the people most likely to be our friends and supporters this way, no wonder we might make a few enemies? We are, for the most part, people whose families came from somewhere else. Running a convention overseas every once in awhile is simply a way to encourage the sort of connections that make us, our nation, and the NMRA stronger. They're not taking anything away from you, especially since it sounds like your dog was never in this fight to start with? You don't have to join the NMRA, but try not to be an ugly American. It doesn't help achieve goals I'd think are our common heritage and in our common interest. How is not joining the NMRA make one an "ugly American"? If that is what passes for opinions of the "like minded rail enthusiasts", the NMRA will not be growing its membership as a result. A good way to recruit non members is always to insult them. |
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Post by Great-Northern-Willmar Div on Jul 30, 2016 14:10:22 GMT -8
Discussing the NMRA among members and non-members is just like talking politics. Everyone generally has some opinion and some have very strong feelings one way or the other.
Anyway......
I've been a member of the NMRA since 1978. I've been a life member since 1984. I've served in both division and regional office positions. So, to me the idea of having the national convention in merry old England, is pure folly. Having the National Train show in England, is utter stupidity. I know there is a British and I believe Australian regions. I personally don't keep up with the structure of the organization since I'm no longer active. My activity in the NMRA is getting the monthly magazine, breezing through it and putting it in the recycle bin. I have't been to an NMRA sponsored event in decades. Personally, I'm losing no sleep over my inactivity. So wants and needs of the overseas membership is lost on me.
The national convention is for some people is a go to event each and every year. They spend BIG BUCKS each and every year on not just the convention registration and convention side activities. Not to mention the money spent on a generally less than budget host hotel stay and all the meals. The National Train Show is the one activity that appeals and is open to all people. Many non-members attend the event and even non-model railroaders go just to see the show. So, why BOD of the NMRA, would you consider moving an event that appeals to many and is a gateway to the hobby for non-model railroaders, to the U.K.? It is bad enough that when a convention and show are held on the far east coast that few from the west coast, other than the die-hards attend. Same holds serve when the convention is on the far west coast, east coast participation is greatly reduced. Just going to the NTS is going to cost some money, and some can not afford or just don't want to travel a great distance to blow off a few hours. I live in the Chicago area and before northeast Wisconsin and have not been to Trainfest in Milwaukee since once in the 1980's.
If the BOD of the NMRA bull ahead with this idea, then they better darn well have the real NTS in some central location. I personally don't have even a tiny bit of interest in non-North American trains. If don't run in Canada, U.S. or Mexico, I'll watch paint dry for fun.
I had really thought that the dunderheaded days of the national BOD leadership was behind the organization. But I can see, with this fool headed idea of having the National Convention and NTS "across the pond" shows a leadership which still has their collective heads shoved up their back-sides.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2016 15:44:59 GMT -8
Discussing the NMRA among members and non-members is just like talking politics. Everyone generally has some opinion and some have very strong feelings one way or the other. Anyway...... Indeed, the NMRA is a very "Democratic" organization- there's been money scandals, a top-heavy power structure with fat cats skimmin' & skatin', failed policies*, resistance to change*, and an irrational looking-down upon anyone who doesn't drink the NMRA kool-aid. There's the stubborn attachment to expensive central cities where proper card-carrying members can still participate in bizarre rituals involving vests & pins, and fake elect, er, contests. The days of the NMRA are waning! It has been trumped by prototype modeling meets and the informal & electronic exchange of ideas and information. RPM, a true grass-roots movement that embodies the best of modeling. Make modeling great again, support RPM! * e.g., the NMRA logo. |
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Post by bnsftcdiv on Jul 30, 2016 21:07:40 GMT -8
Didn't kick anyone's dog...Just tried to pass along information. Like I am going to do now. I don't have anymore say in picking a site than any other member. It is a process where interested regions bid to host the convention and show...This year it was two regions not in the US. I wasn't at the board meeting, as I choose to avoid the political side of the organization. I heard about the bid when I arrived in Indy. I asked about the show and that was what I was told.
I am a volunteer. I do this to promote the hobby.....period. I get to see a day of the convention, if I'm lucky. Most shows its meetings to get and stage the show off to a good start. By the time the show closes my crew will have over 80 hours invested...this doesn't count pre site visits and the hundreds of hours others put in mapping and coordinating the process. I get to eat a week of vacation plus other days to visit the next years site. My expenses are covered within reason and I share a room with other volunteers.. No one on my crew lives "high on the hog". We work hard to keep our expenses down...hence the reason why I doubt I'll be in England for a show. I know the board meeting will be held stateside that year as well.
The show is my NMRA thing. My nearest division is a two hour drive away. Its hard to make a meeting after work. I don't own a vest, I don't care one way or the other about the logo. I won't apologize for past board issues you may have because I wasn't there. I won't sell you a membership unless you ask me why I'm a member. I will tell you I have met many great people that have taught me new ways of doing the hobby.. Both the big names you know, and many you wouldn't have unless you saw a clinic, or a demo on the show floor. I have watched as a child smiles when they see Thomas on a module, or hold a throttle and run the intermodal train like the one they saw earlier on their way to the show. I've watched Dad buy the train set...and say it's for the kid. I've seen Master Modellers find and learn a technique from the LEGO Modellers. We know....that's why we do it.
I won't argue about other venues of display either. Rpm is a great thing as well. Been to a couple. Hope to do more. Did you know some of them are co sponsored by NMRA regions? Why? It's called insurance. It's hard to get a building today to hold one without a million and change in liability insurance. We have a variety of SIG groups housed within the convention and have had RPMgroups included in the past. I also spent my afternoon in a home operating his layout today. It all seemed to work, from the DCC to the couplers. Standards. Again, my membership doesn't buy me any of that....it supports it and more.
Dave Burman
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Post by mlehman on Jul 30, 2016 21:36:12 GMT -8
How is not joining the NMRA make one an "ugly American"? If that is what passes for opinions of the "like minded rail enthusiasts", the NMRA will not be growing its membership as a result. A good way to recruit non members is always to insult them. I was reacting to the thought that communicating with overseas members of the NMRA -- "looking outside our borders" -- was somehow a bad thing. That and conflating one's obviously strongly held, if perhaps questionably formulated, negative opinion of the organization with their opinion about the convention site. Then just flat out insulting someone who was simply trying to provide information. That's a lot of work to pack into a sentence. Seems like some hyperventilating or something involved, too. Not really necessary at all. I was just didn't want to be silent when something counterproductive to the hobby and maybe even the national interest was being bandied about because someone holds a grudge against the NMRA. Most Americans are better than that comment suggested, whatever you think of a convention in England or the NMRA. We've got friends and family elsewhere and find it baffling that this idea of "dangerous foreign influence" seems so threatening. Now, others have objected for a variety of reasons that they at least went to the trouble of explaining and without the idea that communicating or meeting with others is a bad one in itself, no explanation needed. That would seem to be a better model for influencing others than lashing out at random because someone's got a NMRA nametag on when they're trying to be helpful. I'll also note that I made no claim that "not joining the NMRA [made] one an 'ugly American.'" I just asked that if you're going to bash the NMRA, make clear that's what you're doing and why, without dragging in and insulting people by implying there's something unethical about holding an overseas convention and - GOSH! -- meeting with folks that might be different. BTW, I doubt that sending that particular Dave a recruiting flyer would do much good today, tomorrow, or yesterday. I suppose that was your attempt at humor. This thread badly needs it. |
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Post by carrman on Jul 31, 2016 18:50:51 GMT -8
And you'll continue to look outside our borders without my money. Dave Dave, Gosh, I sure didn't see other Dave kick your dog??? The NMRA is an organization made of up like-minded model rail enthusiasts from around the world. Mostly, foreign members have an interest in North American rail, but not always. Some do still model what we consider "foreign" subjects, but support the NMRA because they recognize its value, especially in the area of standards that are widely applicable, like track and DCC. Why do I say I even say "foreign"? Because those outside-the-US members I've interacted with generally model the prototypes we're familiar with. That's certainly the case for the largest group, Canadians, who often model what are technically non-US prototypes, yet those are ones we're intimately familiar with because the Canadian roads also operate so extensively in the US. Does it really make sense to implicitly write off people who tend to be strong enthusiasts for elements of our culture, especially ones like model railroading that reward wide knowledge of our culture and what and how our country looks, works, and relaxes? If some of us treat the people most likely to be our friends and supporters this way, no wonder we might make a few enemies? We are, for the most part, people whose families came from somewhere else. Running a convention overseas every once in awhile is simply a way to encourage the sort of connections that make us, our nation, and the NMRA stronger. They're not taking anything away from you, especially since it sounds like your dog was never in this fight to start with? You don't have to join the NMRA, but try not to be an ugly American. It doesn't help achieve goals I'd think are our common heritage and in our common interest. Please, save me the Kumbuya rhetoric. I don't believe in the NMRA. Never have and never will. Me not supporting the convention over there is hardly making enemies. I'm not wishing them ill will. I'm not obligated to like the NMRA, Canadian trains, English trains, or narrow gauge trains for that matter! Doesn't mean I'm wishing or plotting for anyone's ruination because I don't like foreign railroading. I'm allowed to not like something Mike, even if you feel I shouldn't be. Dave |
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Post by calzephyr on Aug 1, 2016 5:58:40 GMT -8
While I was running around Indy, I kept hearing rumors of the National Train Show going to Birmingham, England in 2022. After I confirmed this, I started wondering how much of a show it would really be. What do you guys think? More specifically: Do you think many manufacturers will go? Are vendors all going to stay home? Will the missing vendors/manufacturers get replaced with lots of European based vendors/manufacturers? I attended a train show at the Expo in Birmingham while there on a business trip. It was very interesting but mostly UK and EU trains with very little USA items at that time. It would seem that a National Train Show should be in the USA unless it is renamed to be called the International Train Show. It is always good enlarge the audience for our models since many overseas layouts do model our railroads. Larry |
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Post by mlehman on Aug 1, 2016 7:30:21 GMT -8
Please, save me the Kumbuya rhetoric. I don't believe in the NMRA. Never have and never will. Me not supporting the convention over there is hardly making enemies. I'm not wishing them ill will. I'm not obligated to like the NMRA, Canadian trains, English trains, or narrow gauge trains for that matter! Doesn't mean I'm wishing or plotting for anyone's ruination because I don't like foreign railroading. I'm allowed to not like something Mike, even if you feel I shouldn't be. Dave Dave, You can believe in whatever you want, even talk about it. It's part of what's great here. Lots of folks have spent time or even their lives defending that right. One of the first things I think of, having spent time as a military dependent/tripwire to discourage war in Europe back during the Cold War, is that things that make life there easier for those still stationed abroad, like positive cultural events where Americans and others can interact outside more formal duties, are good things. I guess I just don't see putting our worst foot forward and telling the world how much you dislike them is something that should go unremarked in a discussion likely to be read by thousands of non-US model railroaders in the future. The rest of the world is well aware of how some Americans are jerks (we export a lot of reality TV, for starts), so if they somehow think that about you, at least they know there's others among us who take a more sanguine view of the fact that our hobby is not isolated from the rest of the world. I take it you whittle all your models out of chunks of home-grown American wood to avoid any of that unwelcome communing with foreigners you so despise? |
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Post by mlehman on Aug 1, 2016 7:39:45 GMT -8
I attended a train show at the Expo in Birmingham while there on a business trip. It was very interesting but mostly UK and EU trains with very little USA items at that time. It would seem that a National Train Show should be in the USA unless it is renamed to be called the International Train Show. It is always good enlarge the audience for our models since many overseas layouts do model our railroads. Larry Larry, Sounds like they're still working on planning for a NTS in the US during 2022, but I'm sure we'll hear more as things gel. Your point on the international nature of the model railroad market is well-taken and yet another reason why events like this are important. What we think of as "American" models are often sold in surprisingly large quantities OUTSIDE the US to foreign fans of American railroading. That helps increase the size of runs that vendors make for us here. People often worry so much about getting young folks in the hobby so that it doesn't whither. Economically speaking, it may be an even bigger boon to the hobby to sell more of our stuff past our borders, at least in terms of sheer numbers. We're only shooting ourselves in the foot when a few insist the rest of the world somehow has nothing of interest, value or worth and we should all just stay home so we can fulminate against the subversive tendencies of the NMRA to undermine that myopic world view. |
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Post by dharris on Aug 1, 2016 8:08:01 GMT -8
The amount of exaggeration, misquoting, twisting, spinning, and other forms of stange communtion here is stunning to behold.
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