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