Pete Waterman tells BBC News that

#modeltrains #toytrains #trains
Pop producer and rail enthusiast Pete Waterman has rejected claims model railways are dying out.
His comments came after the cancellation of the UK's biggest model train show and the closure of one of its largest model railway shops.
Waterman said he he was seeing more young people interested in model railways than ever before.

[@modelrailwaysandme]

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[@jazzman1626]

I just love Pete’s whole attitude to model railways and to youngsters.

[@REDARROW_A_Personal]

​@@darkstone_official_2427Depends if you have kids yourself. I know if I have kids I will introduce them to the idea the same way I was introduce to it. Through wooden railways and if I see them build a interest for the proper thing and know they will respect it. Then I will let them play on my layout and I won't mind if something small gets broken, because its fixable. As long as there is no malice in it. That is them exploring stuff on their own. I call it looking with hands, because my dad used to get annoyed with me and say look with your eyes not hands.

[@PolishThatHandle346]

​@@REDARROW_A_Personalwooden ladders

[@jamescerone]

@@darkstone_official_2427take the stick out of your butt. Like he says, you can always repair. This hobby is all about building anyway. Just keep an eye on them while they play

[@jamescerone]

@@darkstone_official_2427 what in the hell are you on about mate… I’m a 30 year old who makes under 30,000 per year lmao, i have no idea what this has to do with layout size. And my language is designed to not turn this conversation into a virtual screaming match. No one’s asking you to unleash a pair of unsupervised, rambunctious toddlers on your layout ya nitwit. It’s called bringing well behaved, supervised kids to your layout and letting them do stuff. And if they accidentally break something (which adults do too, for your information), I can guarantee you that no individual incident would cost very much to repair.

[@jamescerone]

@@darkstone_official_2427 I’m 30 and make under 30K. My language is in an effort to prevent a profanity-laden internet shouting match on a video about children getting into our hobby. For god sake, man. No one is telling you to unleash unsupervised 3 year olds on your layout every day of the week ya nitwit. We’re talking about supervised young people that come once in a while. And mate, anything that might end up broken after that (which would be at probably the same rate as adults breaking stuff) would maybe cost about the same as a good meal. I know what struggling is man, but come on.

[@abcat131]

Total respect, with all his money he’s never looks down at anyone and his passion shines through

[@TankEngine97]

Well said Pete Waterman. 👍

[@robertcornelius3514]

Not true. This Smart Phone generation could care less, let alone have the money for new train sets.

[@billbasey6518]

Well said👍👍👍

[@TrainsOfDorset]

@@robertcornelius3514 I disagree with this. About 90% of people I know have their own model railway.

[@robertcornelius3514]

@@TrainsOfDorset , you sound like Biden running for president.

[@everettrailfan]

​@@robertcornelius3514 I'm part of that generation but my parents were actually responsible and now I'm working hard to get my private pilot's license instead of sitting around on my phone all day. I also am working on building a layout that I am happy with, and I'm taking my time to plan everything out to make sure it's what I want in my layout. I do completely agree with you though; a large majority of Gen Z suffers from being addicted to their phones, but not all of them are. Every generation has issues, some more than others. We should learn from our mistakes and pass that knowledge on to future generations rather than sitting back and just saying "we're screwed, we can't do anything."

[@harysuper]

I'm 25 and just got into it. Although the hobby is changing, it is far from dead! People experimenting with 3d printing, and upgrading form DC to DCC, it is a very exciting time to be jumping into the hobby.

[@PeterRoose-sd3do]

My sentiments exactly.....I have a four year old grandson and he loves messing about with my 00 scale trains ( I am totally SR & GWR steam locos), the coaches and wagons. He is so bright and interested and when he has a little mishap and one ends up on the floor he brings it to me to see how I fix it...then gently puts it back on the track. I'm going to make his own layout on a 6' x 5' board with three controllers analogue running, with turnouts, through main station and branchline station. Who says the hobby is dying 😍😍😍

[@Eyrrll]

In a strange way, your example highlights a problem with the industry in that there doesn’t seem to be enough kids coming into the hobby that are not brought in as a legacy to someone that is already in the hobby. Having a grandchild to share the hobby with is fantastic, but it’s your grandchild’s friends (specifically those friend’s with grandfathers that are NOT into trains) that are actually more important. A kid’s friends will generally bring more excitement to something than a father, grandfather, or other relative will… and that is important. Without those friends involved, interest fades quicker and the market shrinks faster.

[@peterlloyd6337]

It's complete nonsense - the hobby is very much alive. I had a model railway at 3 years of age. Carried the hobby until 16. Returned at 55. My son and daughter 14 and 9 love the model building - they've recently been building the building kits for the layout. It's a never ending hobby and for me a massive relaxation and pride and joy on what you can build. I am actually not into real trains at all but love the modelling.

[@SenselessUsername]

I think if you look at the shops, you'd conclude it's dying? I think in around 2010 there were three separate model railway shops in Exeter (small UK city; say 200K inhabitants, but regionally 'large'), by I'm gonna say 2015 there was one on the Ironbridge, and that's now gone since a good few years. I don't think I'm overlooking a shop that's just got another location, but even then it would be a third.

[@xr6lad]

Yes because 10 or 20 people here and there is really going to keep multiple manufacturers alive. We’ve already seen companies with draw in the last 2 years.

[@anthonylichfield3540]

Top bloke Pete 👏 happy modelling everyone 👍

[@Cchogan]

It's an internet thing. Model railway channels on KZbin, for instance, are really popular, and not just with old blokes. I think it is also the landscaping and model making that people love. A model railway encompasses so much, including using computers to control it!

[@malcolmjawohowelll2892]

Pete Waterman is such a direct no nonsense and enthusiastic guy ..he has always seemed well connected to the real world. And totally free of vanity. My kind of guy

[@alansheldon9089]

Off to Doncaster swapmeet in a few minutes with my three year old grandson. He loves the trains

[@jazzman1626]

Hope you two have a wonderful day!

[@REDARROW_A_Personal]

Would really like to go to a swap meet or second hand market. I really like old stuff, because it gives me nostalgia for a time I wasn't alive. Not that I have a set era for my layout to me it's just some country that while it operates modern stock. It operates a lot of older rolling stock. I visited the model store a few times and did buy some second hand stuff and plan to buy more in the future.

[@southernrailway00]

As a young model railway enthusiast I know many other young people who love model trains but buy second hand as it is cheaper the model railway industry is not dying it’s adapting

[@Rob1972Gem]

I’m considered myself to be a young model training enthusiast when I go to a lot of the train fares. And exhibitions I’m often the youngest person there and I’m 53 years of age, make that what you will

[@andywilliams7323]

@@Rob1972GemBecause you're going to the wrong exhibitions. You're probably going to what I like to call the stuffy old foggie exhibitions. Where most of the exhibitors are old men still living in the 1970s with regards to the hobby, and nearly always displaying heritage steam-era layouts that today's young and kids can't identify with. Because for today's young and kids, the steam era is not what they grew up in and is too far in the past. All very dull for young people and kids. You go to Pete's annual exhibition in Chester, and you'll see lots of young people and kids. Because Pete's exhibitions cater for young people and kids. Pete's exhibitions are modern, digital, fun, vibrant, exciting and highly interactive. Plus 99% of the layouts are present-day modern, with modern infrastructure and scenery, modern locos and rolling stock and modern digital and electronic model technologies. Which is what today's young and kids want to see. They don't want to see 99% heritage steam.

[@damiendye6623]

​@Trainrhys yep 3d printers will take over as they are doing already

[@IronHorseRailways]

A well put sentiment Pete!

[@douglaswilson762]

Great words Pete we should act on them and let younger people learn and enjoy the hobby.

[@stephenpike3147]

Well said Pete a very balanced perspective and remembering what worked for you a a kid, ditto for me! Never been a better time to be in this multi faceted hobby, something for everyone. Can go from the simplest to most complex layouts. What’s more it can grow with you, your skills, knowledge and budget. For getting the kids involved it’s also about stimulating parents interest for them to support it too. These doomsday folk are just after quick headlines and likes. They fail to see how the hobby has advanced in its use of electronics, software, moulding and manufacturing technology and scratch building tools (3D print, printing, Cricut etc) with cheap or free CAD. Also so many resources to refer to. It’s a golden opportunity to get their kids off these money and time draining mobile phones, that become obsolete in a few years, what a waste! Glad to see them go to your layout shows in such large numbers!

[@andrewtongue7084]

Broadly speaking, I'd agree with Waterman; however, there is one, small caveat: The current (inherent) cost to building & adding new rolling stock & locomotives is beyond the economic pail - it's just not affordable at the moment. Waterman has made his wealth (& good luck to him), so he can afford to absorb such costs; many cannot. Model railways are not actually "dying", but they will (I believe) see a downturn in sales - that is irrefutable.

[@traindrivingrailenthusiast]

Broadly speaking, adding new as you put it is expensive because they are fine scale models you are looking at. There’s plenty of good cheap second hand models and railroad models suitable for building a good layout with and for kids to play with

[@andrewtongue7084]

Then we'll agree to disagree on the "fine scale modelling" aspect - I am fully aware of the detail on new products - that, however, does not give manufacturers carte blanche to rip people off. I've been railway modelling for fifty-four years, so I've seen the transitions that (I consider) you're alluding to. By choice, I haven't bought new locomotives/rolling stock for five years - I don't see the addition of weathering or digital sound particularly as an enhancement - I can weather my own vehicles & employ that salient free gift known as imagination if I want an audible reminder; my son (by his own volition) shares those sentiments, & when & if his children so choose to play with them, then they can.

[@stephenguppy7882]

It's all right for Pete Waterman. He can afford an actual locomotive. Most people cannot afford a Hornby set these days.

[@RaggyAl1971]

Model railways in general is fast becoming a rich mans hobby,the days of the 100 quid starter train set are gone,locomotives over the 200 mark.Sadly the enthusiast has demanded more and more realism and detail from manufacturers which is pushing the hobby further and further away from the ordinary guy.

[@roryhand6650]

There's also no reason it cannot accommodate both. In north America it's pretty common for most manufacturers to have a budget range with slightly garbage locos but that still run well with a nice price tag, and then a top tier range with all the correct era grills etc. Hornby's railroad range was supposed to (and actually did at one point) provide the low end budget range, but unfortunately in more recent years they increased the prices that much it's hardly "budget" anymore.

[@melanierhianna]

Some detailed model locomotives are over the 200 mark. Hornby has the whole railroad range which are a lot less than that. As I posted above, £100 from 1980 is equivalent to £537 now. So £15 loco from 1980 is £80 now. And that £15 loco was a Lima 0-6-0, and an equivalent quality is a Hornby Railroad 0-6-0 of around £80. The reason the 100 quid starter train set is long gone because £100 from say the year 2000, is now only worth £47. But actually you CAN get starter sets for £100, check out Hornby R1279M

[@melanierhianna]

Even better (considering what Pete Waterman was just saying) Hornby's R1281M is sub £200 and is modern outline with a recognisable loco.

[@oddities-whatnot]

I also think there is huge interest in railways in general from the amount of UK rail channels on KZbin. Its harmless enjoyment, a nice relaxing hobby for many people.

[@peterkettle8571]

Such wise words, we have a fantastic hobby that we need to share!

[@thisplayer01]

Simply brilliant, thanks Pete Waterman! Best, Carlo

[@gfdx3214]

I was born in 2004. As a kid my grandparents had a small model railroad. Not really decorated, it was barren. And did I enjoy it? ABSOLUTELY. I would love to just go upstairs, turn it on, and just make the train go in circles. in 2011 we moved houses, giving me a room separate from my sister and my dad a room to realise his dream of making his own railway. And I found that amazing, for I could now play with the trains at home. Yeah, it took a while to be set up properly, but my dad's enjoying it, I enjoy it, and now my younger nephew and niece enjoy it too Trains are amazing

[@beendoneagain]

The overall scene of model railways, model kit building and war game figure painting is very much alive and kicking!

[@michaelwells6797]

Waterman is 77 years old,I am 79, I cannot afford any of today's obscenely expensive locomotives. He is a multi millionaire, having made his money in the music business,and good on him but do not come out spouting that we can all afford this hobby anymore.

[@markarnold8160]

I didn't think he said that. He said let kids get interactive with the layout and they'll be into the hobby for life, which they won't be if told not to touch anything. The point was about the hobby dying out, which it isn't.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Pete is such ambassador for the hobby 👍🏻

[@keithwesley2471]

A young lad was practically jumping up and down and avidly watching the trains at our club exhibition. I asked him what he might want to do when he left school. The answer surprised me. "A bus driver," came the reply!

[@Olivers_RailAdventures]

I’m only 17 and just brought myself my first second hand Hornby Intercity 125 set to start me off. This hobby definitely isn’t dying, it’s just the large amount of money and time required to create one properly. I most likely won’t have a complete model railway for a good 5-8 years yet.

[@vpmartini7613]

He’s completely right. When I was a kid I wanted Inter-City 125s because they were the trains of my childhood, not Mallard or Flying Scotsman. Kids today want Pendolinos, IETs/Azumas for the same reason.

[@fin720s]

it doesnt matter if young people want to get into it everything is so expensive

[@Northerner_Transport_Hub]

Yesterday I was shouted at by an old man for trying to help a derailment which due to a miscommunication I caused. Wish there was more people like Pete in the hobby.

[@mollyfilms]

I’ve been waiting to get a model train for so long now, just like real life it’s late.

[@Kitchevo]

And yet, here I am at almost 40 and I can’t afford it, not even close and that’s with a good income, I can’t buy what I want because of people buying up whole batches before they even hit the shelves. I think the older generation need to stop burying their heads in the sand and wake up that the costs have gone stupid, and the whole hobby has gone too complex in terms of digital. Simplification and drastic lowering in price and bigger batches of models also a cap on how many people are allowed to purchase

[@paulmartin4971]

Had my first Hornby train set when I was 13 and loved it, used to save up from my £1 a week pocket money, and buy extra bits for it, don't know what happend to it now, I'm 59 now and am buying up track, loco's, carriges etc etc to make a large layout, am going in with not a lot of knowledge but can't wait to get going, cheers 🥂

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Well said. Thank you.

[@whiteheatherclub]

I was at the Model Rail Exhibition in Glasgow a few days ago. It was mobbed. And there were lots of young people there. My nine-year-old grandson told his mum he would like a model rail set.

[@tomdarling-fernley3178]

One. Hundred. Per. Cent. Pete's attitude is spot on here. I love his perspective that when he was small, his interest was fired by the speed and excitement of trains. At the time, that looked different, but his excitement at a Jubilee is the same impetus as a kid's excitement at an Azuma today. And personally, if a kid is impressed by a Pendo zipping past Tebay services at 110mph, they'll be positively bouncing when they see Tangmere or Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at full chat on a charter.

[@Random3716]

I enjoy reading old model magazines, and people in the op-eds of 60 years ago were saying that the hobby was dying. If you read between the lines it's people complaining that the hobby and/or the world is changing. In the 60s they were bemoaning plastic kits that were pedestrianizing the hobby; only "real modellers" were the ones that scratchbuilt their own window muntins. When I was a kid in the early aughts it was those dang video games that were "stealing" kids' attention. Neither of those killed model railroading. In fact, a lot of younger people in the hobby today are using those digital skills to 3d print whichever prototype they have an interest in, not unlike the machinists who were foundational to model railroading 90 years ago. The sentiment of this gentleman is lovely, and he's entirely correct. Model railroading isn't dying; what people want to model and gow they model it is changing. That's always how it's been, and that's a good thing.

[@not_lewis2649]

he’s so nice I don’t think I would be able to let people knock around or misplace things on model railways

[@stardust5379]

Remember in James May Toy Stories he said trains are for playing with, not collecting. He wanted a train set not a model railway. But importantly it is the hands on playing that children want.

[@user-ianiknak]

I couldn't have put it in any better words than Pete has, I'm 58 and started my lay out 2 years ago, I let my 2 young grandsons play with it & if things get damaged they are easily repaired, after all it's what model railways are about, building & repairing & enjoyment for the family

[@dbrailways]

Well done Mr Waterman, great job. I’ve got all of my model railway ‘stuff’ still in readiness for when I can get a house where I can put it all back out ! I started off going to a model railway club when I was a lad, it was fantastic .

[@mightymaule]

Well said, Pete.

[@gibbosj08]

i went to a local club after years of trying to gain the confidence it was totally the opposite i spent 3 hrs just talking and looking at there layout by the end i never went back

[@sugrue8526]

I just realized that my 3 daughters are 4th generation model RR’s. Neat. My Grandfather’s American Flyer is gone. But the 1949 to 50’s Lionel he bought my Father are still going strong. I’ve added some. Neat

[@brianligat9493]

The closure/demise of Hattons is a sad day for model railways.

[@zamnodorszk7898]

I'm a 30 year old parent, and my son loves playing with trains, and is fascinated with model trains. I'd sooner prefer he plays with something physical and real, so agree with Pete completely. I'll be sure to foster his excitement for the subject.

[@dawdawes]

With my exhibition layouts, if young people ask questions and ask if they can run it, as long as the parent/carer/gran or grandad are happy so am I. We need to loose this thing of it's mine, hands of, I never have barriers. On the other thing of price, yes some of the rolling stock is getting expensive but look at the detail your getting compared with older locos and stock.

[@thecornishsteamtrain123]

Thanks Pete. I’m a young modeller and makes me feel much more a part of it

[@leokimvideo]

All I have noticed where I live is train shows are dying. No one younger is building display layouts. The cost to get into this hobby is now outlandish. RIP Model Railways, and just look at Hornby's share price to see how it's tanking to $0

[@modelrailwaysandme]

Isn't St Lukes still going?

[@leokimvideo]

@@modelrailwaysandme No, St Lukes stopped just before Covid. It was getting smaller and smaller every year. We lost the big show at the Thornleigh Brick Pit as well before Covid. It moved out west. It was also suffering much lower numbers and fewer displays.

[@joshuahill6153]

It is becoming TOO hard to find suitable leasing space, short-term for a long-weekend. It's either too small or churches have taken it, or too expensive. Progressively our leasing space went smaller and smaller and the price went up and up. No more hobby show. This hobby show was displaying all hobbies, it was a catchment for youth. Also a lack of hobbies to display forced it to be more of an arts & craft show which didn't help either.

[@davidsteel2217]

Great ambassador for model railways. Love watching Him on TV. So enthusiastic & inspiring.

[@manofthehour6856]

Go Pete Waterman, go, go go!!!! I think he makes a brilliant argument about modern set ups for the modern generation. They want to relate to stuff they are familiar with. There is something very human about wanting to have the tangible experience, of creating things, and even building a world that you can control as a way to escape. I remember circa 1981 when home computer games (Atari, anyone) were the rage. Even though there was some switch to virtual games, modelling withstood that onslaught, and today, there are so many offerings from various companies, plus 3D modeling (uk oh, the computer!) that allows people to create a bespoke item for a model. Maybe that is where the two come together, with computers being a tool to aid in the hobby, and not the hobby itself.

[@Roethorn_pb]

Was a model railer as a kid, got scammed by an adult and quit it. Now 33 so tempted to start again just for the HST that got released, will forever miss my Coronation Scott though.

[@kevinjoyce5076]

I have an 11 year old son. All I do is set up the baseboards, track and controller in the conservatory every year and he plays with the trains in the way he wants to. Yesterday I had to repair one of the trains where blue tack he had used to make a 'modification' had taken off a hand rail but it's back as it should be now. He astonishes me with his knowledge on Sir Nigel Gresley locos from watching youtube. It is not just idle play but a way to learn about engineering, digital electronics, history and more...

[@Big_Gaz_1]

With all due respect to Pete i think he is totally wrong on model railways outlook. They are simply beyond a price point that no ordinary person can afford now. Model railway used to be the bread and butter of every child's xmas present but nowadays it is just too expensive. £25 for a tiny wagon, average of £150 for a loco and don't get me started on the price of a single piece of track! no sorry, the manufacturers have just gotten far too greedy and they can't blame rising costs in China now!

[@ericm1238]

This applies to so many hobbies in life. Good stuff.

[@alexmanne]

I went to the Rocky Mountain Train Show in Denver last year. It's a very large show - It was packed. I saw so many kids and teenagers running the trains. I saw so much interaction from spectators. I saw tons of families. One of my close friends just passed his grandpa's HO trains down to his little daughter who loves trains. I gave a whole entire box of my old HO trains to my buddy's kids - they loved it. The only reason I didn't buy more model trains the past 20 years is because I didn't have room to run them. Now that I have space, I got into G scale. Lots of factors, but the main theme is to get kids into trains and model trains. Then facilitate that into a passion.

[@Stefan8u]

What manufacturers' need to do is make cheaper toy models, with excellent drive sytems with the ability to up-detail. £70- £100 with the ability to easily add finer details and improvements. No new-comer is gonna spend 200-250 on a rivet accurate loco model for themselves or for the younger generation. There should be several DMUs & EMU 3 car sets foe £120-£150 with some basic lights and sounds and everyone would love them as toys and models. They're better suited for kids to handle than steam locos and they're what people see everyday. For me the hobby has always been about creating a mood or a theme first, not an accurate representation.

[@toyotaprius79]

It kinda is dying when models are getting more expensive and the intergenerational wealth divide growing stronger than ever

[@lesparks126]

He is totally on Point! I have access to three model railway shows this weekend. Oh the dilemma (lol). I've been in the hobby for 45 years, in that time, I have more access to different products than ever. Statistics: ok, you can argue that the market share of Model Trains is slimming, but the past time/leisure market base is growing. In Germany, the Model Train market is a $330 million a year industry. France is $35 million a year. No eGame levels, but nothing to sneeze at either. Closing of various distributors Like Model Train Stuff in the US. I would not conflate market and business dynamics to the health of the hobby. Sears once dominated the US, but they are virtually gone, but the market for consumer goods is exponentially higher. There is a saturation of distribution modes that are not necessarily endemic to the Model Railroad Industry, but carry our hobby's product (e.g. Amazon, eBay, etc)

[@liamfinch4129]

Well done Pete!

[@rockinghorses]

Found this layout many years ago, whilst I need to stick with N the scale of his layout is my absolute favourite.

[@nickm8134]

I agree that interest in modelling originates from real-world experience. If the kids never see and experience the real thing, it's hard to see how they would be interested in a model. We do try to take our grand-kids on the train as much as possible, and it makes a lot of sense because our train journeys, funnily enough to Liverpool Chester and Crewe mainly, are often cheaper and more convenient than travelling by car. We also take them to preserved railways too, so they do see some live steam, but I agree their interest is mostly on modern trains. We had a wonderful day at Worth Valley last week! Anything that encourages children into making stuff is a huge bonus, but it requires more effort and support than giving them a computer screen. But as you say, Pete, the interest must come from the kids themselves first. We visited Making Tracks 3, several times at Chester last year, and based on what we saw there, I would definitely say model railways are NOT dying - quite the opposite.

[@JeanPierre-jb5ln]

Couldn't agree more, I had the pleasure of operated a small layout at the Manchester club exhibition. It was operated from the front, there were no barriers, children were asked if they would like to drive a train, yes please always the answer. instructed on how the controller worked and trains moved with an adult guided them on moves, just in case we had an emergency stop button ( it was never used). The queue got longer.... They were all appreciative there parents generous with their thanks. We received many kind comments, most common being "this has never happened before" It was pre Christmas and train set became the order of the day, advice given when requested...... This modest layout won the publics layout of the show vote. I leave yo to wonder why ??

[@SirRamone]

I was about 4 years old and my Grandmother said "there is this guy in my complex with a trainset in his garage takes up the whole thing" That guy had the full deal and when i went over there said "pick what ever you want" Yeah I was hooked, I am 34 with a big stock pile of track just waiting to have a house to build what he had.

[@tonetonic2013]

I hear what Peter is saying but he can afford it. The cost of that layout in your footage is great.

[@yoshisaurusrex3767]

We have been told so many times how lazy and glued to our phones we were. I wish more people would be as open minded as him :)

[@metalman4141]

Happy birthday Pete 👏

[@gaugeonesteam]

I was annoyed that when they re-built the Poole Park miniature railway they opted for a "steam outline" battery powered loco and NOT something that resembled a "Pendolino" or similar. As Pete says: Children and young people want to see a smaller version of what is on the real railways.

[@stevesutherland8247]

I love his philosophy of let the kids play with it and have fun with it. Engaging with people is exactly the right way to get them interested in the hobby

[@devonbelle3]

Great words of wisdom from the master lol. Take heed modellers. 😊

[@hotelmario510]

I don't personally build model railways but I'll tell you one thing and that's that model railways are very cool and I think it's a hobby that will always be around as long as there's enough metal and resin to make the models.

[@seanmawson296]

Couldn't agree more Pete, When I was 7,8 all I wanted to see at shows like Warley was a moden image layouts like on the WCML and that what exited me. its what you grow up with and its that you want to recreate. I am extremely fortunate that my dad gave me the opportunity to build that appreciation and I could get hold of those trains then they came out before they went through the roof in price . 2012,2013 then the virgin Pendolino and London midland 350 came out respectively. It's crushing to think if people want the full length trains like a 9 or 11 car 390 it now costs over £250 just to buy the extra coaches on top of the £300-400 cost of the train.

[@wellingtonnorthjunction3911]

I’ve been a railway enthusiast since I went to the Severn valley railway when i was 4 and the first engine I rode on was 7802 Bradley manor

[@stephenrossi1918]

Meanwhile, Hornby is making their Beatles range of locos and wagons and saying: "Yeh this'll save us!"

[@ryanharris259]

At 22 just starting this hobby, this guy really is right on the money with what he’s saying, the bit that stops the younger generation is the price of the hobby £200+ just for two hst power cars is too much

[@Mike__B]

The problem is that what the "kids" (and adults who now have a job who can pay for it) see there is what they want, all the scenery, track layout, a huge variety of trains, and that takes a LOT of time and a lot of money to get to that point, not to mention a large dedication of space that many people simply do not have. So what people end up doing is paying 300 bucks for the cheapest quality trains and cars that come in a kit and go around in an oval made of snap together track on the dining room table and it really doesn't have the same feel and you get bored of it quite easy. You can see it in a lot of Train-tubers who don't have complete setups, or who are "starting over", a year later after they "start over" and sure they have trains running, but it usually isn't close to what one would call "done". Don't get me wrong I'm not knocking the hobby, like any hobby you need to put the dedication into it to even attempt to get anywhere close to that level of enjoyment, I've seen it in the salt water aquarium industry (which I recently got out of after 20 years or so), they buy the tank, the equipment the rocks, they spend a ton of money on tiny little coral pieces, and after a year they're gone because problems or lack of effort to keep it pristine, or costs, not realizing all those big colorful corals you see in someones tank that is what made you want to get in took years and years to grow to those sizes. For many people, the occasional trip to a train club's layout where they rent a large space, have lots of knowledgeable members working on a fantastically huge layout, is enough to give that feeling of joy.

[@MrRonan3]

I am 64 years old just starting to build my 1st railway. Both ends of the scale,

[@TrenyCwm]

He is spot on IMO. I’ve given up going to model railway shows for just those very opinions Pete Waterman expressed there. Most of the exhibitions don’t have enough action, they’re too slow, they’re set too far in the past with steam trains all that. Most young enthusiasts don’t want to see steam traction.

[@London1064]

Great video and absolutely spot on from Pete

[@Matt19matt19]

All I know is I stopped due to the prices. It's not that I couldn't afford it, I just couldn't justify the prices that manufacturers are charging. Sure I get inflation is a thing, so I can't expect to pay the same price as I did back in 2007 when I last did the hobby. The second hand prices have shot up ridiculously too. It's all very well for Pete Waterman he's not going to flinch at a £300 loco that 15 years ago would have cost £90. Or a wagon being £40 and you need quite a few of them. Everything has just ridiculously shot up in price far beyond what it should have done.

[@EchoAlphaRomeo]

He's absolutely right. The manufacturers these days need to get their heads out the pre-grouping steam loco sand and start looking at what the railway scene is like in this day and age.

[@modelsandtrains7915]

I think the problem is the money side, cost of living, lack of model shops. Yes young people and children are very interested but sadly it is an expensive hobby and if children can’t get locos they want there attention moves to other things. Plus too many children grow up with a mobile phone practically from day one.

[@iancastledine7284]

That's the man I know.... he gets it, what an envoy

[@Matt19matt19]

When i was a kid i could take my pocket money, goto the shop at the east Lancashire railway and get a loco for £15. Get wagons for £3-4 each. Get a coach for £7. That was only back in 2003-4. Then when i got older i could buy newer, more detailed locos and rolling stock. Even new steam engines were £70 or so. Sure inflation is a thing but the prices have shot up far beyond that. Even second hand prices are ridiculous. Kids cant simply take pocket money and start off their collections. They need their parents to spend £200 a time on a loco.

[@ScottKew-g8r]

Fun never dies. Fun never gets old. He is right about that.

[@JanHenk-k1b]

I´m 15 years old and i love model railways. Going to start my first layout soon (H0e scale) :)

[@StocktonStation]

Keep up the message model railways are not dead or dying.

[@jungleboy1]

To be fair, i think a lot more youngsters would get into it if the buy in point was a bit cheaper. It can get quite pricey to collect model railways and also you need the space.

[@barry5111]

I first went to a model railway exhibition at Caxton Hall in the fifties. I was amazed to see the Bassett lowke stuff that is the gauge that I like

[@johnbradshaw7525]

I've taken early retirement and have just commissioned someone to build a 1990's TMD for me. I wouldn't know where to start building a layout plus I have a disability that would limit what I could do with regards to building my own layout.

[@internetmail3888]

There could be a govt voucher scheme which ensures all kids are issued regular vouchers that can be used to purchase hobby equipment like model railway stuff. The vouchers could be only exchangeable for certain kid safe stuff which will help them have a normal childhood.

[@allumcharles]

What a great bloke

[@Barbarapape]

Wise words from Pete, but as much as some youngster may desire a modern layout how are their parents going to pay for it? With the current high prices, this is what is holding the hobby back.

[@michaelmonstar4276]

I'm not here from a model railway angle at all, but I agree with this in terms of all kinds of hobbies. - People say this stuff about lots of things, but if it exists, it's practiced.

[@andybrookes-wilde3820]

Alive and kicking, We are at Chapel en le frith leisure centre this weekend with the New mills railway modellers

[@086DEN]

He hasn't had to save like mad to get into the hobby.

[@PeterPete]

If it wasn't dying, why has Warley stopped exhibiting? Why has Hatton's closed?

[@jonathanlake6053]

Lack of younger people coming to the hobby, is the main reason, look at the ages of people at shops, shows & model railway clubs, they are in a very small minority.The chap from Warley stated that there are not enough young people willing to organise & run future shows, as for Hatton's draw your own conclusions.

[@PeterPete]

Quote - they are in a very small minority. In another 20 years that minority will get even smaller and smaller as all the people die off. In order for anything to survive, one needs people to support it. No people, no survival. @@jonathanlake6053

[@devilscoachman79]

I think Hatton`s has gone because people are not paying the ever increasing prices. I have plenty of disposable income and upto 2018 I used to spend well over £200 every month with Hatton`s. But the prices just kept going up and I was getting less for my money, It isn`t a case of not having the money in the bank it`s more of the fact that I just can`t justify paying silly money for items that I don`t really need, when I can just run what I`ve got. I quite like the look of the Bachmann western pullman train, but do I really want to watch £600+ going round the layout? No I do not.

[@PeterPete]

If you have disposable income and money in the bank why not spend £600+? Prices have increased for literally everything so your position doesn't make any sense.@@devilscoachman79

[@modelrailwayfantasia]

There's also slot cars and trains closed very few city centres have a physical model shops .

[@thatbusfan92]

I collect model buses as a kid myself. I don't think ill stop to be honest.

[@LivingLifeSlower]

Ive started collecting all of the stuff my dad did. Its great for distracting me from all pf the rubbish the media is pushing.

[@JabaMasonko]

That's the right attitude!