Cowcatcher State of Model Railroading survey
Since 2019, Cowcatcher Magazine has taken the pulse of the model railroad industry with its State of Model Railroading survey presented in the January/February issue. The survey, which usually is released in November, allows our subscribers to give their thoughts and opinions on where the hobby has been and where it’s going.
Respondents answer 25-30 questions about their preferences regarding things like the industry’s overall model quality, costs, ease of use, availability and others. The Cowcatcher State of Model Railroading survey sheds insight into how much time respondents are spending on the hobby as well as their spending, social interactions and their thoughts about model railroading’s future. And, respondents can share in their own words whatever is on their minds.
The survey is open only by email to print edition subscribers and select recipients.
The Cowcatcher’s 2025 State of Model Railroading survey is open!
Learn more.
In a deviation from normal cover content, the Cowcatcher features the latest in 4000 series Big Boys, Minitrix's N-scale No. 4013. Why? It's one smooth-running model and the mood was just right. No. 4013 pulled 26 cars and a caboose effortlessly on Olaf Melhouse's Dakota Northern at the same time Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 was rolling through North Texas on its latest tour across the Midwest. Both the model and prototype are equally impressive. Check out the full review in the November/December 2024 issue.
Rapido Trains attributes its success over the last 20 years to relying on the knowledge of its model railroader-centric employee base. Plus, founder Jason Shron's persistence paid off after taking a big chance. He left behind his pursuits to teach art history and fulfilled a lifelong desire to make model trains.
Home Shops' USRA boxcars are another example of the company's high-quality freelance rolling stock.
The new Bartlett soybean processing plant arrives at a time when multiple industries are finding value in the versatile legume. Model train backdrops don't always need to be an elaborate work of art to create the right effect. Passengers riding the Empire State Express on the New York Central from Detroit to New York City reveled in the luxurious accommodations. And more!
