(Note: I model in HO, so my comments are from my history with HO/etc.)
"The Golden Age"
Seems to be a moving target depending on your age and inclinations.
I thoroughly appreciate the history of this hobby, and my involvement therein. I reflect fondly on my experiences of growing up with trains.
To me, though, I am living my "Golden Age" in modeling. Never has there been such quality and variety in my part of the hobby world. The engines run like Swiss watches, the sounds are incredible, there are many manufactures competing for my hobby dollar, and there's a huge market of previously owned HO product.
I love this era of modeling I'm living in.
Sorry for those of you that thinks it's over and gone, but in my case, my hobby world is vibrant and living.
Andre
