Rick, there actually is hope...

...And that hope lies in the popularity of On30. I love brass engines, and frankly own way too many of them. I would go out on a limb here and say that expensive brass models ensures that model railroading stays and old man's hobby. However, On30, with some beautiful and very inexpensive models and HO sectional track anyone can get into the hobby for under $500.That is very good. Finescalers scoff, but I see it as very positive, though many On30 guys will eventually graduate to other scales, On3 being the obvious winner. The narrow gauge end of the hobby needed cheap models to sustain it, and fortunately that is a growing trend.