>>2064786>>2064790You used to be able to buy new dummy locos in the US, they were cheaper than powered units and it was an easy way to have a huge consist. You can still find them second hand. They were meant to be run though, chances are they'll have wear and tear on them you'll have to fix (and superdetail). Now if you want a 4 unit lashup it could be $1000 or more.
I actually don't like model locomotives with sound because people always crank the speakers up to max volume and it sounds like a room full of shitty cellphone speakers playing lo-fi train noises. I think the noise the motor itself makes is enough - no it's not realistic, but it beats having to hear some autismo realistically whistle a crossing every few seconds.
Very few people will be doing this hobby in 20 years. It's been on a downhill slide since the 80s or 90s I imagine. I don't know when the hobby "peaked," really. It's fun, I miss my little layout, but I just don't have the space for it now. Wish I did
RIP Athearn Blue Box models
