Model railroading sales are up?

No doubt those stimulus checks last year and currently will help many purchase more toys...

Is it safe to assume sales were up at MTH, Lionel and Atlas, etc?   Were hobby shop sales up?

Definitely. My local hobby shop owner said that despite closing his doors to walk in customers, his business has gone off the charts during the past year.  Its all internet sales, mail order and purchases by appointment. No doubt the manufacturers are also seeing this surge in sales as well.  At least something good seems to have come from this horrible pandemic.

Virtually all of the established train shop owners I have spoken with in recent months reported that sales were very good (or better than good) over the past year.

My LHS owner said he's been having record sales since the pandemic. People aren't taking vacations so they have more money to spend, and working from home means more layout time.

This is good news.  Hopefully we have brought in some new people to the hobby as well.

If sales were not on the upswing, I don't think you would see MTH offering all these special runs just as they are dismantling the company.  Another indicator that this catastrophe has had a silver lining for the hobby industry. I wonder if subscriptions to hobby publications have prospered as well, whether virtual or print?

Hobbies in general have skyrocketed during the pandemic. People finding ways to pass the time who are out of work or just pandemiced out!

My wife works near a Michaels store. She has never seen as many cars as she has the past year in the parking lot.

The funny thing about the stimulus is that it was meant for people to live on, and a lot are splurging.

I guess I'm somewhere in that category. I bought a new GG1, and the rest I put in my 401k.

This cuts across all hobbies. The sports cards market has went bonkers.

I personally was a pretty good contributor to the market during 20.  I pre-ordered a couple of locos from the last catalog.  The activity on "Buy something new lately" has been preety brisk.  Service backlogs are 6-8 weeks from L and MTH.  All things indicate pretty brisk.

It makes you wonder about the brick and morter requirement to run a successful operation.  You do lose touch and feel, but with many businesses today, the marketing and sales model will probably change somewhat.  I'm sure the savings of not running a store front would be a shot in the arm for the dealers.  That is one view.  I'm sure shop owners opinions would have more insight.  Mine is a consumer opinion, with no skin in the game.  They have the investment.

I can add to this that my Pre-order sales have tripled more than any year previously and recently joining the OGR forum in February directly relates to spending more time and money in the hobby.

Over the past year, I've purchased Postwar trains, HO diesel era, and TOC19 (old time) HO trains.

I can verify that prices are DEFINITELY up from pre-C19. And you don't want to talk about lumber prices!

Andre

I have been to Nicholas Smith trains numerous times before and after the Christmas holidays and the store has been packed - everyone wearing a mask 😷👍🏼

As far as the stimulus check / extra spending goes - only my take here

Most of my family that have a steady paycheck coming in seem to be spending and I think that’s a great thing

Most of my friends who are self-employed or have family businesses seem to be a little more conservative - still lots of uncertainty

This includes myself - Business has been outstanding however - - -

@laming posted:

Over the past year, I've purchased Postwar trains, HO diesel era, and TOC19 (old time) HO trains.

I can verify that prices are DEFINITELY up from pre-C19. And you don't want to talk about lumber prices!

Andre

True also of what I have been purchasing lately--original Standard Gauge.  For some time, the market has not been high on C6 or lower condition pieces, but that trend is reversing.  Asking prices (at least) appear to have bottomed and rebounded.

I can honestly say that I am one who supported the model train economy directly because of the covid lockdowns. I had a pair of lionchiefs for carpet running, and had been considering making a permanent layout for a couple years but never got to it. With the lockdown last year we didnt spend any time or money on vacations or trips. I instead built a new backyard playhouse for the kids in early summer. In autumn I decided to put all my energy into the layout I always wanted. This meant I spent a hefty amount for 7 new remote switches, lots of track, two power supplies, accessories, building materials, etc. So I could see 2020 being a big year for the manufacturers, there has to be others like me out there.

Edit: I'll also say that my in-laws have been seeing all the fun that I and my kids have been having with our layout. They went ahead and bought a lionchief set two weeks ago for carpet or dining table running. Perhaps with time, they too may build a layout. So, the pandemic has had a cascade effect in our case.

I also purchased substantially more trains during the pandemic than during normal times. By and large, I am quite pleased with several new MTH Proto 3 engines, an LC+2.0 steam switcher, a DCS remote control set, and some odds and ends like a few very nice Plasticville structures in their original boxes.

I purchased from my LHS and several Forum sponsors.

During the pandemic I also had 6 or 7 of my older MTH Proto 1 and 2 and modern Lionel locomotives fixed/serviced by highly regarded authorized technicians who are Forum members (including GGG and Gardner the Train Doctor) who did a great job and charged reasonable prices for their good work.

I am delighted to hear that business has been good in the model train industry during the past year.

Arnold

I did a bit a spending spree from last summer until this summer.  Mostly brass and kit built 2R equipment to finish out my collection.  I think I picked up 8-10 brass PRR passenger cars from Custom Brass, Sunset, Alco, and PSC, and10 All Nation commuter cars that closely match the CNJ cars I've been seeking forever.  I also found a few brass locomotives that fit my interests for my next layout.

Everything was at bargain prices as I was getting Sunset Brass P70s for less than the plastic ones.  I picked up a beautiful Ajin built Overland models P5a modified that just needs some minor repairs for the price of an MTH used one.  It was like heaven until the bills arrived

That dynamic seems to have changed.  Prices are up and I have other financial priorities at the moment.  Mainly waiting for 3rd Rail / GGD arrivals now.

Only problem for me is that they aren't appearing down here in the MOV area of WV, in the 10 years I've been collecting (over half my life,) I've never had such a slow year in finding stuff. Started after loosing my old workshop, I used to bring over 200 engines in a year, now in the last year and a half, I've brought in maybe 40.

I still had to work since I'm a first responder but I did find myself buying more trains online and after things opened up in California, I was about a hobby shop alot.

I know I put down some $$$ on trains last year! My local shop reported their best year in many. They sold out of track at least 3 times in the past 9 months and have had significant repair work due to people pulling out old trains and getting them running again. Really great time to be in the hobby. Many of us have resorted to sharing the Hobby in the digital community due to the lack of in-person events, which is also bolstering interest. The Facebook groups, Instagram Influencers and YouTube channels have been thriving and driving interest in the Hobby. It is helping lifelong hobbyists as well as attracting new people to the Hobby.

With one grad school child returning home for the pandemic and uncertainty about our long term housing plans with retirement approaching my model railroading purchases have been limited to a few "must have-never see them again" purchases, plus a few shrewd deals off the 'bay.  However the time and money I have devoted to my other hobby has gone way up.  Work actually has been more time consuming during the pandemic, but mostly it is stuff I can do at home.

There is one issue that may hit hobbies coming out of the pandemic.  I am hearing lots of complaints about how things are becoming more expensive.  I'm not referring to model railroad items specifically.  When there isn't much competing for your dollars this may not be as big an issue as it may become once things return to "normal".

Another industry with soaring demand is the puppy/shelter dog industry. We recently lost our doggy, and are paying heck trying to find a new friend. Trying to find a puppy to a year golden retriever or yellow lab is hard work. Also, the breeder prices for puppies are insane right now. My local shelter,(where I got my last dog ) only has a few dogs, which are either old or Pitt bulls. So this is another industry experiencing the COVID shock. Hopefully, we will get a new generation of 3 rail modelers after the dust settles. It would also be nice to see prices on the bay drop back to normal.

CSXcellent, sorry about your dog.  Our dogs have helped us all during this pandemic.  A few people like you have mentioned EBay prices have inched up on train stuff.  That helps hobby shops.  When you can buy the same item listed on EBay with shipping at or just a few dollars more at your LHS, it is a no brainer IMO to buy it at your hobby shop.  That wasn't always the case because deals were out there on the bay.  Now that EBay charges sales tax on everything, I've been using  EBAY more often as my showroom  and my LHS or online dealer shops as my go to merchants as the playing field seems to have leveled off.

I’ve definitely spent more than ever on trains this year. Part of the reason is due to increased indoor time, but a big factor was wanting to do something else other than TV where I could build something. Over the summer I worked on my layout in the time not spent working in the garden or doing honey-dos.

I’m curious to see how things go once I’m back in the office versus working from home. The commute tends to suck any motivation I have in the evenings.

@Train Nut posted:

Hobbies in general have skyrocketed during the pandemic. People finding ways to pass the time who are out of work or just pandemiced out!

The funny thing about the stimulus is that it was meant for people to live on, and a lot are splurging.

I guess I'm somewhere in that category. I bought a new GG1, and the rest I put in my 401k.

I severely doubt it that you are able to comingle after tax $$ with the pre tax$$ in your 401k.  I never herd of a 401k plan accepting after tax $$. What you probably did was made a contribution to either a Roth or a regular IRA account.

In Any event, I did something similar. I Saved for my Sunset/GGD preorders, made Roth IRA contribs and paid down some credit card debt brought to me today by the letters "C" and "R" which is Charlie Ro and my Lionel preorders.

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

I severely doubt it that you are able to comingle after tax $$ with the pre tax$$ in your 401k.  I never herd of a 401k plan accepting after tax $$. What you probably did was made a contribution to either a Roth or a regular IRA account.

From my paycheck I contrbuted a one-time amount with a partial match from my company to my 401k, and then just kept the stimulus as my paycheck.

@Csxcellent posted:

Another industry with soaring demand is the puppy/shelter dog industry. We recently lost our doggy, and are paying heck trying to find a new friend. Trying to find a puppy to a year golden retriever or yellow lab is hard work. Also, the breeder prices for puppies are insane right now. My local shelter,(where I got my last dog ) only has a few dogs, which are either old or Pitt bulls. So this is another industry experiencing the COVID shock. Hopefully, we will get a new generation of 3 rail modelers after the dust settles. It would also be nice to see prices on the bay drop back to normal.

I have a 8 turning 9 years old american labrador. I feel I got him before prices went crazy. I drove from San Diego to Las Vegas to get him.

@Jdjones24 posted:

I have a 8 turning 9 years old american labrador. I feel I got him before prices went crazy. I drove from San Diego to Las Vegas to get him.

Mine was half lab half golden retriever. I would love to be able to find another one of those. He was very outgoing and extremely smart. He was also obstinate and only listened when he felt like it. Best dog I've ever had. Here he is messing up the Christmas train village.

@IRON HORSE posted:

CSXcellent, sorry about your dog.  Our dogs have helped us all during this pandemic.  A few people like you have mentioned EBay prices have inched up on train stuff.  That helps hobby shops.  When you can buy the same item listed on EBay with shipping at or just a few dollars more at your LHS, it is a no brainer IMO to buy it at your hobby shop.  That wasn't always the case because deals were out there on the bay.  Now that EBay charges sales tax on everything, I've been using  EBAY more often as my showroom  and my LHS or online dealer shops as my go to merchants as the playing field seems to have leveled off.

Thanks Iron Horse. He helped a great deal during this last year.

@Csxcellent posted:

Mine was half lab half golden retriever. I would love to be able to find another one of those. He was very outgoing and extremely smart. He was also obstinate and only listened when he felt like it. Best dog I've ever had. Here he is messing up the Christmas train village.

Beautiful dog. My lab has a golden color to him even though hes a labrador lol. He about 100 pounds and doesnt care about my fastrack set up in the bedroom. He always pushing it out the way lol

I love this topic. I have seen less availability online and in store at my LHS Nicholas Smith. NS seemingly has been cleared out of much of their tinplate pre and modern. Sidetrack Hobbies pages seem to be declining in number particularly again in Tin. These are but two shops but there are many others that I frequent that seem to have dwindling inventories. I have been active purchasing but since I have been working mostly in person throughout this period I haven’t really had time to “hunker down” and just model train as it were. Perhaps someday we will look back at this time as one that reignited this special hobby, interest or whatever we call it.

@Jdjones24 posted:

Beautiful dog. My lab has a golden color to him even though hes a labrador lol. He about 100 pounds and doesnt care about my fastrack set up in the bedroom. He always pushing it out the way lol

Mine was also a big boy (over 100lbs). This past year was the first time he paid the train layout much attention. Even at nearly 12 yrs old he learned how to cause more mischief.

@WRW posted:

I love this topic. I have seen less availability online and in store at my LHS Nicholas Smith. NS seemingly has been cleared out of much of their tinplate pre and modern. Sidetrack Hobbies pages seem to be declining in number particularly again in Tin. These are but two shops but there are many others that I frequent that seem to have dwindling inventories. I have been active purchasing but since I have been working mostly in person throughout this period I haven’t really had time to “hunker down” and just model train as it were. Perhaps someday we will look back at this time as one that reignited this special hobby, interest or whatever we call it.

This was part of the reason I bit the bullet and pre ordered my first engine. I only have a few engines, and I bought them all used. With the higher prices on eBay, a fantasy scheme with b&o, and lionels bto program, I thought I was best off buying this new and not waiting for a bargain.

For those lucky enough to work from home through all this, we’re not spending money on gas, eating out, concerts, movies etc. So extra train money for sure.

Also extra money to help those less fortunate.

My LHS has had its best year in the last two decades.

Bob

I got so much stuff its mindblowing. I was working the whole time with 2 jobs. So all my stimulus money went to new engines. Was watching a lot of youtube channels all related to o scale and model trains in general.

Just the other day I ran across an old tm videos narrated by tom snyder on the history of lionel trains. In this 4 part video which started at lionels very beginning to the dick maddox eara. It stated that in the late 50s was the golden age of lionel trains. I for one feel with lionels vision line and legacy engines this is the golden age of lionel and oguage trains.

With online ordering at trainworld and Charles ro plus finding good deals on ebay. My train buying was almost out of control. I do miss the hobby shops though. Havent been to one I all most a year. I now need to pay off my credit card before I get anymore trains.

Lot's of trains over the last 12 months, that's for sure!  Big backlog of new stuff to run.