Fine scale modelers were always a small niche. The barriers to entry in the hobby have lowered over time, so you can fully participate if your only qualification is liking trains. Many of the old timers who used to build everything themselves because they had to would have gladly taken RTR had it been available like it is now. I don't think we have fewer fine modelers, it's that we can encounter a far broader spectrum of hobbyists.

 

Building high quality models has never been easier. Thanks to progress in materials, manufacturing techniques, and adhesives, plus the wealth of information online, you can choose to go beyond the norm even without having like-minded hobbyists to help in person. 3-D printing is making all kinds of stuff possible.

 

Go to something like an RPM meet or a serious model contest. The quality and quantity of work out there now exceeds anything I recall from when I first got into the hobby decades ago. The average modeler isn't building this stuff, but the average hobbyist never could. While you had to have some base level of tinkering ability and motor skill that is no longer an absolute necessity, a high percentage of modelers weren't truly good at it. I suspect many of them left the hobby in frustration when they couldn't get things to look right or run well. Today they can take something out of the box and have a decent model to enjoy, which encourages them to stick around. If they decide to acquire improved skills later, they can be part of a bigger pool of fine modelers in the future.

Are you talking about PROTO-scale modeling, or craftsman style scratchbuilding and detailing?

 

-Kevin

Are you talking about PROTO-scale modeling, or craftsman style scratchbuilding and detailing?

-Kevin

Proto scale mostly requires three things. 1. Actually learning or understanding the technical aspects of what keeps trains on the rails. 2. Craftsmanship and tools for the many necessary parts that aren't available ready made. 3. A lot of free time, space and determination.  So it's currently a subset of scratch building.  

 

Given the attraction of commercial MR suppliers to the growing popularity of RPM meets, you don't find much Proto stuff at them, despite the name.

 

Andy

these rpm meets sound like some real fun! I've heard of the NMRA model contests, though I havent any contests (yet). I do like that 3d printing has saved my files and hands hours, though I really do want a mill and pantograph (modelling made machining my 2nd hobby)!

"Sir.."

Are you Finescaling in the UK ?

If so is there not a link to build / modify OO to the 18mm track as opposed to the 'wrong' 16.5mm used on rtr OO ?

By one of your definitions, I am definitely not fine scale: I run overscale couplers and wheels, and I have no interest in changing that. In fact, I almost didn't even read this thread because of that.

But then you redefined things as more or less builders rather than RTR. I definitely fall into that category. I build practically everything. My recent freight cars arrived in bottles - of resin. I'm buying pretty much only those overscale couplers and wheels (we can debate about the weights), but everything else is scratchbuilt, mostly 3D printed or laser cut (or both). Essentially all of my structures are the same: 3D printed or laser cut or both. Most of my locos are RTR (ish). There are some BLI and Bachmann steamers, but most are brass imports that nearly universally need mechanical tuneup (or outright repair!), DCC, sound, and paint. Since I now have most of the C&O steam roster that's been produced, virtually any future loco will be ... scratchbuilt.

I do use FastTracks jigs, but I'm obviously building my turnouts - I do use RTR flex track.

Probably the closest other thing to RTR that I use is ... JMRI. Although I'm using a mass of custom designed esp32 boards with my own firmware running on them to support JMRI.

I'm not too keen on 3D printing. It can only produce plastic parts. Yes, I know you can get castings made. I have three CNC machines that I use to make parts for scratch-building, brass being one of my favorite materials. And two lathes which come in handy. Looking at a fourth CNC because it has a fourth axis, laser module, and can due PCB boards with automatic leveling. I sometimes feel alone in the use to these tools in the hobby.

Bernd

I don't think the "proto" in RPM is a misnomer. It refers to "prototype" in that participants are attempting to represent specific prototypes. It doesn't matter how the modeler got there, or what type of craftsmanship was involved. One of the major points of differentiation between the RPM movement and NMRA contest scoring was to eliminate requirements for how the modeler achieved a goal. As such, while many RPM models display a high level of skill, scratchbuilding or otherwise "fine scale" modeling remains strictly optional. Even among those featuring extensive scratchbuilding, only a small minority reflect adherence to Proto:48 or Proto:87 type standards.

When some one has to explain it, you know it's overly broad, or at worst, misleading.   We all know what a prototype drawing is, and if you build faithfully to it, you have a prototype model. If you modify the build to meet the NMRA coarse standards, it isn't and it doesn't even look or fit right. Turnouts and Steam locos are particularly difficult to model realistically.

 

Andy

You are not alone. My interests have become more and more focused on building my own rolling stock, no 3d printed parts (yet), and just recently purchased a locomotive kit that needs to be soldered together. Another is on the way from New Zealand that I feel will be my gateway drug to scratch building in the future.

Right now, we are recovering from hurricane damage, and expecting another tonight, so modeling hasn’t been a top priority. Wish us luck!