O Scale Trains Magazine Online

Adapting to Change
I once attended a sales meeting where the sales
manager was lecturing the sales force about change
and adapting to changing market conditions. While he
was discussing the topic, he distributed toy dinosaurs
(not 1:48 scale) to each attendee. He pointed out that
you either change and adapt to conditions, or you
become a dinosaur. He emphasized the point further
by knocking the toy off its feet and off his podium. As
we watched the model fall to the floor we realized that
adapting to change is not necessarily a bad thing; it is
crucial to survival. The dinosaur could not adapt and
became extinct.
I am a HiRailer in transition. HiRailers are accustomed
to change. They have been adapting and changing
their model railroads from the time their trains left
the station at Gitgo. Even the definition of a HiRailer
suggests change and adaptability, “three-rail O Gauge
trains operating in a realistic environment”. HiRailers
represent one of the largest segments in the hobby
today. They are becoming a major force in model railroading.
In fact, OST’s publisher, recently opined that
HiRailers now represent about 40-50% of this magazine’s
subscribers. They have developed an insatiable
appetite for scale and realism. Their interests have
grown beyond the toy train venue to appreciate the art
of 1:48 modeling.
Manufacturers are paying close attention to this
interest group and actually listening to their comments
about model prototype fidelity. This group lobbies for
more details, more scale looking products, and more
realistic models. They are not shy about voicing their
wants and desires. They are not afraid to stand up and
be counted. That is a good thing. That is very positive.
HiRailers actually help drive the O Scale market. As a
result, O Scale has more choices and products available
today than ever before.
Several manufacturers produce locomotives and rolling
stock that are available to both 3-Rail and 2-Rail
operation. Manufacturers require some minimum number
for production. Some even base that production
decision on the pre-order count. Some projects have
been cancelled as a result. A product has to sell in significant
numbers in order to be produced. Gone are the
days when model trains were mass-produced in record
high production numbers. Because of their pre-orders,
HiRailers play a significant part in the process.
This represents a major scale movement that is
underway. It is driving the O Gauge market (scale and
semi-scale trains running on three-rail track) and it is
influencing the O Scale (scale models operating on
two-rail track) segment of the hobby. Realistic modeling,
detailing, kit building, weathering, and kitbashing
all fall into place. Attention to detail and model fidelity
to prototype are key elements and DO get noticed. The
HiRailer’s appetite for scale and realism provides the
numbers and drive for more choices for O Scale modelers.
This is only a good thing.
As a HiRailer in transition this Hobo acknowledges
his friends in the HiRail community. Their encouragement,
support, and suggestions over the years have
been very helpful. Operating model trains in a realistic
environment has always been my goal.
Years ago that same sales manager quipped, “If you
are not the lead dog the view never changes.” HiRailers
tend to be restless, ahead of the pack, always looking
for ways to improve their modeling. That’s what happened
to me one day while looking through some open
boxcar doors. I had an epiphany and realized that the
very realistic environment could become even more
realistic if I operated my railroad on two-rail track.
Whoa! I was struck.
My focus is now on O Scale and how I can transition
that railroad with its locomotives, rolling stock, buildings,
and track, without breaking the bank. That is my
challenge. It is a big step, but my quest for realism has
led me here. I am not the lead dog, but I am far enough
ahead to see that the O Scale view is constantly changing.
I am making a lot of new friends and finding a lot
of old HiRail friends over in "scale-land".
How far will the HiRailers go in their search for realism?
That is the question. Change is inevitable. There is
a lot going on in this great hobby. Keep an open mind
for new ideas and new ways of doing things. After all,
who wants to live in the land of giants and be content
being a dinosaur?
u
July/Aug ’06 - O Scale Trains • 29