In my opinion the most promising target market for new entrants to O scale 2 Rail (and P48) are existing N scale or HO scale modelers. A modular O2R standard and some clubs that meet publicly could really help push things along. I agree with SundayShunter about the importance of the right “mindset”, and I think the popularity of switching layouts is precisely the mindset that can help propel O2R.
As a convert from N and HO myself what got me hooked on O scale was the heft of the models, the depth of the sound and the richness of the details. Put that in front of the right crowd and you can’t help but get converts.
I also think we’re at the leading edge of a huge O scale second hand market wave. Lots of widows will have no use for the hundreds of trains their dearly departed collected over the years. Often times stuff that rarely got used, just purchased and shelved.
More modern fidelity 2 Rail locomotives would also be a big boost, new generation has nostalgia for a more modern era.
Just some of my thoughts. I’m excited about the future of the hobby and have high hopes for the hobby.
